A Daring Passion by Rosemary Rogers Page B

She was a brazen doxy who had willingly put herself, and her dubious virtue, in danger.
    But unlike many gentlemen, he possessed a profound distaste in the thought of bedding an unwilling woman. Why bother when so many were eager to share their bodies? He had done little more than kiss her. And she had enjoyed the experience as well as he had.
    He damn well did not appreciate being accused of such infamy.
    Pulling back, he glared at her with distaste. “Cover yourself.”
    With awkward motions she pulled the coat over her slender form and struggled to sit up. Philippe sternly resisted the urge to rip the coat off her and toss it out the window.
    What the devil was the matter with him?
    â€œWill you release me now?” she demanded.
    Slipping behind his cool composure, he smoothed his greatcoat and forced his mind to return to the reason that he kidnapped the annoying chit in the first place.
    â€œYou say you’ve been acting the highwayman for the past two months?” he demanded.
    She gave a startled blink at his abrupt question. “Yes.”
    â€œAlways this road?”
    â€œNo. I usually remain closer to Knightsbridge. It is far less dangerous.”
    â€œSo this is your first night on the turnpike?”
    â€œYes.”
    He fisted his hands. “Damn.”
    A frown tugged at her brows. “Who are you searching for?”
    â€œThat is none of your concern.”
    Her lips pursed at his aloof reprimand. “Considering you kidnapped me for information on this mysterious person, I would think it very much my business.”
    â€œThe only thing that is your business is whether I intend to bed you, beat you or take you to the authorities in London, who will not be so easily seduced as your local magistrate.”
    Her eyes widened in startled disbelief. “You cannot take me to London.”
    Philippe hid his unease at his impulsive words behind a mask of cool indifference. He hadn’t intellectually considered the notion of taking this female to London. Why should he? Not only did she know nothing of the man he was seeking, but this was no time to be distracted by a pretty face and body that would drive a man to insanity.
    But now that the words were out of his mouth, Philippe had no urge to take them back. Why not take her to London? a devilish voice whispered?
    She was clearly in need of a sharp lesson to keep her from endangering herself in such a reckless fashion again. A lesson he sensed would have to be severe enough to overcome that fierce, restless spirit.
    And, of course, once he had her suitably settled in his town house he would be at his leisure to explore the strange heat she managed to stir in him. It was…dissatisfying to think of her disappearing before he could actually discover if she could provide the intense pleasure that she promised.
    Yes, now that he truly considered the matter, it seemed the most logical of decisions.
    Settling back in his seat, he offered her a taunting smile. “And how do you propose to stop me?”
    Without warning she scrambled onto the opposite seat, her expressive face revealing precisely what she thought of his options.
    â€œI do not understand why you are doing this. I have told you that I was simply attempting to help those in need. If you possessed any decency at all you would release me.”
    â€œIf you seek to touch my heart with your sad tale you are far off the mark,” he drawled.
    â€œBecause you have no heart?”
    Philippe smiled coldly. Raine Wimbourne was not the first, nor was she destined to be the last, to learn the truth of him.
    â€œNo, tolo pequena, I have no heart whatsoever.”

CHAPTER FOUR
    R AINE KNEW THAT SHE MUST be in shock.
    What else could explain her befuddled reaction to this horrid man?
    One moment she was furious enough to stick a dagger in his heart, and the next she was quivering with excitement beneath his touch.
    Oh, yes. She was honest enough with herself to accept