Deceptive Lord (Lords of Bondage) Read Free

him home to his mother any time soon. She hoped the male’s domineering attitude did not rub off on Lord Woodcock. “Lord Woodcock, what are your talents and gifts so that I may expound on them when I next see the countess ?” When he delayed in providing a response, she asked, “You would like to be chosen by the countess , right?”
    “I’d rather be chosen by you,” Lord Woodcock said.
    Eden blushed, unprepared to hear such a blunt invitation. The male’s regard made her feel suddenly shy. “That’s not possible. You belong to my half-sister.”
    “What do you do for the countess ?”
    Eden was not sure she had any important role in the household. She was considered too young to be one of the countess ’s advisors. She was not especially skilled in matters of war, like some of their females, nor was she adept with politics. She was expected to wait on the countess hand and foot, assist her with dressing and grooming, arranging all of her many gowns and shoes in her many closets, and helping her decide what to wear. An over-glorified servant, that was what she was. A complete waste of her brain, which according to her tutors, was extremely adept in acquiring knowledge. She had been interested in studying other cultures, especially ancient ones, but the countess would not allow her to attend Flourda College. She claimed that she was needed in Avenal. “I assist her in her chambers and provide companionship.”
    “Do you enjoy being her companion? Did you never wish for more, a life of your own?”
    Eden did not care for the reminder that she had no life, and who was he to judge her? Flourdan males were not allowed to own land or property and they had few rights. His situation was likely worse than her own, unless he had a very generous mother that would consider his preferences and choices when rendering her decisions. He was considered property of his mother, after all. And she was the property of her depraved half-sister . She was deluding herself to think that a life worth having was in her future. She forced herself to take a deep breath to coax her mind and body into a more relaxed state. She had to stop f eeling sorry for herself . Surely Nefertiti had a heart somewhere in that body of hers. She certainly seemed cold, but once she got to know her better, she would eventually treat her as a cherished family member. She was afraid she was only fooling herself, though, and the countess would only worsen in her treatment. “Worry about your own life, Lord Woodcock, for it will not be easy being here.”
    He smiled engagingly and showered her with an attentive gaze. “ Spending some time with you would make it much easier to tolerate.”
    Eden rolled her eyes at him. She did not know why he would flirt with her. If Nefertiti noticed it, they would both pay the price. She wondered if this was his first time being loaned out to a peer . Had he served other countesses in other harems? He did not have the look of inexperience, yet he appeared untamed and a tad too assertive . Perhaps his previous mistress was lenient with him, but Nefertiti kept her males on a tight leash. He would learn that soon enough.

CHAPTER TWO
    Drest spent the rest of the evening trying to learn as much as he could about the lords . He had learned that Lord Jules Beaumont was the former huxor/mate of the previous countess , Ariana, and he was supposed to live a celibate lifestyle to honor her. Lord Valor Assheton was Nefertiti’ s only huxor and he was extremely defensive of her. He took it personally when anyone criticized the countess and he wasted far too much time trying to convince the rest of them that she was the most desirable and worthy female on the planet. Lord Payne Hastings appeared to have the respect of most of the lords, as they deferred to him for some inexplicable reason. Lord Vane Honeybone did not seem to take anything seriously and he appeared to be easily entertained. Lord Devereux Langley, who went by Dev, was a