Sinful Deeds Read Online Free Page B

“Jo-Jo, do not make yourself
destitute to spite me,” he said softly.
    He
eased closer, drawn in by her beauty. Part of him knew it would not help the
situation but the sight of her golden hair all coiled up made him want to ram
his fingers into it and send it loose over her shoulders. The faint scent of
roses wrapped about him and drew him in like a siren’s song. Every part of his
body hungered for her.
    She
held her ground and offered him a gentle smile. “I am not destitute. I have my
dowry and some savings. But if you would let me explain.” Her smile increased a
little. “I have sold a painting.”
    “A
painting?”
    “Yes. I
sold one.”
    “But...I
didn’t even know you had exhibited them. I mean, how did someone just purchase
one?”
    The
faintest sensation of possession came over him. He was feeling jealous about a
painting he realised. Never in their relationship had he felt any kind of
primitive instinct over her until today. First it was the thought of her having
other lovers and now he was envious because someone had bought one of her
paintings.
    “I
haven’t exhibited any, but I hope to. Mr Allen says my work is highly
fashionable and will sell easily.”
    “Mr
Allen?” he spluttered. “Who is Mr Allen?”
    Her
excited expression waned. “I have mentioned him, Dante. Several times. He works
at the National Gallery.”
    He
searched his memory and came up with some vague recollection. The truth was,
whenever he spent time with Josephine he was too busy imagining stripping off
her clothes to concentrate too hard on what she was saying.
    Or, of
course, he was actually doing the stripping, in which case not a single word
would have sunk in.
    “So
you’re going to make your living as an artist?”
    That
grin came back. He couldn’t help notice how radiant she seemed. When had he
ever seen her smile like that? Josephine was certainly not a grim creature or
else they would never have got along so well, but the way her eyes glowed and
her smile seemed to stretch farther than he’d ever seen. It was like viewing a
new woman.
    And one
he wanted very, very much.
    “I hope
so.”
    “I
see.”
    He
didn’t really. How would she support herself by merely painting? He hated to
shatter that smile but if she thought she could survive long as an artist,
she’d be sorely disappointed. She should remember that he knew how much she
cost to look after. His Josephine was not a demanding woman but nor was she
cheap.
    “Perhaps...perhaps
when my paintings are displayed, you shall come and view them?”
    Donning
a quick smile, he nodded. “I shall indeed.”
    “I’d
like us to remain friends, Dante. You mean so much to me, and you helped me at
a time when I had no one else to turn to.”
    What
she meant was he saved her from destitution when her husband died. Apparently,
he was no longer good enough for that. No, painting would keep her now.
He snorted inwardly. He would not damage her dream, however. She would discover
the real world soon enough. As rich and as well-liked as he might be, he’d seen
more of the world than she had. It might have been a long time ago, when he was
but a boy, but he had seen enough of it to understand how it treated the poor.
    And
when she discovered it, she would come running back to him. He suppressed a
smile. “If you need anything, please do not hesitate to come to me.”
    She
nodded. “Of course. I am sorry, I really didn’t wish...” Her throat worked and
a slight sheen came across her eyes.
    Damn
her, why was she putting them through this?
    “Well...”
He paused. There had to be some way to persuade her to give up this folly. He’d
never been the best at talking but actions...actions he could do. So, what were
his options? A gentlemanly kiss to the hand when she offered it? Maybe he
should simply sweep her up in his arms and seduce her until she lost her mind
with passion. It had been known to happen many a time with Josephine.
    She
leaned in and went onto tiptoes to