Read Online Vow of Seduction by Angela Johnson - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Angela Johnson
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Alex, I don’t find it amusing,” she said finally, scowling.
“Nay. I have never been more serious. I shall seek an annulment with the Pope, if you agree to abide by certain conditions.”
“Even if it were possible—”
“’Tis definitely possible. We could get our marriage annulled on grounds of non-consummation due to impotency or frigidity. The fact that our bloody bridal sheet was never displayed gave me the idea. It would give credence to the claim, should you be willing to testify that we never consummated our marriage.”
Sunlight dappled her bold straight nose and cheekbones like gold dust. “You have my attention. What are these conditions you mentioned?”
“Firstly, you shall give me three months to court you and prove my worthiness. Secondly, you must spend time in my company, at my pleasure, whenever you are free from your duties to Queen Eleanor. And lastly, but most importantly, you will not find ways to avoid me and will seriously consider my suit.”
Kat crossed her arms under her breasts, the feathery leaves swaying behind her. “And how do I benefit from this bargain, should I choose to accept?”
“At the end of three months, if you still wish to end our marriage, I will seek an annulment with the Pope. As long as you don’t contest it, the annulment should be granted. Not only would your dowry estate, Montclair, return to you, but you could also marry again in one year…if that is your wish.” Alex bit his tongue, tasting blood.
“You would do that for me, Alex? Declare yourself impotent? Why?” Distrust shadowed her almond-shaped eyes.
“I have told you why. I want you, Kat. But I want all of you, body, heart, and soul. I shall not settle for less. This time you will have a choice whether you want me as husband or not.”
It was a risky gamble. Alex knew Kat would use all the tricks at her disposal to keep distance between them. As lady to Queen Eleanor, Kat could immerse herself in doing the queen’s bidding and ignore him completely. He could woo her as relentlessly as he wished, but with an absent bride, success would be highly unlikely. And more importantly, perhaps, courtship of a hostile Kat was not in his best interests. Or conducive to my good health.
“But you would never be able to remarry or sire an heir for Briand.” Alex longed to smooth the worry lines from her forehead as she gazed uncertainly up at him, her exotic flowery scent a potent allure.
“My brother, Brian, is growing into a fine young man. Should it come to that, he can sire heirs for Briand.”
A shout from the river reminded Alex of his mission.
“Come, walk with me to the river stairs.” Giving her no opportunity to decline, he took her hand and put it in the crook of his elbow, then led her out from under the concealing willow. “You need time to think about my offer, and I have business in London town. You can give me your decision when I return.”
A breeze from the southeast blew in from the river and caught strands of Kat’s hair. They wrapped around his neck like a possessive lover, undulating around him softly, arousing him with their scent and silky texture. But Kat remained oblivious of her runaway hair and his ultimate torture. Then quite suddenly, another breeze unwound the silken tie from his neck.
Disappointed and relieved at the same time, Alex looked down at the woman beside him as they strolled along the river in silence. His gut clenched at the sight of her loveliness. Though young, she exuded an innate sensuality that beckoned him like a houri to take her and claim her as his. But by his very bargain, he might lose the right to do so. He just prayed his gamble would succeed.
Kat, meanwhile, was still reeling from Alex’s unexpected proposal. She relaxed her grip on his arm. The muscles of his upper arm were surprisingly big and firm. Without volition, Kat squeezed the bulging flesh, testing it. His muscles flexed in reaction, and although he did not stop walking, he
“Nay. I have never been more serious. I shall seek an annulment with the Pope, if you agree to abide by certain conditions.”
“Even if it were possible—”
“’Tis definitely possible. We could get our marriage annulled on grounds of non-consummation due to impotency or frigidity. The fact that our bloody bridal sheet was never displayed gave me the idea. It would give credence to the claim, should you be willing to testify that we never consummated our marriage.”
Sunlight dappled her bold straight nose and cheekbones like gold dust. “You have my attention. What are these conditions you mentioned?”
“Firstly, you shall give me three months to court you and prove my worthiness. Secondly, you must spend time in my company, at my pleasure, whenever you are free from your duties to Queen Eleanor. And lastly, but most importantly, you will not find ways to avoid me and will seriously consider my suit.”
Kat crossed her arms under her breasts, the feathery leaves swaying behind her. “And how do I benefit from this bargain, should I choose to accept?”
“At the end of three months, if you still wish to end our marriage, I will seek an annulment with the Pope. As long as you don’t contest it, the annulment should be granted. Not only would your dowry estate, Montclair, return to you, but you could also marry again in one year…if that is your wish.” Alex bit his tongue, tasting blood.
“You would do that for me, Alex? Declare yourself impotent? Why?” Distrust shadowed her almond-shaped eyes.
“I have told you why. I want you, Kat. But I want all of you, body, heart, and soul. I shall not settle for less. This time you will have a choice whether you want me as husband or not.”
It was a risky gamble. Alex knew Kat would use all the tricks at her disposal to keep distance between them. As lady to Queen Eleanor, Kat could immerse herself in doing the queen’s bidding and ignore him completely. He could woo her as relentlessly as he wished, but with an absent bride, success would be highly unlikely. And more importantly, perhaps, courtship of a hostile Kat was not in his best interests. Or conducive to my good health.
“But you would never be able to remarry or sire an heir for Briand.” Alex longed to smooth the worry lines from her forehead as she gazed uncertainly up at him, her exotic flowery scent a potent allure.
“My brother, Brian, is growing into a fine young man. Should it come to that, he can sire heirs for Briand.”
A shout from the river reminded Alex of his mission.
“Come, walk with me to the river stairs.” Giving her no opportunity to decline, he took her hand and put it in the crook of his elbow, then led her out from under the concealing willow. “You need time to think about my offer, and I have business in London town. You can give me your decision when I return.”
A breeze from the southeast blew in from the river and caught strands of Kat’s hair. They wrapped around his neck like a possessive lover, undulating around him softly, arousing him with their scent and silky texture. But Kat remained oblivious of her runaway hair and his ultimate torture. Then quite suddenly, another breeze unwound the silken tie from his neck.
Disappointed and relieved at the same time, Alex looked down at the woman beside him as they strolled along the river in silence. His gut clenched at the sight of her loveliness. Though young, she exuded an innate sensuality that beckoned him like a houri to take her and claim her as his. But by his very bargain, he might lose the right to do so. He just prayed his gamble would succeed.
Kat, meanwhile, was still reeling from Alex’s unexpected proposal. She relaxed her grip on his arm. The muscles of his upper arm were surprisingly big and firm. Without volition, Kat squeezed the bulging flesh, testing it. His muscles flexed in reaction, and although he did not stop walking, he
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