Free Hunting the Hero by Heather Boyd Page A

gardens, and surveyed the space. It might be the best that the house had to offer, but it lacked the little touches that made seductions all the more pleasurable.  
    She dug into the drawers and cupboards and extracted sweet-smelling herbs, perfumed oil to rub into her skin, and oddments to make the room look as if she really did sleep here at night. By day, Meredith shared a cramped room in the attic with another girl, the windows of which never ceased letting in blasts of cold air. Sleeping beside Grayling night after night was a little-known luxury in her existence. Very much like sleeping beside an agile furnace, too. She was always surprised to wake with his body wrapped around hers.
    Meredith arranged a thick quilt over a chair by the fire, then made sure the brandy decanter was filled and the glasses were free of imperfections. Grayling was fond of touching the items she’s strewn about the room; she guessed he assumed they belonged to her. He’d even combed her hair once, which she’d possibly enjoyed more than he had. The moment had been a soothing lull after sharing his bed. He’d even kissed her cheek as he’d left that morning.  
    With everything rendered rather homey, Meredith slipped out of her serviceable day gown, corset, chemise and stockings, and reached for the bottle of oil. She wasn’t needed in the drawing room when Grayling came to call. She could greet him stark-naked and be perfectly sure he’d be happy about it.  
    She poured a generous portion of oil into the palm of her hand and applied it liberally to her arms and legs. The earthy scent of herbs filled her nose as she continued to smooth any dryness from her skin. The liquid warmed swiftly and she rubbed her belly and twisted to smooth the oil over her bottom and lower back. She was so wrapped up in imagining Grayling completing the task that she didn’t notice the door opening until it was too late.  
    Squires leered at her nakedness. “Would you care for assistance with the rest, pet?”
    Meredith turned slowly and reached for her robe. “Lord Squires. I didn’t hear you knock.”
    “That’s because I didn’t. If I had, I wouldn’t have the pleasure of seeing you so unguarded. I’ve never seen you so lovely. What were you thinking of to smile like that? Me?”
    Grayling. Her every spare moment was filled with thoughts of the wicked earl. “Of course, my lord,” Meredith said smoothly as she slipped into the thin garment. She wasn’t particularly concerned with nakedness, but she didn’t want to encourage Lord Squires when she was promised elsewhere. “It’s good to see you again, my lord.”
    As she finished belting her robe tightly about her waist, Squires came closer and caught her hand. “Is it? I’ve missed spending time with you.”
    His grip tightened till it was almost painful. She did her best not to struggle, but it wouldn’t take much more for her to do something that would have her expelled from the House. “And I’ve missed you, too. However, I must speak to Madam quickly. Would you excuse me?”
    When she tried to leave, his grip on her hand remained firm. “Not so fast. There is something you need to understand.”
    Meredith sighed wearily. Where was Linnie or an idle footman when she needed their intervention? “I’m afraid I am otherwise engaged this evening. Surely Linnie informed you I’m promised to Lord Grayling.”  
    His eyes narrowed and his grip tightened painfully until Meredith feared she’d cry out. The last time she’d spoken with Lord Squires, she’d heard the possessive tone in his voice and shrugged it off. Now, however, all those little warning signs were back and insistently telling her that Squires was a jealous man. She counted to ten slowly to keep her temper in check, but the man was in danger of having his hand broken.
    “You’ll be mine and no one else’s. I’ll see the bawd and settle terms so we can be on our way.”
    His arrogance astounded her. She wasn’t a