Read His For The Taking for Free Online Page B

smashing on you
at tomorrow evening's ball."
    Grandmother stood, slipping her arm
through Julianna's. "Yes, I do believe a bit of shopping is in order.
Music may well soothe the savage breast, but shopping eases a broken
heart."
    ***
    Jonathan slammed the front door of
Denbigh Hall. "Blast that damned half wit," he grumbled stalking down
the hall and toward the steps that would take him to his room. But bloody hell,
what would he do once he got there? He could pace there or he could pace here.
He could pace in the parlor or in his study.
    He let out a low, deep, feral growl
that echoed against the marble floors of the entry way. "Where the bloody
hell has she gone?" he asked of his reflection in a large gilded mirror.
    God but he looked a fright. His
brown eyes almost black with rage. His dark blond curls wild with tangles from
repeated contact with agitated fingers. And the stubble on his chin was thick,
for he had neglected his razor since he learned she had gone.
    "Damnation!" he shouted.
"Has she truly left the country?" The idea of a Frenchman, a Spaniard
or an Italian making love to her had his stomach roiling. Her beautiful body
should curl next to his at night. What a fool he was. What a god damned fool.
    Julianna had left and taken his
sanity with her. How could he have not felt this passion for her when he was by
her side? How could he have been such an idiot? Love her hell. It was more than
love he felt. It was obsession.
    Again he paced. When he found her,
he'd throw himself at her feet. Kiss those lips. Make her his in every way he
possibly could. He'd make love to her and he'd make her his wife. They'd never
be apart again. Never.
    He continued to pace, his hands
behind his back. "Where could she be? Where?"
    "Sir?"
    The soft voice of his housekeeper
had him turning on her like a wild beast. "What is it, Jesse?" he
shouted.
    She shrank back and dipping her
knee, held out a small missive. "This was delivered after you left for Oak
Park."
    "What is it?"
    "I don't know, sir." She
took two steps back and lowered her chin. "It came from a messenger. He
said he rode like the devil from London."
    "London?
It's probably from my solicitor."
    "No, sir. The man said it was
from Lady Chesterfield."
    His heart lightened and for the
first time in a week he felt the smallest glimmer of hope.

 
    Chapter Five

 
    Julianna's cheeks warmed at the smile
Bennett bestowed upon her. His eyes sparkled as he stared down at her, the
lights from the chandeliers, the sound of the music, the feel of his arms
around her, all making her feel more alive than she had in ages.
    My but his attentions were
addicting and the way he maneuvered her around the crowded dance floor had her
heart soaring.
    Who needed Jonathan, anyway? But
she admitted being in Bennett’s arms lacked the enjoyment she felt when
Jonathan whisked around the floor. The strength in Denbigh’s embrace, the
perfection of his movements, the arousal at the feel of his body pressed to her
were all lacking when Bennett held her. But Bennett was here and his interest
was obvious. And she needed that more than the spark she felt when Jonathan
danced with her. This was enough, wasn't it?
    "You’re a million miles away,
Miss Julianna," Bennett said, his voice pulling her out of her melancholy.
    "I’m sorry."
    As the musician's ended the waltz,
he spun her to a halt, the skirts of her rose colored gown swirling around her
ankles. With a laugh, she threw her head back. "You are quite the
partner," she said, her hand flying to her chest in an attempt to catch
her breath.
    "And you, Miss Julianna are by
far the most beautiful maiden in all of England."
She felt a pleasant warmth rise in her cheeks and an uncontrollable smile
lifted the corners of her mouth. It was the perfect thing to say. Very
unJonathan like.
    "I thank you, sir." She
pulled free of his embrace and dipped into a curtsy. "Now, do you suppose
we could get something to drink and see Grandmother? I'm curious as to