Free The Accidental Courtesan by Cheryl Ann Smith Page A

lovers.
    He stepped around to face her. “If you are so intrigued by the institution, then why, Lady Seymour, are you unwed?” He perused her upturned face. There was a tinge of annoyance in her eyes. He bit back a smile. “Certainly at least once since you were dragged out of the schoolroom and had your first Season you’ve received an acceptable offer to wed?”
    Her glower deepened. “Just because I believe the marquis loves his wife does not mean I believe all couples are happy. I have seen, firsthand, the destruction a miserable marriage can bring to a family. I have no desire to bind myself for eternity to a man I loathe.” She drew in a deep breath as if to collect her thoughts. “I am quite content to live my life as—”
    â€œA courtesan?”
    Â 
    N oelle stewed. How dare he remind her of her folly again and again? Clearly, the man was missing even a small measure of manners.
    â€œYou, sir, are insufferable.” She lifted her nose as high as she could comfortably do so without falling over backward. “As I have told you before, you have mistaken me for someone else.”
    Skepticism filled his eyes, and his square jaw twitched. She’d grown to despise that smug look. It showed her that no matter what she said, how many arguments she launched, he’d always know she was lying.
    If only the Thames were closer. She’d greatly enjoy pushing him into the vile water.
    â€œOh, there is no mistake, Milady.”
    Before she could protest again, he grabbed her arm and fairly dragged her toward the schooner. Noelle sputtered at the mistreatment but was unable to pull away. He rushed through a litany of ship terms while dragging her across the deck. Boom, gaff, topsail, stern; her mind whirled, and she soon found herself belowdecks. When he finally saw fit to stop, she took the chance to breathe and scowl at her molester.
    â€œI hope you paid attention to your lesson on ships, Milady,” he said, chuckling. “For I intend to test you on all the terms and what purpose they serve. If you fail, I shall have to kiss you.”
    She shot him a stern look. He was impossible! Choosing to ignore the comment, she examined the small space that she assumed to be some sort of cabin, and dug her nails into her palms. If he planned to ravish her on the narrow bunk tucked against one wall, he’d be in for a fight.
    â€œAre you always such a charmer, or is there something about me that you find distasteful, Mister Blackwell?” She raised her closed fists to about waist level. He made no move toward her, nor did he appear worried. “I came to speak to you privately, and you accost me publicly.” She took a small sidestep toward the door. “I think I made a grave mistake believing I could plead my case to you.”
    This time his brows shot up. “What case is that, exactly?”
    Noelle focused on his chin and kept her eyes averted. In the enclosed room, he seemed large, bold. Her body was emitting small shivers, and she was having a difficult time remembering the words to explain why she’d come. She opened and closed her mouth several times with the struggle.
    â€œPerhaps I can be of help.” He took two steps to close the narrow gap between them and reached for the tie of her bonnet. Noelle’s breath caught. “You have come to fulfill your offer to become my courtesan.”

Chapter Six

    H er teeth snapped shut with a clack . “Certainly not!”
    Why did he have to repeat that sentiment? It was as if confronting her with her shameful behavior was some wicked way to break down her denials and get her to confess to her misdeeds. She was not, and would never be, a courtesan! If he expected her to submit to the scandalous pledge, he would be extremely disappointed!
    While her mind filled with virginal indignation, her body shimmered with heat. The idea of playing courtesan, and freely giving herself to him for even one