Free His Wicked Heart by Darcy Burke

had
time to reflect on the benefits—both financial and physical—of
accepting my offer. If you’re still intent to refuse the joy we
could both share, we’ll find another way for you to earn the
money.”
    She was well aware of the benefits. The money
was an obvious need, but the intimacy of sharing a night with him
would give her more than food, shelter, or clothing. It would warm
her through a hundred—maybe a thousand—lonely nights. But the cost
was too dear. She wouldn’t change her mind. “Don’t come back. I
made a mistake.”
    His features flashed with fury. “Damn it,
Olivia. I am not a mistake. I am the Earl of Saxton.”
    And more tempting than the devil himself. She
summoned her anger. Needed it if she wanted to keep him at bay.
“I’m not interested in a liaison with you. You’ll have to satisfy
your lust with someone else.”
    With a few quick steps, he came around the
table. She flattened herself against the wall. He didn’t touch her,
but his lips hovered above hers. “I don’t want anyone else. I want
you.” The barest touch of his mouth against hers, a whisper of a
kiss. “Only you.”
    He pulled back, whisking his coat from the
chair. “I’ll be back tomorrow.”
    Olivia sagged against the wall. It was only a
matter of time before she surrendered. Because of the money, and
because she couldn’t deny what he said…and he knew it.
    He glanced at the pound notes strewn about by
the breeze. “Keep the money. You’ll pay the debt—somehow.”
    Her gaze strayed to the door.
    He thrust his arms into his coat sleeves, his
face stern and beautiful. “Don’t run from me, Olivia. I’ll find
you.”
    At last, he left. Her knees wilted, and she
slid to the floor. She couldn’t be here come tomorrow. Though she
knew it would infuriate him, she had to take the ten pounds and
run. And pray he never found her.

Chapter Five
     

     
    JASPER COULDN’T wait to hit someone. He
strode toward the Black Horse Court and the tavern that bore the
same name, his long gait devouring the cobblestones beneath his
feet.
    He still couldn’t believe she’d deceived him.
He didn’t give his trust lightly, and tonight was a painful
reminder why. Nevertheless, he still wanted her. More than he’d
ever wanted anyone. More than Abigail.
    And not just because of her beauty—Olivia was
spirited and intelligent and unafraid to seek her own fortune. God,
she’d set him afire. All while lying through her beautiful
teeth.
    He had great difficulty believing she wasn’t
a prostitute—the skill she’d displayed before blindfolding him was
not that of a virtuous young maiden. Abigail had demonstrated no
such prowess.
    However, if Olivia were a prostitute, there
was no reason for her to have concocted her swindle in the first
place. She would’ve taken his money and provided her services. So
why the ruse?
    His pace slowed as he turned into the court.
He assumed her financial situation was dire, but to blindfold him
and leave him to the mercy of some unknown whore was inexcusable.
He intended to discover the truth, and maybe, if she could manage
to keep from telling more lies, he’d offer to help her in a manner
that didn’t involve fraud. And if he found her to be as innocent as
she claimed, he would argue that trading her honor was never an
acceptable solution. Ten years ago he’d allowed his honor to be
stripped from him, and he would never, ever let it happen
again.
    Fisting his hands, he stalked into the
crowded common room of the Black Horse Tavern. Sevrin typically sat
at a table in the back corner with other members of the club.
Jasper’s gaze settled on them, and he made his way to the lone
empty chair.
    “Evening, Saxton. I’d offer you some gin,”
Sevrin gestured to the bottle on the table, “but I know you prefer
whiskey.”
    Gin sounded just fine after the night he’d
had. “Is there a spare cup?”
    Sevrin chuckled and motioned for the serving
girl, who quickly deposited a chipped mug on the