Read Online The Succubus by Sarah Winn - Free Book Online

family. Are they powerful? Will they turn on me? Even if she didn’t have family to take her in, it wouldn’t be long before she found another rich man and seduced him into slavery. Daniel had to keep her near to protect the rest of mankind.
    He’d like to hurt her as she had him by breaking her heart, but of course, she had no heart, so he could only hope to break her confidence by proving there was at least one man in the world who would not succumb to her charms. Somehow he must teach her she couldn’t get whatever she wanted by opening her legs to the right man.
    * * * *
    Finally, Daniel had his audience with the king and was officially confirmed the Baron of Tewsbarrow. Before the audience was concluded, the king said, “I trust you will see to the welfare of Lord Kendrick’s widow and child.”
    Daniel bowed his head to hide a smile, and said, “Most assuredly, your majesty.” It was as if he had a royal sanction to do whatever he chose with Isabel.
    When Daniel returned to Tewsbarrow Castle, he did not approach as a supplicant but as the new lord clad in the finery he’d acquired for court and accompanied by servants and guards.
    He had sent word of his approach, and flags of welcome flapped from the crenulated walls. As he and his escort clattered into the village near the castle, villagers hurried to the roadside to bow their heads and pull at their forelocks. They recognized their new lord and master. He was both flattered and a bit frightened by their obeisance, for the welfare of these people was now his responsibility.
    The gates of Tewsbarrow stood open. Soldiers in bright green tunics stood at attention as the party rode into the outer bailey. At a signal from a smiling Sir Robert, they drew their swords and touched the tips of them to the ground in a gesture of homage. The stable boys eagerly rushed to take the horses.
    In the inner bailey, Daniel found a reception committee composed of everyone of any importance in the castle except the baroness. After greeting the people he remembered from his last visit and being introduced to others, Wilmont led him into the great hall where the trestle tables stood ready for diners. Trying to sound casual, Daniel asked, “Why hasn’t the baroness joined us? I hope she isn’t ill.”
    Is she hiding in fear of me? She should be afraid. She had betrayed him in the worst way a woman can betray a man but now she must come to him on bended knee for her very sustenance. She needn’t think she could hide from his wrath.
    â€œOh, no, sir. She went to live with her mother.”
    Daniel felt his jaw tighten. “What of the babe?”
    â€œShe took Lady Chloe with her.”
    â€œI hope she didn’t take the babe on a long journey.”
    â€œHer mother lives in Whitmere, your eastern manor, a half day’s ride from here.” Wilmont must have sensed Daniel’s displeasure for he hastily added, “I assured her she had every right to stay here, but she said she wanted her mother’s advice on raising the babe.”
    The anger roiling through Daniel made it hard for him to breathe, let alone hide his aggravation from those surrounding him. The bitch had succeeding in stealing his seed and now meant to steal the fruit of that seed. He grabbed a cup of wine from a tray a servant held in front of him and took a long swallow.
    Lady Lavinia had apparently overheard his exchange with Wilmont, for she moved closer and said, “I don’t know why she felt she had to leave. I’ve raised three babes of my own and was perfectly willing to advise her. Besides, Lady Miranda’s home lacks many of the comforts available to Lady Chloe here.”
    â€œLady Miranda?” a befuddled Daniel asked.
    â€œLady Isabel’s mother.”
    â€œI thought my uncle provided for Lady Isabel’s family.”
    Lady Lavinia pursed her mouth as though reluctant to say more. Then she did. “He