Noble Pleasures by Anthea Lawson

Author:Anthea Lawson [Lawson, Anthea]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781680130867
Publisher: Fiddlehead Press

5

Irenna did not sleep at all well. Her dreams were full of menacing figures trying to pull her beneath the surface of a dark lake. Every time the water closed over her head, she woke with a gasp, convinced she was drowning. After the third waking, she lit the oil lamp on the bedside table, then lay back against the pillows, heart racing.

The small flame was a steady glow, reassuring her that all was well. She was in her bed in Chandos House, not trapped in deep, icy waters.

Trying to calm herself, she stared up at the ceiling, tracing the flowering garlands painted along the edges. Her breathing eased as she followed the ribbons and petals, and even spotted a bird or two perched on the vines

It was just a dream. I’m safe.

After they’d reported everything to the authorities, and then again to Count Dietrichstein, the ambassador had insisted on increasing the security of Chandos House. Even now a footman stood guard outside her door—provided he had not dozed off.

She was half tempted to call out, to see if he would answer and provide some company against the darkness. But that would be inviting scandal. Instead, she must suffer her nightmares alone. There was no one to rescue her, no Lord Percival to dash in and fight off the amorphous fears of her dreams.

Or to kiss her.

The memory sent a flash of warmth through her chest. Though she should not dwell on it, every detail was engraved in her thoughts: the feel of his surprisingly strong arms around her, the touch of his lips, at first gentle and then hungry, the way her body reacted, filled with a sudden, inexplicable yearning.

She could see why, despite his foolish ways, Viscount Percival was known as an accomplished seducer. Of course he was very handsome, but she’d discounted his reputation in the face of his sometimes appalling absurdity. Now that she’d been kissed by him, however, it made perfect sense.

The only thing she did not understand was why he had kissed her. Baron Andris had made it very clear she wasn’t attractive in the least.

She ought to be afraid of Lord Percival. Considering her wretched history with gentlemen of his ilk, it would behoove her to be careful in his company so that he would not lead her astray.

She let out a quiet, bittersweet laugh in the dimness of her bedroom. Her fears had come true. And rather than turning tail and running like a sensible young lady would, she only desired more.

Even if his head was stuffed with feathers.

Although… The man who’d dispatched her attackers last night had been steady and quick-witted. Nothing like the behavior she expected from Lord Percival. Afterward, he’d explained to the police that the Sardinians had been quite drunk, stumbling about and practically falling in a heap at his feet all by themselves.

It wasn’t what she’d seen, but Irenna had kept quiet. She’d heard that sometimes, when faced with great danger, people were capable of acting far beyond what was usual.

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