Read In the Bed of a Duke for Free Online

on him, Colster had made her edgy and too aware of him—and she didn’t know why. She seemed to understand his drives and motivations better than she comprehended herself. He was angry she had responded to their kiss. He’d meant to punish her, but it hadn’t worked as he’d planned.
    Nor could she believe she’d responded as wantonly as she had.
    Charlotte had always guarded her virtue. It was the only thing of importance she owned that was truly hers to give. She’d been ten when her mother had been murdered, old enough to receive and remember her advice about men. There had been those who had tried, but only Colster had breached her defenses, and she didn’t like it.
    She thought about knitting, but knew it wouldn’t relieve the tension inside her. Her lips still tingled and she remembered too clearly the way their mouths had melded together.
    Charlotte had to stay away from the Duke of Colster. She didn’t want to understand his faults or forgive his temper. She wanted him angry and distrustful.
    Unfortunately, that didn’t mean that she wasn’t wildly attracted to him.
    “He is your enemy.” She spoke aloud, quietly, needing to impress the words on her rebellious senses. “Don’t be a fool.”
    A heavy murmur as if answering in agreement escaped him.
    She started. What if he’d heard her?
    The cynical curve of his lips confirmed her worst fears. He raised the brim of his hat. His gray eyes were sharp, focused as he said, “You’re right, Miss Cameron. Don’t be a fool.”
    For a second she feared he knew exactly what she was thinking, and then realized he couldn’t. She hadn’t given away anything, or so she thought until his gaze dropped to her breasts.
    She didn’t know what emboldened her to say, “My face is farther up, Your Grace.”
    He smiled lazily at her, completely unrepentant. Another insult. Then again, who would have thought the reserved, always refined dukeof Colster could be so—Her mind searched for a word. Male. He was very male.
    And she was female enough to be secretly thrilled that she’d attracted him. However, her voice was icy when she said, “Your arrogance doesn’t impress me, Your Grace.”
    “Was I being arrogant?” he asked with mock sincerity. “I beg your pardon. I assumed I was being rude.”
    Charlotte closed her hand into a fist. That was it. Her lustful thoughts toward him vanished. She had her equilibrium back. “Please, don’t assume, Your Grace. Let me assure you, you are .” Now, it was her turn to smile.
    “Cheeky, Miss Cameron. And very American. They have no respect.”
    “You’re right, Colster ,” she said. “We Americans don’t know how to handle ourselves at all around dukes with wandering hands. Then again, that does allow a person a certain familiarity, don’t you agree?”
    He gave her a grudging smile, free of any of his earlier hostility. “Very good, Cameron. Let’s be republican. You and I.” He paused a moment before adding in softer tone, “You have a good head on your shoulders. You’ll need it. I am a worthy opponent…however, I am starting to believe you are, too.”
    It wasn’t the most flattering compliment, butCharlotte found herself pleased. She folded her hands in her lap, realizing that it might be the moment to offer an olive branch. “I understand your anger. I admit my sister treated you poorly—”
    “You encouraged her to do so.”
    “Are you purposely trying to make this difficult?” she demanded, all thoughts of a conciliatory tone fleeing. “Yes, I spoke up for her but only after I realized it was in your best interests, too. She loved another man. She would not have been happy married to you.”
    “How pleasant of you to say so.”
    “How honest , you mean,” she corrected.
    “I like you better when you are being rude.”
    His dismissive tone sparked her temper. “Why? Because it gives you license to return the rudeness?” She shook her head. “No, I won’t be angry. I have something to