Read Online Heartless by Kat Martin - Free Book Online Page A

formidable today. Even his eyes seemed different, less fierce, more assessing.
    Ariel studied him more closely, appraising him as she hadn’t really done before. Now that he was no longer angry, he looked even more handsome than he had before, lines of his harshly beautiful face as if sculpted in marble. With his straight nose, high, carved cheekbones, and slashing black brows, he had the look of the predator he had seemed, yet those hard, bold features were compelling in a way she had refused to acknowledge until now.
    He settled himself in a chair at the head of the table and unconsciously her thoughts returned to the savage kiss she had suffered in her dream, or perhaps it was the one he had claimed upstairs in his bedchamber. Whatever it was, she forced the memory away and hoped he wouldn’t notice the faint edge of color that crept into her cheeks.
    â€œYou look fetching this morning, Miss Summers. I trust you slept well.”
    Except for her disturbing dreams. Her cheeks grew noticeably warmer. “Well enough, my lord.”
    â€œI’ve been thinking about our conversation—more particularly the suggestion you made.”
    Her heart took a leap. The suggestion that they become friends before becoming lovers? She prayed for the reprieve it would mean. “Yes, my lord?”
    â€œInasmuch as I know, through your letters, a great deal about you, but you have but recently met me, it seems only fair that we do as you suggest and spend a little time getting to know each other.”
    Ariel’s pulse took another jump. Spending time in company with the earl was a highly disturbing thought, never mind that it was her idea and the answer to her prayers.
    â€œSince my schedule demands a brief trip out of the city, I thought that perhaps you would join me.”
    â€œOut of the city?” It came out with a noticeable squeak.
    â€œThe small town of Cadamon, some thirty miles southeast of Birmingham, to be precise. I recently purchased a textile factory there.”
    A dozen thoughts passed through Ariel’s head. At the forefront was the knowledge that she would be a number of nights with the earl. “Birmingham is a goodly distance away.”
    He nodded. “More than a day’s journey each way. We’ll be five or six days gone, I should imagine.”
    Ariel blanched. Five or six days! Dear Lord, who would protect her from him for nearly a week? She nervously moistened her lips. “Perhaps it would be better if we began our acquaintance upon your return.”
    Those straight black brows slammed together and his mouth flattened into the thin, disapproving line that she had seen before. “I’m afraid that isn’t an option. We leave first thing in the morning. I’ll expect to depart no later than nine o’clock.”
    She forced herself to nod. “As you wish, my lord.”
    â€œIn the meantime, I think today would be well spent doing a bit of shopping.”
    â€œShopping, my lord?”
    â€œI wish to purchase a few new gowns for you to wear and whatever you might need to go with them.”
    Ariel shook her head. “You have already paid for a number of very lovely gowns. I have scarcely worn them. I hardly need more.” More of a debt she would owe him. More she would have to repay. Inwardly, she groaned.
    â€œFor the occasions I have in mind, I would like to see you in something a bit less … conservative. Your gowns are fine for day wear, but for evening, they make you look as though you are fresh from the schoolroom.”
    Ariel glanced down at the cup of cocoa a footman had just set in front of her. “That is exactly what I am,” she said softly.
    The muscles tightened across his shoulders. “You’re no longer a child, Ariel. I don’t intend to treat you as one.”
    Ariel said nothing more. She knew he was thinking of the kiss they had shared and the debt he intended to collect. Turning toward the