Surrender of Trust (First Volume of the Surrender Series) Read Free Page B

excellent choice by Cedric to make
good impression on their exalted guest.
    Lucy smiled gratefully at Cedric. "No Cedric,
I'll manage the tea. Thank you."
    Cedric exited the room and closed the door
behind him.
    Lord Perdan cleared his throat. "Miss
Goodwin, while I am sorry your brother is currently indisposed, his
indisposition has at least brought me the distinct pleasure of your
company."
    Lucy gazed into Perdan's handsome face. His
short, golden hair was combed forward and fashionably tousled. The
smile on Perdan’s face failed to reach his pale, ice blue eyes.
There was something off Lucy couldn’t quite identify. Maybe it was
the way Perdan’s eyes followed her.
    Perdan stepped in close, much closer than
propriety would allow. Internal warnings blared in her mind and
Lucy willed herself not to step away. With great effort, Lucy
suppressed a shudder and looked up at Perdan, an uneasy smile on
her face.
    "Let me speak frankly. The news is your
brother has been injured and may not survive. Is that true?"
    How much does he know? Who else knows? How
does he know? Fighting a mild panic, Lucy stalled, "Could I
interest you in some tea, Lord Perdan?"
    "Let me not mince words. The reason I am here
is your brother owes me a debt. A large debt. And I expect payment,
soon."
    Trying not to show dismay, Lucy asked, "How
much money are we speaking of, Lord Perdan?"
    "He owes me six thousand quid."
    Lucy's knees nearly buckled and her mind
screamed. How could we owe so much?
    "I've been very patient, but my patience is
wearing thin."
    Lucy gulped and exhaled slowly. Think,
think . Trying to steady her voice, Lucy said "I must naturally
speak with my brother, Lord Perdan." Of course, there’s no way
that will be possible any time soon , she failed to add.
    "Really? When? Today, tomorrow. Maybe next
year? That simply won't do. I notice you didn’t answer me as to the
severity of your brother's injuries."
    "Well,
    Perdan’s hand lashed out and grabbed her
wrist, pulling her toward him. He lowered his face close toward
hers and his lips curved slowly into a sardonic smile. Lucy tried
to pull her arm from his grasp, but Perdan held her tight.
    "I like women to fight. Go ahead, fight some
more.”
    Lucy stopped struggling and said nothing.
    "Miss Goodwin, I don't think you understand.
Your brother, and by extension you, are in my debt, and I expect
payment. Though perhaps ... ," his eyes bored into hers, "we could
make some alternative arrangements for payment in your case." He
licked his lips slowly.
    Fear began to worm its way into Lucy’s belly.
She stood still and remained silent.
    "After all, a man, or a woman," he smiled,
"has to pay their debts or face disgrace. You wouldn’t want that
now, would you?" Perdan reached out and traced a finger traced
along the curve of Lucy’s jawbone line. A tide of revulsion rose
from her belly at the unwanted familiarity in his touch.
    Perdan pulled her closer."Why, we could start
today. You know, woman love me. I could teach you things," he
whispered into her ear.
    Her skin crawled and fear trickled up Lucy’s
spine. Gathering every bit of strength she had, Lucy wrenched
herself away from him. It was only a touch to her face, but there
was something unaccountably wrong with it, and with him. Was it
a hint of cruelty? She could picture him as a child pulling the
wings from flies and laughing.
    Quelling tremors, in as frosty a tone as she
could manage, Lucy said, "I believe it’s time for you to
leave."
    "Pity. I’m sure we could enjoy one another’s
company. We may well yet. It remains to be seen. In the meantime, I
have yet to receive payment and my patience is running short.
Amazing what women will do to avoid disgrace." He smiled at
her.
    "I’ll expect to hear from you or your brother
by the end of the week. Otherwise, I will start legal proceedings
and you and your brother will be in disgrace. I’ll see myself out."
Perdan sauntered from the room. At the door, he turned and