Read What a Wicked Earl Wants for Free Online

she spoke beforehand.
    “I suppose I ought to honor my promise,” she said. “What do you want, my lord?”
    He blinked. “What are you willing to give?”
    She smoothed her skirts. “Since we are affianced, at least temporarily, and you’ve no need for money, I suppose I could grant you a…a kiss.”
    He struggled to keep his amusement from showing. “I don’t want to take advantage of you.”
    She wrinkled her little nose. “I am the one who took advantage, my lord. You were kind enough not to expose me, but if you do not wish to kiss me, I will understand.”
    “Did you have something else in mind?” He could provide ample suggestions, none of which any respectable lady would agree to do.
    Her face flushed. “Oh, no. A kiss would do, if that is acceptable to you.”
    “Hmmm. A faux engagement is no small thing, but if it’s a special kiss, I suppose that would even the score between us.” Surely she knew he was jesting.
    She lifted her chin. “You may kiss me,” she said.
    He wasn’t about to make it that easy for her. “I thought you meant to kiss me .”
    “Oh.” She smoothed her skirts. “Well, I suppose that’s only fair since I took advantage of you.”
    Her full lower lip fascinated him. He almost said she could take advantage of him anytime, but he kept that between his teeth.
    She set her small hands on his shoulders, lifted on her tiptoes, and quickly kissed him on the lips. Then she smiled as she stepped back. “There now, that wasn’t bad.”
    “I disagree,” he said. “It was terrible.”
    “What?” she said, her voice outraged. “You— How dare you insult me?”
    “You would prefer I lie?”
    “No doubt you had something lascivious in mind.”
    A slow smile spread across his face. “I expected a real kiss, but if you’re afraid, I’ll understand.”
    Her green eyes flashed. She closed the distance between them, stood on her tiptoes, and looped her hands around his neck. When he wrapped her in his arms, all of her soft, delectable curves pressed against him. His heart ricocheted in his chest.
    She leaned in closer. The faint scent of roses bewitched him. Heat flooded his veins. She was soft and luscious, and he could no longer hold back. “Forgive me in advance,” he said, aware that his voice was low and rough.
    “For what?” she said.
    “This.” Then he claimed her sweet lips.

Chapter Two
    L aura’s head was spinning as Lord Bellingham cupped the back of her head and devoured her lips. She clutched his shoulders, needing an anchor.
    She shouldn’t compare his kiss to her late, elderly husband’s gentle, fleeting ones. But how could she not? Bellingham had taken full possession and left no doubt of his mastery.
    This was a rake’s kiss—confident, provocative, and oh so bone melting.
    She must stop him…soon.
    She would. She must. She couldn’t—not when the faint trace of sandalwood and something else, something elemental, enveloped her senses. With every breath she took, his masculine scent curled inside her like a sinful potion. Her skin heated, making her keenly aware of the fullness of her breasts and of the virile man who so easily led her astray. She wanted his kiss and so much more.
    The heat of his body and the strength of his arms proved as impossible to resist as his kiss. Propriety demanded she stop him. He was not her husband, and a faux fiancé did not count. She knew almost nothing about him—other than he kissed very well. But, of course, she must not let pleasure overrule her morals.
    Just a moment longer , she silently promised.
    The room had grown dimmer even though it was only early afternoon. Rain pattered the window as he slid one big hand down the curve of her spine just above her hips. Then he pulled her tighter against him. Her breasts and belly were pressed all along the rock-hard contours of his body. The carnal embrace felt all too good as she threaded her fingers through the crisp strands of hair at his nape.
    His mouth curved in