Free Two Shades of Seduction by Monica Burns Page B

lowered her gaze to her plate. She didn’t speak for a long moment, but Quentin didn’t push her. He’d learned patience in the past five years.
    “Yes. I paid a price,” she said in a stilted tone. Her face became a frozen mask as she stared out at the meadow in front of them.
    “Does he beat you, Sophie?” She immediately blanched as her gaze jerked back to meet his. “He has, but I’ve learned how to avoid incurring his wrath.”
    Quentin found his gut twisting into knots at the thought of Townsend raising his hand to her. A natural instinct to protect her surged through him. The bastard would never touch Sophie again once they were married.
    “But it’s his insults and criticism that are more difficult to ignore,” he said, and her hazel eyes widened in surprise. Quentin shook his head slightly as her expression confirmed his educated guess. “You forget I’ve been the target of your father’s ire as well. Although his insults were far less painful to bear than his theft of my inheritance.”
    “A theft for which I feel partly responsible.”
    “ Christ Jesus , why should you feel blame,” he exclaimed as he stared at her in amazement.
    “I keep my father’s books.” Regret filled her voice as she shook her head. “If I’d not been in London, I might have discovered his intentions and warned you.”
    “You’re Townsend’s daughter. I doubt you would have gained access to the keep,” Quentin said in a tight voice as he remembered his anger and sense of betrayal five years ago. “I found it difficult enough yesterday not to simply throw you out.”
    “While your behavior was far from gentlemanly, I find it hard to believe you had to restrain yourself from ordering me out of your home.” Sophie laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she tilted her head slightly. “You left me with the distinct impression you cared little as to whether I came or went.”
    “Then you’re mistaken,” he said softly. “After my initial irritation, I found myself not wanting you to leave at all.”
    “You’re trying to shock me again,” she said with a laugh. It was a lighthearted sound, but it held a breathless excitement underneath. “It won’t work.”
    “No?” He grinned. Sophie might not realize it, but she’d just offered him a challenge. Slowly pushing aside his plate, he moved closer to her. “Tell me, Sophie, what do you expect our life to be like once we’re married?”
    “I haven’t given it much thought,” she said as a frown furrowed her brow. “Our bargain calls for us to lead separate lives, so I would think you would live in London while I remain here.”
    “I see,” he murmured. “And what of the other part of our bargain? You said you wanted to experience what it’s like between a man and woman.”
    “You truly are a scoundrel, my lord,” she said as a pink flush darkened her cheeks.
    “Quentin.” The inflexible note in his voice deepened the color in her cheek as she nodded.
    “Quentin,” she said softly. Satisfied with her response, he reached for his cup to take another swallow of wine.
    “Now then, where were we, ah yes, I’m a scoundrel for reminding you of the carnal aspect of our bargain.” His words made her look away from him, and he reached out to graze the back of her hand with his finger.
    “Yes, you are.” She quickly snatched her hand away from his with an expression of exasperation, and he laughed.
    “But scoundrel or not, you’ve not changed your mind as to our exploring the art of pleasure.”
    “I…no, I’ve not changed my mind,” she said in a breathless voice before straightening her shoulders and directing a haughty look at him. “However, I am certain you shall tire of me quickly.”
    “Oh I find that quite difficult to believe, Sophie,” he said with a conviction that surprised him. “In fact, I think I shall spend a great deal of time instructing you in the delights of the martial bed.”
    “And yet you will lose interest,