Read Lori Brighton - [The Seduction 02] for Free Online

silent, watchful. Curious indeed.
    She tilted her head nervously toward the door, and back to him, almost as if she couldn’t wait to get the bloody hell out of there. Perhaps it was instinct, but he knew in that brief moment that she’d never visited Lady Lavender before. Had probably never been intimate with anyone but her husband.
    “I…I assumed you’d want to gather your things. And because our trip will be somewhat long, I prefer to get started now.”
    Why? Why was Lady Lavender allowing him to leave when she never had before? This client either held something over the woman, or there was a hidden agenda. He didn’t trust Lady Lavender and he sure as hell didn’t trust this woman who acted more innocent milkmaid than seductress.
    “It’s very uncommon for Lady Lavender to allow a man to leave the estate,” he said softly, drumming his fingers against the arms of his chair. “Let alone for a fortnight. Let alone me.”
    “Why not you?”
    She seemed genuinely curious. “She doesn’t trust me.”
    “Should she?”
    He didn’t even pause. “No.”
    He expected shock; he hadn’t expected her to find amusement in the situation. The woman actually threw back her head and laughed. She wasn’t intimidated by him at all. Gideon wasn’t sure if he should be intrigued or annoyed.
    Bemused, he uncrossed his ankles and stood. “I’m glad you find my situation amusing.”
    “I do apologize,” she said, fighting her smile. “But I quite respect a man who can answer a question truthfully.”
    He found her disgustingly charming, and wasn’t quite sure how to respond.
    She straightened her bonnet, getting down to business. “If you’re as eager to leave as I, I suggest we go.”
    So that was it then? He had an odd, unsettling feeling that he had lost his footing. As if she had somehow taken control. His entire body tingled with warning. He didn’t trust Lady Lavender. He didn’t trust this woman, and he didn’t trust the situation.
    “No testing of the wares?” he asked casually.
    He knew with one kiss he’d have her trembling in his arms, and the power would be once more back in his hands. If she thought to play him the fool, he would show her he was not so easily trifled with. He would show her exactly who was in control.
    She paused, her body utterly still. “Whatever do you mean?”
    But her voice came out raspy, a sure sign she knew exactly what he’d asked. The corners of his mouth twitched. He found great pleasure in disarming her. “Most women at least want a taste. What about you, Mrs.…”
    “Ashton.”
    “Of course. Mrs. Ashton.” He started toward her like a cat on the prowl. And that’s what he was, an animal hunting prey…hunting women.
    As if she finally sensed the danger, she shrank back a step and clasped her hands to her chest. Almost took a second, then paused, as if thinking better of it. Reluctantly he admired her courage, although it would do her no good in the end.
    “A taste.” She flattened herself to the door. “No, no need. I prefer things within the privacy of a closed room.”
    He quirked a brow. “The room is quite private.”
    “But…I…”
    “When a door is closed here, it stays closed.”
Most of the time.
“We will not be interrupted.”
Possibly not.
    He stopped in front of her, so close he could smell lilacs. So close her breasts brushed against his chest with each shallow breath she took. He had her cornered, like a cat with a mouse. Would she break? Would he win? Just when he could almost smell the sweet scent of victory, her spine stiffened.
    “Very well.” She tilted her chin high, her gaze locking on his through that netting. “Kiss me.”
    It was a demand, and she kept her voice free of quiver. But there was something in her bearing…not an excitement, but a determination, that gave him pause. In the brief time he’d spent with this woman, he had been caught completely off guard. He wasn’t quite sure what to think about her. Wasn’t sure