Read Online THE DEFIANT LADY by Samantha Garman - Free Book Online

The Earl’s hands were large and steady as they held the deck. Could she marry this man? And if not, would she find anyone more caring in his attentions? The way he gave her gifts was only a small indication of what he would be like as an attentive husband. Her time was running out, both to find a husband and to pick a card. She reached out and chose one, glancing at it.
    Queen of Hearts. Few cards were higher.
    The Earl quickly pulled his own. “Show them.”
    She lay down her Queen, unsure if she wanted to win or lose. Not taking his eyes from hers, he placed his card on top of hers.
    It was the three of Spades.
    Ivy felt despondency bubbling up inside of her. It was foreign and confusing.
    “My family has never had much luck with wagers.” He rose and stepped out from around the desk and reached for her, helping her stand. His arms encircled her body in his warm, tight embrace.
    “What are you doing?” she asked nervously.
    He smiled in amusement. “I am going to try and convince you that I would be the best, most caring husband England has to offer you.”
    She thought he was going to kiss her, but he seemed content just to hold her.
    “You do agree I give wonderful gifts? Am I right?”
    Ivy smiled. “Yes.”
    “I enjoy card games, which should signify that I can entertain you…”
    Her shoulders shook with laughter as she realized he was not going to accept ‘no’ for an answer.   She sighed as he pulled her closer, and she tucked her head under his chin, enjoying the feeling of being in his arms.
    “Is that all it takes to be a good husband?” she asked softly.
    He pulled back, forcing her to look up at him. Touching her face, he smiled. “That is not everything.”
    His firm, sensual lips grazed her cheek and then covered her mouth. Time stopped for her; the Earl’s hands cupped her face, his lips eagerly pressing against hers. Her eyes closed as she lost herself to the moment, desire unfurling deep in her belly. When he pulled back, her eyelids fluttered open. He was looking arrogantly pleased.
    “Passion is not reason enough to marry,” she said quietly as she regained her balance.
    “True,” he agreed. “Marry me because you think we will have a chance at being truly happy together.”
    Her eyes glittered with emotion as she reached up to touch his cheek. “Are marriages among the ton not usually happy?”
    He reached up to grasp her hand in his, and turned his head to kiss her palm. “People usually only tolerate each other. Most dare not ask for more.”
    Ivy was in turmoil. Her mother accepted what little the Duke offered, but Ivy wanted, and truly needed more. If she was to spend her life with a man, she did not want a relationship like her mother’s.
    “My mother had so little of the man she loved,” Ivy admitted openly. “They had passion, but over the years I watched the light in my mother’s eyes dim each time he left her for his other family.” She needed him to understand she would be nothing like her mother. She would not accept so little.
      “They loved each other, did they not?” he asked.
    Love . The word terrified her. Her mother had sacrificed everything because she loved the Duke. It chipped away at her existence, leaving her a hollow shell.
    “You do not love me,” Ivy stated. “You desire me. You want children with me, perhaps, but love has never entered into your reasons for marriage.” She watched as his jaw clenched. “I dare you to deny it.”
    “I will not speak further of love, Ivy, but you should give me a chance to prove to you that our marriage would be nothing like your mother’s relationship with the Duke. I will not cast you aside, or use desire against you. Give me a chance and I shall give you the world.”
    She stared into his tumultuous and expressive gray eyes, feeling her will bend. Was this the beginning? Would he break her?
    “Must I have one without the other? Are all women of my family doomed for such a fate?” She closed her eyes