Read Online The Earl's Complete Surrender by Sophie Barnes - Free Book Online Page A

brought the scent of honey-­sweetened lemons with it, fueling the beast that had sprung to life within him.
    Desire .
    That’s what it was—­this elemental need to pull her close and taste her, to press his palm against the curve of her breast and . . . Loosening his hold, he released her and took a step back, his chest rising and falling heavily against the tight fit of his waistcoat. “After you,” he said, gesturing toward the right.
    Dipping her head, she set off in the direction of her room while he followed slightly behind—­still close enough to light her way, but not close enough to allow for further temptation. Reaching her door, they bid each other a polite good night. He turned away before she’d finished closing her door, eager to return to his own bedchamber where he would finally be able to study the book still resting snugly in his jacket pocket, while hopefully putting Lady Newbury out of his mind.
    If only it would be that simple.

 
    Chapter 5

    D ressed in a blue floral print day-­dress and a straw bonnet tied with pretty blue ribbons, Chloe set out for Hillcrest—­the closest village to Thorncliff—­the following day. Seated beside Scarsdale in his curricle, she looked forward to escaping Thorncliff for a while, and most notably a certain earl.
    â€œLady Duncaster says there’s a lovely little eatery with an outdoor terrace that serves fresh fish and excellent dessert,” Scarsdale said, glancing in her direction. “Would that interest you?”
    â€œIt sounds lovely,” Chloe replied, looking back at him with a smile. His arrival at Thorncliff had been welcome, adding stability to what had started to feel like emotional upheaval after her first encounter with Woodford.
    They found the small restaurant without too much trouble, located next to the mill so that they could enjoy the soothing cascading of water while they ate.
    â€œHow’s your cod and spinach pie?” Scarsdale asked, taking a bite of his own food. He’d opted for pork chops and potatoes instead.
    â€œDelicious,” she said, savoring the smooth texture of the fish and the creamy flavor of the pie. Setting down her knife and fork, she reached for her wine.
    â€œI hope you won’t think me too forward,” Scarsdale said as he finished his meal and pushed his plate aside, “but I cannot help but be concerned about you and would therefore like to caution you.”
    â€œAbout what?” Chloe took a sip of her wine to conceal her wariness. Scarsdale couldn’t possibly know about the journal, could he?
    â€œIt’s about Lord Woodford.” Chloe relaxed a little, even though the subject still troubled her. “I cannot help but notice that you seem to enjoy his company.”
    â€œWhy would you presume such a thing?” she asked, setting her glass aside and reaching for her napkin.
    â€œBecause I’ve seen you with him on more than one occasion within the past few days.”
    She dabbed at her mouth. “A coincidence, I assure you. He and I didn’t seek each other’s company. We just happened to run into each other by chance.”
    â€œSo you’re not interested in forming an attachment with him?” Scarsdale asked her carefully.
    She waved her hand dismissively while trying not to think of how much she’d wanted Woodford to kiss her the night before. “You know where I stand. Nothing has changed.”
    â€œI must confess that I’m relieved to hear it.” Raising his own glass, he fell silent while he drank. When he was done, he said, “Woodford is . . . not for you, Lady Newbury.”
    This got Chloe’s attention. She frowned. “What do you mean?”
    â€œHe’s always been very peculiar—­mostly after his parents were killed. The incident had a profound effect on him.”
    â€œI daresay it would have had a profound effect on anyone,