Free An Improper Seduction by Suzanne Quill

outstretched. “I had a few free moments this afternoon so I thought I might ask to take your lovely daughter for a ride. I have even brought a mare from my own stables for her. What say you, my good man?”
    Arrogant, arrogant bastard. Angeline fumed silently. Ride a horse? I can barely stand up and walk because of him.
    “Well, Geoffrey,” returned the earl, looking most self-pleased as he turned to his daughter, “I think that a famous idea. Angeline, go up and put on your riding habit. We must not keep the marquess waiting.”
    “But, father, I do not wish to go. I told you I’ve pulled my back. I should let it rest,” pleaded Angeline with as much dignity as she could summon under the circumstances.
    “Nonsense, my girl. The exercise shall do you good. It will work out that kink in no time at all. Now get moving. Geoffrey is waiting.”
    Angeline rose stiffly from her seat, glaring at her nemesis as she headed for the door. Geoffrey’s face held a smug smile. Oh, I wish I could just slap him, she brooded.
    Fifteen minutes later, she emerged from the manor’s front door to find Geoffrey holding the reins of two uncommon horses. The Arabian black was huge, frisky, and surely a stud. How appropriate for her belligerent besieger. The second was a smaller chestnut mare who continued to ignore the nudges from the stud despite his refusal to accept the rebuff.
    After Angeline descended the stairs, Geoffrey gently took her hand in his. Rather than kiss her fingertips, he turned her palm up, then proceeded to place hot, wet kisses on her naked wrist.
    “Geoffrey. Anyone may see,” protested Angeline as she pulled her hand away while trying to retrieve her spiraling senses.
    “Good day to you, my lady. I could not go a whole day without the pleasure of your company.” He put his hands round her waist, then easily lifted her into the sidesaddle.
    Angeline winced as her bottom hit the slightly cushioned leather. This was not going to be a pleasant ride, nor an easy one. “The last thing I wish to do today is ride a horse,” she spit at him.
    “I would expect not, after how I rode you last night, my angel. But it was the only idea I could credit within such a short period to abscond with you for a couple of hours. We will take our time. You’ll get used to being in my saddle.” His knowing smile dazzled her but also served to irritate her all the more.
    “Oh, you villain,” she cursed him, then mumbled further, more unacceptable expletives beneath her breath.
    Geoffrey, gaining his horse, made a clicking sound while he kicked his stud in the withers. The black moved out, the mare following with little urging from her rider.
    They rode in silence for some time. Angeline continued to struggle in her saddle trying to find the most comfortable, least painful position, to no avail.
    Geoffrey led them over her estate, then onto his. He circled round the lake by the cottage, coming to a halt in a small clearing at the water’s edge. The surrounding trees shielded all eyes except those that might be across the lake where the cottage stood, and Geoffrey was positive there was no one there at present.
    After dismounting, Geoffrey came to her side, caught her once more at the waist, then lowered her from her saddle. But instead of setting her straight onto the ground, he held her close to his chest, looking deeply into her eyes, his own green orbs dark and dangerous. Brushing his lips lightly across hers, he slid her down his chest, over his aroused sex, until her feet touched the ground.
    “Will I ever get enough of you, my Angeline?” he queried softly as he bent low over her ear.
    “I am not your Angeline. And you’ve had about all you are going to get of me, my lord,” she countered harshly, trying to stem the sensation of heat the feel of his manhood always seemed to instill in her.
    “I doubt that, my lady.” Geoffrey scoffed at her as he left to pull a blanket from his saddle. He spread it out near the waters,