Read Online Bedding The Baron by Alexandra Ivy - Free Book Online Page A

the day. For the moment she could not understand why Fredrick could so easily slip beneath her walls of defense. Or why her body reacted to him with such force. But one thing was certain, she could not hide in her rooms until he left.
    Not only did her pride forbid such nonsense, but she had far too many tasks awaiting her attention.
    Beginning with preparing a tray of breakfast for the aggravating man, she acknowledged as she made her way down to the kitchen. It was, after all, entirely her fault that he had been injured. It was her duty to do everything possible to care for him until he was completely healed.
    Ignoring the speculative glances from her staff, Portia loaded a tray with a variety of tempting dishes before she briskly headed back up the stairs. Not so briskly that her heart should be pounding against her chest, or her breath unsteady, of course, but it was a convenient excuse.
    She halted at Fredrick’s door, giving a brief tap on the smooth wood and awaiting his call for her to come in before pushing it open.
    Entering the room, she crossed to set the tray on the table beside the bed. Only then did she allow herself to turn and regard the gentleman stretched on the bed.
    Oh . . . this was a mistake, she realized too late. A horrid, terrible mistake.
    Feeling as if she had just been kicked in the stomach, Portia forgot to breathe as her wide gaze traveled over the delicious angel lying beneath the rumpled covers.
    A decadent angel, she corrected as her eyes skimmed over the rumpled honey curls and sleep-flushed features. Against her will her gaze lowered to the sight of his wide, smooth chest that was exposed in all its glory.
    Mercy, she inwardly breathed, a violent explosion of awareness racing through her body. Who could have suspected that beneath those fine clothes were such sleek, powerful muscles? Or that his skin would be as smooth as polished velvet?
    Her fingers twitched, they actually twitched, as she battled the overwhelming desire to reach out and explore the tantalizing flesh.
    Thankfully unaware of her schoolgirl titillation at the sight of his half-naked body, Fredrick flashed that charming grin as he pulled the tray onto his lap and studied the thick slices of ham, eggs, kippers, and lightly toasted bread.
    “Now this is a delightful surprise.” He gave a low groan as he tasted of the ham, his grey eyes misty between the thick lace of his lashes. “Perhaps I shall take a tumble from my horse every evening.”
    Drawing in a deep, steadying breath, Portia managed to paste a cool smile onto her lips.
    “I doubt that even your thick skull could withstand such punishment.”
    As always, he was undaunted by her aloof manner, his eyes shimmering in amusement as he continued to consume the large amount of food.
    “Perhaps not.” He polished off the eggs cooked in butter and chives, his eyes briefly closing in pleasure. “Where in God’s name did you find your cook?”
    Portia’s heart skipped a beat as she studied the beautiful features that were softened by a faint shadow of whiskers. She remembered how those features had tightened with desire as he had kissed her. How those eyes had turned to smoke.
    Portia wrapped her arms around her waist, willing her heart to resume beating. “Actually, I found her at a local gambling house in Winchester.”
    His eyes flew open with startled surprise. “Are you jesting?”
    “Not at all.” She gave a lift of her shoulders. “The . . . establishment was as famous for its buffet as its selection of house wenches. Perhaps more so.”
    “I can well believe it, but how did she come to work at a respectable inn?”
    “After the death of my husband I realized that I must do something to attract the passing customers so I traveled to Winchester and convinced Mrs. Cornell that I could offer her more than her current employer.”
    “You went to a gaming hell? Personally?”
    She met his curious gaze squarely. Over the past few years she had learned to