Read Online The Letter by Rebecca Bernadette Mance - Free Book Online
Authors: Rebecca Bernadette Mance
Ads: Link
supposed to be baiting her for his trap. Instead of thinking of his scheme, he was tenderly thinking of her in the fashion of peach-faced youth riding out his first crush.
The shares were the most important and pressing consideration. If Victoria were not aware of them, then the time would run out for her to claim them. Very soon and if he had his way Victoria would never know the shares ever existed.
However, to pull this campaign off, when dealing with the lovely Miss Riley, his emotions must be vigilantly managed. For him to get all that he wanted from her, he was going to have to remain detached. Desire was a powerful force that he could not allow to direct his actions.
He was a Worthington after all.
Worthington always got what he wanted. And Miss Riley would be no exception.
CHAPTER 8
The stunning beauty gaping back at Victoria in the cheval glass couldn’t possibly be her. Victoria Riley had never looked like this. The dress and a few alterations to her hair had done the impossible. Indeed, the very unremarkable Victoria Riley had transformed into some refined, yes, and perhaps even pretty…woman!
The lace over satin Princess sheath gown with its cuirasse bodice gently moved over her curves, hugging her waist before tapering gracefully to the ground. The delicate ornate train streamed down and trailed just a few inches behind her. The long, snugly fit lace sleeves were consummated by a matching set of ivory gloves.
She felt utterly exquisite in the new silk undergarments that arrived with the dress, but the speculation of William buying her such intimate things sent another hot blush to her already pink cheeks.
The clock on the dresser chimed her into movement.
It was time to meet Worthington.
With anticipation rushing through her like warm wine, Victoria collected her handbag and quit the room. Her heart fluttered as she took the winding steps down to the last level of the hotel to find William was standing at the bottom of the steps. He devoured her with his gaze, sending a delicious jolt through her.
Without taking her eyes from his, Victoria slowly descended the final steps gripping the polished wooden rail more firmly to prevent her feet from failing to carry her.
William was utterly devastating in his dark evening tailcoat and black silk high hat. His silver eyes caressed her causing her heart to swell and ache within her.
“ You look utterly stunning, Victoria.” He looked down at her with a sizzle of heat.
“ You look very nice, too,” Victoria tempered her response against his, certain she had never met a more handsome or potent man.
“ Thank you.”
William led her to the dining room. The copiousness of the dining room and the debonair dress of the other guests made Victoria truly thankful her pride had not driven her to wear her mother’s beloved trunk dress for a second time.
The urbanely dressed gentlemen stared in open admiration while the woman gawked enviously at Victoria when she walked into the restaurant on William’s arm. Self-conscious, Victoria swept her hand over her gown in an attempt to ignore the many eyes that followed their progress to a private dining salon.
William dismissed the host with a polite nod and immediately turned to her with a warm smile.
Victoria avoided his attention by perusing the private dining salon, attempting to look as unimpressed as possible. Lavishly appointed, it was a combined sitting room and dining room complete with original oil paintings, potted plants, and a chandelier shimmering suspended above the opulently set table. The opened glass doors gave the occupants a view of the entire restaurant while retaining discreet privacy.
It was abundantly clear that William had successfully accomplished what he intended when he invited Victoria to his home. They would dine alone in this room.
“ We really don’t have to sit in here . . .,” Victoria said, awash with the intimacy of the room.
William went to a chair and held it out for
The shares were the most important and pressing consideration. If Victoria were not aware of them, then the time would run out for her to claim them. Very soon and if he had his way Victoria would never know the shares ever existed.
However, to pull this campaign off, when dealing with the lovely Miss Riley, his emotions must be vigilantly managed. For him to get all that he wanted from her, he was going to have to remain detached. Desire was a powerful force that he could not allow to direct his actions.
He was a Worthington after all.
Worthington always got what he wanted. And Miss Riley would be no exception.
CHAPTER 8
The stunning beauty gaping back at Victoria in the cheval glass couldn’t possibly be her. Victoria Riley had never looked like this. The dress and a few alterations to her hair had done the impossible. Indeed, the very unremarkable Victoria Riley had transformed into some refined, yes, and perhaps even pretty…woman!
The lace over satin Princess sheath gown with its cuirasse bodice gently moved over her curves, hugging her waist before tapering gracefully to the ground. The delicate ornate train streamed down and trailed just a few inches behind her. The long, snugly fit lace sleeves were consummated by a matching set of ivory gloves.
She felt utterly exquisite in the new silk undergarments that arrived with the dress, but the speculation of William buying her such intimate things sent another hot blush to her already pink cheeks.
The clock on the dresser chimed her into movement.
It was time to meet Worthington.
With anticipation rushing through her like warm wine, Victoria collected her handbag and quit the room. Her heart fluttered as she took the winding steps down to the last level of the hotel to find William was standing at the bottom of the steps. He devoured her with his gaze, sending a delicious jolt through her.
Without taking her eyes from his, Victoria slowly descended the final steps gripping the polished wooden rail more firmly to prevent her feet from failing to carry her.
William was utterly devastating in his dark evening tailcoat and black silk high hat. His silver eyes caressed her causing her heart to swell and ache within her.
“ You look utterly stunning, Victoria.” He looked down at her with a sizzle of heat.
“ You look very nice, too,” Victoria tempered her response against his, certain she had never met a more handsome or potent man.
“ Thank you.”
William led her to the dining room. The copiousness of the dining room and the debonair dress of the other guests made Victoria truly thankful her pride had not driven her to wear her mother’s beloved trunk dress for a second time.
The urbanely dressed gentlemen stared in open admiration while the woman gawked enviously at Victoria when she walked into the restaurant on William’s arm. Self-conscious, Victoria swept her hand over her gown in an attempt to ignore the many eyes that followed their progress to a private dining salon.
William dismissed the host with a polite nod and immediately turned to her with a warm smile.
Victoria avoided his attention by perusing the private dining salon, attempting to look as unimpressed as possible. Lavishly appointed, it was a combined sitting room and dining room complete with original oil paintings, potted plants, and a chandelier shimmering suspended above the opulently set table. The opened glass doors gave the occupants a view of the entire restaurant while retaining discreet privacy.
It was abundantly clear that William had successfully accomplished what he intended when he invited Victoria to his home. They would dine alone in this room.
“ We really don’t have to sit in here . . .,” Victoria said, awash with the intimacy of the room.
William went to a chair and held it out for
Similar Books
