Read Online Improperly Wed by Anna DePalo - Free Book Online Page B

means.”
    â€œDoes it matter?” he retorted. “Your side of the game is clear. You can do as your family dictates and end our marriage, but that may leave the Wentworth heritage solely in my hands. Is that what you want?”
    What she wanted? She had no idea, not anymore. There was too much at stake, and he was far too attractive, standing so close to her, looking so powerful and in control.
    â€œThe other option is better,” he tempted. “By staying married to me, you can both rebel and play the role of dutiful daughter or niece at the same time. It’s rare that such an opportunity presents itself.”
    She tried to wrap her mind around what he was saying.
    â€œStay married to me, and you can move these paintings to Downlands.”
    â€œTo Downlands?” she challenged, licking suddenly dry lips. “Downlands is no longer mine.”
    â€œIt could be solely yours,” Colin countered, his voice low and smooth, “if we remain married. I’ll sign that contract.”
    She wasn’t ready for this. She needed time to process…think…
    But Colin wasn’t giving her time or space. He stepped closer, within touching distance.
    She felt a sizzle skate along her nerve endings.
    His hair was short and silky, like mink, and his eyes were dark and gave nothing away. She noticed the tiny crinkles at the corners of his eyes that had grown infinitesimally more pronounced from three years ago.
    She shifted her gaze downward, over the hard planes of his cheekbones and nose, to his mouth. For a hard man, he had soft lips.
    As she well knew. On their wedding night, he’d kissed every inch of her, doing a leisurely survey, as she had lainon black satin sheets, the petals from the roses that he’d hastily procured for their ceremony haphazardly scattered around them.
    He’d used the petals to tickle and arouse her until she’d moaned and writhed, practically panting for him to take her.
    He’d been equally affected. His heart had beat hard and fast, and when he’d slid inside her, there hadn’t been a moment’s doubt about how much he wanted her.
    It had been the most decadent thing she’d ever done in her life.
    Colin’s lips moved. “You look practically slumberous.”
    She jerked her gaze upward and then felt red-hot heat stain her cheeks.
    He looked amused but intent. “What were you thinking about? Remembering the last time we were in Vegas?”
    Remember? She could feel him in every pore, like an airy caress.
    â€œIt was a mistake,” she said automatically.
    â€œHow do you know?” he responded. “You refuse to test the proposition.”
    â€œI don’t need to touch fire again to know I’ll get burned.”
    She realized instantly that her analogy was off, because his eyes kindled.
    â€œInteresting choice of words,” he murmured. “Is that what we were? Did we go up in smoke?”
    â€œI didn’t say—”
    He rested his finger against her lips, stopping her words.
    They both went still, searching each other’s eyes.
    He lowered his hand only to trail his finger down her chin and then her throat, in a light caress.
    He slid his hand to cup the side of her neck, and his thumb found and came to rest on her pulse.
    The rapid beat of her heart was a giveaway as to how affected she was, and they both knew it.
    â€œIt was good, wasn’t it?” he asked, rubbing soothingly over her rapid pulse. “The best sex ever.”
    She swallowed, and her lips parted. She had tried not to think about it, but yes, it had been the most sensational night of her life.
    â€œShould I feel flattered?” she challenged.
    He laughed. “Maybe lucky is more like it, since similar nights can be yours for free.”
    â€œEverything has a price.”
    â€œI’m willing to keep paying.”
    â€œAnd what will I have to pay?”
    â€œNext to nothing compared to what