Free Heaven Sent the Wrong One by VJ Dunraven Page A

everything that had happened between them. Pack her bags a nd leave. Return to her father, who would no doubt waste not another minute to find another suitable dimwit to match her with.
    Could she make herself jump overboard from the burning ship and deny the refuge of heaven being offered by her pirate angel who h ad come to her rescue?
    She cupped his cheek with her hand and he turned a little, just enough to graze his lips against her palm.
    A silent request; a subtle persuasion.
    She could see it all in his eyes.
    Did she have the strength to reject him? Yes—if she hit herself over the head with a mallet to erase his image from her mind, or if she stopped breathing to keep the scent of him from dwelling in her lungs.
    "Anna —" his voice had dropped several octaves lower. A restrained plea—but with implicit urgency nonetheless.
    She caressed his lower lip with her thumb, arresting what he was about to say.
    Questions reverberated in her thoughts. What would happen if she capitulated? What could she lose—her blasted virginity? For whom was she saving it for anyway? Would she rather give it to her future unknown toad-of-a-husband-to-be, or surrender it to Andrew—the sum epitome of the dashing heroes in her books, except for the valet part— before her maidenhead gathered cobwebs and turned moldy?
    "When?" The word spilled from h er mouth in a soft gush.
    A slow smile rose from his lips, spreading widely until his dimples formed deep round indentations on his cheeks.
    "Tonight," he whispered, catching her thumb with his teeth and giving it a gentle nibble that sent shivers down her spine.
    Tonight . Alexandra felt an odd contentment settle over her in spite of her awareness that she was venturing into dangerous territory. Her papa would be horridly scandalized if he discovered the truth, but though she loved him dearly, she was tired of being managed and longed to escape from under his thumb. Now, by some twisted coincidence resulting from her ruse, she had unexpectedly garnered fourteen short days of freedom.
    Freedom. She inhaled the cool breeze to savor its meaning, feeling for once in her life, she could truly breathe.
    Andrew placed an arm around her shoulders and they strolled to the other tents.
    She glanced up at him, suddenly realizing that, this is what freedom felt like—a thrill from the simple touch of the man of her own choosing.
    He smiled sideways at her and she glimpsed what freedom looked like —curly lashed green eyes she could forever admire and dimples so adorable, she could never tire of kissing them all the time.
    Sweet, sweet, freedom .
    It would be hers — tonight .

Chapter 9
    The First Night
     
    "I 'll see you in a half hour," Allayne helped Alexandra alight from the carriage near the stables a short distance away from Countess Penthorpe's manor.
    He had given her directions to come to Mister Carl yle's bedchamber tonight for their tryst. His master would be out for the rest of the night until early morning, he had told her, attending a soiree directly after the fair with all the other guests at the home of Viscount Stanton in town, a friend of the countess. The timing couldn't have been more ideal. Save for the help, they would have the whole house to themselves.
    Alexandra nodded and made her way to the back door of the main house, the entrance commonly used by servants.
    It had been a wonderful day.
    They had spent the entire afternoon at the fair and as the sun sank into the horizon, he took her to one of the elegant establishments for dinner. She had felt a little guilty at the extravagant fare he ordered. He must be spending far more than he could afford, but she said nothing to embarrass him.
    The ride back to the manor had been sweet and exhilarating. They did not talk much, but they kissed and snuggled inside the carriage, anticipating their night together.
    "Ain't ye Lady Alexandra Davenport's Abigail?" One of the maids called to Alexandra as she entered the door leading to