Free Mysty McPartland by The Rake's Substitute Bride Page A

bolsters that had been placed on the chaise lounge by one of the maids earlier. Mumbling to herself, she told herself not to be a weak kneed ninny and fall for his evident seduction. This was just another maneuver, and she wasn’t going to succumb to it, but still she couldn’t forget earlier this evening how his light caresses on her arm or how his warm breath just under her ear sent a spear of longing in the pit of her stomach.
    The brush of his mouth against the nape of her neck almost made her moan and drop her glass. She shook her head, the man was a practiced seducer and she couldn’t let herself forget it. With a determined grunt and her willpower back in place, she spun around and without glancing his way she marched to the bed and placed the bolsters down the middle.
    Though he thought it was ridiculous, Nathan was amused over his wife’s obvious ploy to keep them apart. “A brilliant idea my love. With those separating us you won’t be clinging to me all night.” He swallowed his laughter when her face turned red and she shot him a glare of irritation.
    Her face on fire, Sheldon sputtered in annoyance. “Why you…”
    “I know, I know. I’m insufferable and annoying.”  
    “Humph, you certainly are that sir.” Sheldon groused and turning out the lamp, removed her dressing gown and slip beneath the covers. Her body and her mind unable to relax, she lay stiffly and craved for her heart to stop racing. “I wish you would wear a nightshirt. It is most disconcerting and uncomfortable lying here knowing you are naked beneath the covers.”
    Nathan had to clench his jaw so he wouldn’t laugh. He managed to clear his throat before he answered her in a careless tone. “Haven’t worn one since I was a youngster. And besides, my dear wife, you have already seen me in all my manly splendor.”
    Sheldon gritted her teeth at the reminder, and how she longed to forget that particular picture, but it was branded into her brain for eternity. “Well I’m sorry to burst your bubble. You must not have made a worthy impression in all your glory, as you put it, because alas I cannot recall the episode at all.”
    Oh the lying little imp. “Perhaps one day soon I’ll have to jog your memory.” He grinned when she gasped.
    She refused to reply to his outrageous threat.
    When she never answered, Nathan waited a few minutes before he spoke again, his tone series this time. “Sheldon is there something bothering you?”
    Only wanting to sink further into the mattress, Sheldon bit her bottom lip feeling guilty because she knew she was about to lie. “No, nothing is bothering me.”
    “Are you sure sweetheart? Because if there is you know you can come to me if anything is troubling you and we can work it out together.” He was disappointed that she wasn’t willing to confide him.
    His consideration made her feel even guiltier and she wanted to weep, instead she swallowed back her tears. “If I have problem I’ve always worked them out myself and I will continue to do so. But I thank you for your offer.” She knew she sounded petty and mean hearted, it was the only way though that she could keep the distance between them.
    Not at all surprised that she rejected his help, Nathan though was disappointed. He had hoped she would have unburdened herself to him, he let out a frustrated breath and decided not to pursue the subject for the moment. However, he intended to bring it up again and again until he found out what was troubling her.
    In the dark, Sheldon battled with her conscious, she waited for Nathan to say something. When he didn’t speak, she was relieved that he wasn’t going to continue the discussion. She hated lying but until she made up her mind about what she was going to do, she didn’t have any other choice. She just hoped what she decided in the end wouldn’t cause any trouble, and that no one would be hurt. Especially Nathan.
    She couldn’t bear to imagine him having to fight a duel because of