His to Keep (Regency Scoundrels Book 2) Read Free

incoming danger, but not with him.
    “If you would like to know my name, sir, I should know yours, so that when they catch you and hang you, I can say a prayer for you. You should know we don’t take kindly to horse thieves or horse thieves that would steal a helpless woman’s most cherished beast, while holding her at the threat of gunpoint.”
    “You don’t look too helpless to me at the moment. No, indeed, I think you look well in control of your senses, I do not think I need to bring you to your bearings. You have steely resolve running through those veins of yours, my lady, and I admire that trait more than you shall ever know.”
    Reaching out with his free gloved hand, he gently stroked Midnight. “Oh, you are a pretty lady.” Midnight actually had the audacity to whinny in reaction. 
    “You seem to have more affection for my horse, than you have for me.” Her selfish words laced with jealousy startled her. Why would he even have any sort of regard for her? She didn’t know him and he didn’t know her. As far as he was concerned, he was ready to shoot her and toss her in the lake. He had put away his pistol, and right now, he seemed more inclined to ravish her, over shooting her. 
    “Oh, if I had the time, I could show you that however much I love horses, I love women more. With a burning passion that would quite alarm you. There are things I could show you that would make your ears turn red, your breath quicken, and your body quake.”
    “I doubt that and besides, you may put that romantic notion out of your head. I am otherwise engaged.”
    Her words had affected him dramatically. Gemma was glad for it. She liked seeing the proud expression in his eyes falter. He looked up almost as if he’d been stung. The look of rage in his eyes resembled that of a jealous lover. He had no reason to have such strong feelings for her.    
    “Engaged?” His question came out as a hoarse whisper and his eyes widened dramatically.
    “Indeed. I am set to be wed to the Earl of Duxford in three months.”
    “That little bastard? He isn’t good enough for you. He can’t take care of you the way you deserve.”
    “Well, you seem ready and willing to take care of me, though I don’t think I care for the outcome. I would much rather welcome married life with Duxford.”
    “You will be in utter misery. That man could bore a clergyman, and he has some questionable habits if you ask me.”
    “He is quite entertaining when he puts his mind to it,” she countered. 
    “I’m sure he is. But I wager if you do marry him, you will be asleep for most of your married life. You might even die of the monotonous and tedious lifestyle that man has, and I assure you, you would not enjoy your wifely duties.” His eyes narrowed, and hardened. The sparkle in his eyes dimmed, and eventually died away. 
    “You seem awfully knowledgeable when it comes to the lives of the members of the haut ton. Almost as if you have contacts within the inner circle. Ah, that must be it. You were a valet for a lord, weren’t you?”
    She caught his slow crafty smile. A shudder rippled through her. 
    “Yes, I must keep myself apprised of the lives of the beau monde so that when I go to steal from them, I know what I am taking.” His eyes dazzled dangerously, “It certainly pays for me to know more than you do.”
    “You are unbelievable!”
    “Thank you. You know, now that I think about it, I could take you with the horse. There is no need to leave you behind. Some other blackguard worse than me could come along and accost you. No, I shall just take you as well. I never pass up the chance to claim a beautiful treasure.” He took a step toward her. “Now, my lady, why don’t you give me a kiss, eh?”
    Without waiting for her to reply, he pulled her to him. She thrashed wildly against him, as his lips claimed hers. The fight drained out of her body, as she relaxed beneath his kiss. It warmed her entire body, and left her unable to think