[Yukon Quest 01] - Treasures Of The North Read Online Free

rather abruptly, he pulled Grace into a strong-armed embrace, then assaulted her mouth with his lips.
    Pushing against the man, Grace struggled to end his liberties. Paxton would have no part of it, however. He was much stronger than she had anticipated and much more determined to explore her feminine charms than even Grace would have believed. When he dared to trail his fingers down her bare neck to the swell of her breasts, Grace brought her tiny heeled slipper down on his foot. The action surprised Paxton enough that he momentarily loosened his hold. This allowed Grace enough room to maneuver. With all the strength she could muster, Grace slapped Paxton’s face.
    ‘‘How dare you!’’
    Within a heartbeat, he slapped her back. Open and barehanded, he struck her with enough force to knock her back against the garden gate, the blow causing her to see stars.
    Scarcely able to draw a breath, Grace struggled, unaided, to right herself. Protecting her throbbing cheek with her gloved hand, she looked up hesitantly as Paxton advanced. The look of hatred had returned to clearly mark his otherwise handsome features. Grace couldn’t imagine why he should be so brutal with her. She had gone along—or at least pretended to go along—with the engagement. She hadn’t caused him any embarrassment or reason to so abuse her.
    Dragging Grace even farther into the garden, Paxton twisted her arm painfully and finally deposited her on an iron bench.
    ‘‘Do not ever presume to put your hand to me,’’ he said, his tone edged in a quiet rage. ‘‘No wife of mine will ever put me in line.’’
    She looked up at him, still stunned by the sudden turn of events. In all her twenty years, Grace had known nothing but protection and security. Suddenly it was clear that this was all behind her now.
    ‘‘You have no right . . .’’ she began.
    His eyes narrowed, and in the moonlight Grace could see his leering expression as he sat down beside her and pulled her back into his arms.
    ‘‘I have all the right I need. I will take what I want, when I want it,’’ he said, his mouth beside her neck. He placed kisses down her shoulder, pushing aside the gossamer wrap. While holding her in place with one hand, he allowed the other to freely explore.
    Grace knew she had only to scream. The open doors of the house were not but ten yards away. Someone would hear her and come to her rescue. She drew a deep breath.
    He stopped kissing her momentarily and looked hard into her eyes. ‘‘Don’t even think about it.’’
    Her heart raced wildly. ‘‘What are you talking about? Unhand me!’’
    ‘‘Don’t think to escape me or call someone to your side. Your father will lose everything if you refuse me.’’
    Grace studied him carefully. ‘‘What are you saying?’’
    He reached up to draw his finger along her still-throbbing cheek. ‘‘I’m saying I can cause you far greater pain than a mere slap.’’ He grabbed her chin and held it firm. ‘‘I’m saying that unless you cooperate with me and do exactly as you are told, I will ruin you and your entire family.’’
    Fear as she had never known descended over Grace. She looked into the harsh face of her captor and couldn’t so much as pray. The man clearly had plans for her family and those plans included their marriage. But for what purpose?
    ‘‘Why are you doing this?’’ she finally found the courage to ask. ‘‘I’ve done nothing to you. I’m a proper lady, pure and innocent, yet you treat me as a harlot. Why should you take offense that I would defend my honor? Engagement or none, there are still proper behaviors to be expected.’’
    He brushed his thumb against her lips. ‘‘I will brook no nonsense from any woman. You will do as you are told and never will I allow you to question me. You are property and nothing more.’’
    ‘‘Nothing more?’’
    ‘‘Nothing more. This is obviously no love match. This is business—long, overdue business. You may have