Read Bedding The Baron for Free Online Page A

who will soon be on your way.”
    Fredrick swallowed a hasty laugh. Either she did not know much about men, or else the men she had dealt with were spineless creatures. Otherwise she would have known better than to blatantly toss down the gauntlet.
    “Perhaps not so soon,” he said before he could even consider the words.
    The frost briefly flickered. “What do you mean?”
    Fredrick slowly smiled. Why not stay at the inn? It was less than twenty miles to his father’s estate. Close enough to conduct his investigation, but not so close as to cause his father alarm. This was as good a place to remain as any.
    Indeed, it was far better than most.
    What other place in all of England could include an exquisite widow just ripe for the plucking?
    “I intend to remain in this area for the next few days, and, as you pointed out, your inn is clean, and if your food is as good as the smells coming from the kitchen, I shall be perfectly satisfied.” He gave a challenging lift of one golden brow. “That is, unless you have some objection?”
    Less than half a beat passed before she tilted her chin to a militant angle.
    “Certainly not. We can always use the business.”
    “Then we shall have plenty of opportunity to discover precisely what you find so offensive about my presence,” he murmured smoothly.
    “Oh, I doubt you will be staying that long, Mr. Smith.”
    Ah, she was good, he acknowledged with a flare of anticipation. It had been a very long time since he had crossed swords with a woman with such swift wits.
    “Perhaps it is only fair to warn you, poppet, that while I may not be the smartest, or wealthiest, or even the most talented of gentlemen, I am without a doubt exceedingly patient. When I set myself a task I do not waver until it is completed.”
    The blue eyes hardened to chips of sapphire. “Let me return the favor, Mr. Smith . . .”
    “Fredrick,” he interrupted smoothly.
    “Mr. Smith,” she retorted, her voice dripping with ice. “I am not one of your frivolous London socialites. I have struggled and sacrificed more than you can imagine to reach my current position. Never again will I ever be forced or bullied or coerced against my will. If you become a bother I will have you escorted from my property.”
    Fredrick felt his chest squeeze at the stoic dignity etched into every inch of her tiny body. Christ, what had she suffered to give her such a deep distrust for men?
    Had it been the heavy hand of oppression, or had she suffered physical abuse?
    The thought sent a startling fury through his heart. To think anyone could harm such a tiny and fragile creature . . . well, if he knew where to find the bastard, or bastards, he would rip them apart limb by limb.
    Suddenly the fierce desire to have her in his bed, her slender legs wrapped about his waist, was overshadowed by a need to melt that frigid wariness she wore as a shield to protect her vulnerable heart. He wanted to see a genuine smile touch those lush, perfect lips. He wanted her to discover that for all the rakes, and lechers, and tyrants in the world, there were also decent men. Men who could offer more than pain and oppression.
    “You have my solemn word, Mrs. Walker, that I have never bullied or forced a woman in my entire life. There is nothing I would find more repulsive,” he said.
    “Then tend to your business, Mr. Smith, and do not waste either of our time with foolish games.”
    With a rustle of starch and wool she pushed her way past his stiff body, heading toward the stairs with those firm steps that looked as if she were marching into battle.
    Fredrick turned to watch her retreat, his expression thoughtful.
    Tend to your business, Mr. Smith . . .
    “Mrs. Walker, you just became my business,” he murmured softly.
     
     
    Clever enough to realize a front assault would only drive the lovely Mrs. Walker deeper behind her barriers, Fredrick enjoyed his surprisingly delicious dinner among the various guests and went bed early.
    The