Read Online Embrace of the Enemy (Winds of Betrayal) by Jerri Hines - Free Book Online Page A

within your home.”
    Hannah sat in a dumbfound silence moments later. She found herself uncomfortably situated in the carriage with her inebriated aunt and the infuriating Marcus Durham.
    “Lieutenant Fletcher could have easily done so,” Hannah retorted as the door closed shut. “He escorted me.”
    “The fault of his disappearance would lie to me, I am afraid, Miss Corbett. An urgent matter came up that he had to attend to. I was supposed to inform you. I am sorry. I forgot until now.”
    Her aunt laid her head upon Hannah’s shoulders. “What a good man! Such a shame you are married. My dear, Susan, she would have been such a good match!”
    Hannah could feel the color to her cheeks flushing with her aunt carrying on so. Marcus said nothing, but sat with that damn grin on his face and his eyes piercing hers.
    Hannah rushed her aunt up the steps the moment the carriage halted. T hankful Mrs. Hayes met her aunt. Hannah recognized the signs that it would not be long before her aunt was sick. Mrs. Hayes excused herself with her aunt and quickly ushered her aunt up the stairs. Hannah turned and to her dismay she was standing alone with Marcus.
    Marcus seemed quite content with the situation. He shook the fallen snow off his coat and opened the door into the drawing room. A small fire kept sparked for the family’s return. He turned to the houseboy. “Add a few logs.”
    Hannah watched the boy take off upon the order. “Make yourself comfortable, Marcus,” she said matter of fact. She hadn’t the energy to deal with him. “I find that I am tired and have to retire. I am sorry I can’t entertain you. Now if you will excuse me. Thank you for seeing us back.”
    The houseboy ran by with a couple of logs. Hastily laying the logs on the sparking embers, he fanned the flames. With a look from Marcus, he exited with a bow. Marcus strolled over the counter and poured himself a glass of Madeira.
    “It doesn’t matter to me if you want to retire. I find I have an issue to talk with you about. If you want to do so in your bedroom, you will find it wouldn’t bother me in the least, I assure you.” He took a sip and with a twist of his lips upward dared her to do so.
    She unhooked her cloak and laid it upon the back of the chair. Marcus, with his glass in hand casually walked to the window. He glanced out the curtains. The snow still fell, blurring the scene outside. He tossed the curtains back. He seemed satisfied with the present situation. Anger built within Hannah.
    “I doubt we will see anyone in the near future,” he said. He placed his glass down upon the table and stepped toward Hannah.
    She retreated a step, but tripped on the leg of the chair. In a swift movement he caught her before she fell. Looking up into his eyes, his lips came down upon hers. She fought back, tried to push him away even as his mouth crashed hard on hers.
    “Are you really ready to play this game, Hannah?”
    “I don’t know of what you speak,” she forced out the words. “Let me go! My grandfather!”
    “Do you think I care what your grandfather thinks?” he questioned. “There is something between us, Hannah. I know you feel it too, whether you admit it or not. I warned you. Did I not? I made plain my intent upon my return.”
    He reached over under her chin and brought her face up to his. He kissed her, ravishing her lips, her cheeks and down her neck. Never had she experienced such a pleasurable sensation vibrating to the core of her being, literally taking her breath away.
    “Please, Marcus, no,” she whispered. He broke from the embrace, staring into her eyes.
    “ Hannah, my Hannah! Do you not know I have been back for a couple of days. I know all that has happened,” he uttered in a low voice that cut through her soul. His fingers edged to the back of her neck, touching her in the most intimidate of fashion. How could she think with him doing so! The whole of her body shiver with his touch.
    “I don’t think you listened