The Duchess and the Spy Read Free Page B

finger on it…but he had a special quality that made her almost weak kneed. Her heart hammered against her ribcage. She gasped, when her hands touched him. Energy shot through her. He felt it too…that much she knew, from the slight shudder that rippled through him. For one brief second in time—it was as if she’d finally found a place to call home in his arms.
    Rioting emotions ran through her. Visions of a man standing on a beach with the wind whipping through his wavy black hair filled her mind’s eye. His face struck a chord within her. She knew him. He was her soul mate.
    She struggled for breath.
    He pulled away from her. “You are a bloody witch!”
    She didn’t know what he had seen or felt, but by the sound of his ragged breathing…it had to have affected him in the same way she’d been affected.
    “You will be the death of me. Get off to your blasted masquerade. But remember, I shall be watching you. Don’t try pulling off any tricks.”
    She heaved a shuddering breath. “I have no tricks up my sleeve, Monsieur. You seem to have the wrong impression of me.”
    “Oh, I know just what you are. No matter how many times you try to defend yourself against it. You are a traitor to your heart.”
    She couldn’t understand what he meant, and frankly, she’d had quite enough of him.
    “I hope to never cross paths with you again.”
    “Never is a long time, Duchess.” His voice softened. It caressed her.
    “Don’t follow me.”
    “I have no other choice…but I shall keep a discreet distance. We can’t have Boney jumping to rash conclusions, can we? For such a little bastard, his brain is quite cunning. I’ll give him that much.”
    She rushed away from him. Heat still scorched her cheeks. He had quite undone her!
    What bloody nonsense. She didn’t look back…she didn’t have to…she could still feel him watching her every step. Now, she would have to use all of her powers. Whatever happened, she couldn’t become his prey.
    *****
    The Wolf watched her hips sway from side to side. Her seductive powers amazed him. He’d never seen such a stunning woman before. But he had a mission to accomplish. And she was part of that mission, God help him, he was doomed.

  Chapter Two
     
    Isabella heard him pursuing her. No, she could feel him following her. Her heart pounded up into her throat. Whatever she did, she couldn’t let on she knew of his chase. If she’d felt threatened, she would have used her talents on him. The fact that she’d been a bit rattled meant little. She would eventually gain control of her racing heart…wouldn’t she? Never had a man made her feel so vulnerable. But she didn’t fear him hurting her…she only feared she’d lose her heart to him.
    She’d never believed in love at first sight before but now…she didn’t know what to think. How could you lose your heart to someone you barely knew? Unless… Shaking her head, she began the long descent to the ballroom below. She trailed her hand along the banister. Chateau Belle Roche boasted a magnificent staircase made of Italian marble, and yet it always gave her a feeling of foreboding when she walked down its slippery slope.
    Straining her hearing, she hesitated briefly, and heard him stop at the same time she did. She couldn’t read him like she did other men. What did that mean? She couldn’t dwell on him, she had an objective to accomplish.
    Her heart stopped. Pierre strutted into view. He reminded her of a peacock. His vain attitude was a little revolting. He was the biggest fop she’d ever met, and thought more of his appearance than some ladies.
    Could she bolt before he noticed her? She had hoped to avoid him for the entire night. She knew he would not like it if she gained Napoleon’s attention. It was too late. He’d probably already caught sight of her.
    Pierre sipped at his coupe of champagne and looked up to catch her eye. Panic flared inside of her. Summoning her powers, she leveled her gaze on the