Read Online Tempting a Sinner by Kate Pearce - Free Book Online Page B

only hoped she’d see them again. Nothing was certain anymore.
    “Malinda?”
    He reached across to grab her reins and guided her down a short slope to the welcoming lights of a small inn. He dismounted in the small stable yard and turned to help her down. She all but fell into his arms. He winced as he bore her weight down to the muddy cobblestones.
    “I’m sorry,” she murmured.
    He took her elbow and led her into the inn. It was warm inside and smelled of peat smoke and beer. A small woman came toward them and Benedict bowed.
    “Good evening, ma’am. I’m Mr. Benedict of Crouch End. My wife and I were caught in the storm. Do you have a room available for the night?”
    “Yes, sir, I do. I’m Mrs. Goodman. Will you be wanting dinner?”
    He gave her a grateful smile. “Perhaps you could bring something up to us on a tray? I suspect my wife is longing for her bed.”
    “Aye, ’tis a nasty night out there, sir. Now, follow me.” She started up the stairs and Malinda obediently walked behind her. “Lizzy will bring you up some nice hot water in just a moment.”
    “Thank you, ma’am.”
    Even his voice and mannerisms sounded different. Gone were the aristocratic tones of privilege, replaced by the more humble accent of a county gentleman of no particular interest at all. He’d claimed he was used to acting a part. Now she believed him. She tripped over the long hem of her skirt and his hand was immediately there to steady her.
    “Here you are, sir, ma’am.” Mrs. Goodman opened the door into a low-ceilinged room with curved oak beams stretching down to the windows. There was a large bed under the eaves that drew Malinda’s longing gaze. She couldn’t wait to close her eyes and sleep.
    With Benedict, Lord Keyes.
    If he’d let her sleep.
    She was still sore from their previous encounter where he’d been true to his word and had her in every possible way he could until she screamed his name and begged him. Her knees went weak at the memory, and she grabbed hold of the back of the nearest chair. At this point she didn’t care if he bedded her or not. She’d probably sleep through it, which would be a just revenge.
    Mrs. Goodman left after banking up the fire, and Benedict closed the door behind her. He immediately crossed to Malinda’s side and started working on the buttons and ties of her riding habit.
    “You’re soaked through.”
    “I know.”
    He raised his head to stare into her eyes. “Then help me get you out of these clothes.”
    She unpinned her hat and laid it on the chair while he stripped off her jacket and undid her skirt. His hands were fast but impersonal, and she was grateful for his help. If it had been left to her, she’d probably have fallen into bed fully dressed and died of a chill by the next morning. He stripped off his heavy, many-caped driving coat and eased himself out of his waistcoat. He’d had to borrow a shirt and coat to replace the ones Malinda had cut off him. There was no sign of any blood oozing from the wound on his shoulder, which made her feel slightly better.
    A knock on the door heralded the arrival of Lizzy with a bowl of hot water and soap, which Benedict took from her with thanks. Malinda stepped out of her skirt and petticoats and Lizzy gathered them up to take down to the kitchen to brush off the mud and air the damp out of them. With a sound of distaste, Malinda plucked at her corset.
    “Let me.” He turned her away from him and spent a few moments battling with the damp lacing before he managed to ease her out of the contraption. “Now sit.”
    She scowled up at him. “You are extremely dictatorial, sir.”
    “I’m trying to stop you dying of a chill.”
    “Why bother?” She shivered as he washed her face with the warm water.
    “Because I want the pleasure of killing you myself? You of all people should understand that.” He washed her throat and then down her arms and over her hands. “I’ll wager you enjoyed putting a bullet in