A Scandalous Situation. Patricia Frances Rowell

Чтение книги онлайн.

Читать онлайн книгу A Scandalous Situation - Patricia Frances Rowell страница

A Scandalous Situation - Patricia Frances Rowell Mills & Boon Historical

Скачать книгу

>

      

      “So I am chosen—already damaged goods.”

      “Don’t ever let me hear you say that again!”

      At the thunder in his voice, Iantha jumped and stepped hastily back. His lordship did not move, but his voice softened. “Forgive me. I did not mean to shout. But I am serious, Iantha. Do not allow them the victory of seeing yourself that way. Do not allow anyone to do that to you.”

      Iantha stared down at her shoes. He was right, of course. “I try not to, but it is very hard.”

      “I’m sure it is.” She sensed him reaching for her, then dropping his hand to his side. She didn’t know whether to be glad or sorry that he hadn’t touched her. Perhaps he didn’t want to. She lifted her gaze to his. The expression in his eyes surprised her.

      There was a wanting in them.

      Could he possibly really want her?

      Praise for Patricia Frances Rowell

      A Dangerous Seduction

      “Rowell creates a wonderful Gothic atmosphere,

       using beautiful Cornwall and its history of smuggling

       and shipwrecks to enhance her story.”

      —Romantic Times

      A Perilous Attraction

      “…promising Regency-era debut

      …a memorable heroine who succeeds in capturing

       the hero’s heart as well as the reader’s.”

      —Publishers Weekly

      “Ms. Rowell has a nice touch for penning

       likeable characters…a relaxing, romantic read.”

      —Romantic Times

      A Scandalous Situation

      Patricia Frances Rowell

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      MILLS & BOON

       Before you start reading, why not sign up?

      Thank you for downloading this Mills & Boon book. If you want to hear about exclusive discounts, special offers and competitions, sign up to our email newsletter today!

       SIGN ME UP!

      Or simply visit

      signup.millsandboon.co.uk

      Mills & Boon emails are completely free to receive and you can unsubscribe at any time via the link in any email we send you.

      This book is for my talented sons—

       Andrew Nathaniel, James Houghton and

       John Adam Annand. We grew up together, didn’t we, guys?

      And for grandchildren Amber Niccole

      (because I spelled her name wrong the last time) and

       Aidan Thomas (because we didn’t have him the last time).

      And for Johnny—always my hero.

      ACKNOWLEDGMENT

      My thanks to Paul D. Ware, M.D., and Jean Cason, MSW,

       who taught me how people recover from trauma,

       and many other important life lessons.

      Contents

      Prologue

      Chapter One

      Chapter Two

      Chapter Three

      Chapter Four

      Chapter Five

      Chapter Six

      Chapter Seven

      Chapter Eight

      Chapter Nine

      Chapter Ten

      Chapter Eleven

      Chapter Twelve

      Chapter Thirteen

      Chapter Fourteen

      Chapter Fifteen

      Chapter Sixteen

      Chapter Seventeen

      Chapter Eighteen

      Chapter Nineteen

      Epilogue

      Author’s Note

       Prologue

      Just North of London, 1801

       I must be dying.

      She could no longer feel the pain.

      Then again, perhaps the agony had simply increased to the point of numbness as she lay on the frozen ground, drifting in and out of the blackness.

      Death would be better.

      They were still there. She heard them moving about.

      And she smelled them. A strange smoke. The odor of nervous and excited men.

      She fought to control a shudder.

      She must not move, not even breathe.

      Perhaps they would believe she was dead. Oh, God, please let them believe that! Let it be so. Then surely they would not do it again.

      Against the background of her closed eyes distorted images swirled. Heads swathed in crimson masks. Eyes glittering through the eyeholes. Hot breath pouring through the mouth openings. Gleaming blades.

      Pain. Pain everywhere.

      Mask after mask after mask.

      The blackness sought her. She reached for it, welcoming

Скачать книгу