Dare to be Mine Read online

  BOOKS BY KIM ALLISON

  Dare to be Mine

  The Tryst

  hat happened last year

  Dare to be Mine

  Kim Allison

  escaped her lips and

  Copyright 2013 by Kim Allison Brown

  All rights reserved. First Edition: September 2013

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

  Cover Design by Sarah Youngblood Walker

  CONTENTS

  Chapter 1C:Documents and SettingsOwnerMy DocumentsDareToBeMine.odt#Chapter 1

  Chapter 2C:Documents and SettingsOwnerMy DocumentsDareToBeMine.odt#Chapter 2

  Chapter 3C:Documents and SettingsOwnerMy DocumentsDareToBeMine.odt#Chapter 3

  Chapter 4C:Documents and SettingsOwnerMy DocumentsDareToBeMine.odt#Chapter 4

  Chapter 5C:Documents and SettingsOwnerMy DocumentsDareToBeMine.odt#Chapter 5

  Chapter 6C:Documents and SettingsOwnerMy DocumentsDareToBeMine.odt#Chapter 6

  Chapter 7C:Documents and SettingsOwnerMy DocumentsDareToBeMine.odt#Chapter 7

  Chapter 8C:Documents and SettingsOwnerMy DocumentsDareToBeMine.odt#Chapter 8

  Chapter 9C:Documents and SettingsOwnerMy DocumentsDareToBeMine.odt#Chapter 9

  Chapter 10C:Documents and SettingsOwnerMy DocumentsDareToBeMine.odt#Chapter 10

  Chapter 11C:Documents and SettingsOwnerMy DocumentsDareToBeMine.odt#Chapter 11

  Chapter 12C:Documents and SettingsOwnerMy DocumentsDareToBeMine.odt#Chapter 12

  Chapter 13C:Documents and SettingsOwnerMy DocumentsDareToBeMine.odt#Chapter 13

  Chapter 14C:Documents and SettingsOwnerMy DocumentsDareToBeMine.odt#Chapter 14

  Chapter 15C:Documents and SettingsOwnerMy DocumentsDareToBeMine.odt#Chapter 15

  Chapter 16C:Documents and SettingsOwnerMy DocumentsDareToBeMine.odt#Chapter 16

  Chapter 17C:Documents and SettingsOwnerMy DocumentsDareToBeMine.odt#Chapter 17

  Chapter 18C:Documents and SettingsOwnerMy DocumentsDareToBeMine.odt#Chapter 18

  Chapter 19C:Documents and SettingsOwnerMy DocumentsDareToBeMine.odt#Chapter 19

  Chapter 20C:Documents and SettingsOwnerMy DocumentsDareToBeMine.odt#Chapter 20

  Chapter 21C:Documents and SettingsOwnerMy DocumentsDareToBeMine.odt#Chapter 21

  for the time being.

  CHAPTER 1

  She ignored the chill of dread eerily making its way up her spine. The sound of her shallow breathing was a disturbing reminder that perhaps all would not end well. Her eyes widened in fright as a brilliant flash of lightning scorched across the black haunting night, the deafening crash of thunder startling her. Relentless sheets of rain pounded against the windows as the antique clock eerily claimed the hour of midnight in the distance.

  She should have stayed in bed, the young woman mused. It was too late, however, to regain that last shred of dignity now that she'd foolishly sought to approach her husband. Too late to recall those wifely words she must sweetly implore in attempt to become a spouse in the truest meaning of the word.

  Stray tendrils of raven black hair cradled her face as Elyssa started at the sound of another clamor of thunder. Storms were not normally such a source of fright for her, but this night it seemed almost sinister. For she was not in the solace of her bedroom, securely tucked beneath the plush blankets, safely away from the world and all its uncertainties. Rather she faced the ruthlessness of her husband, his age reaching far beyond her twenty-one years. And not unlike him, the mansion itself––stifling and lifeless. Elyssa hated the monstrosity at night.

  A dull thud sounded as the lord of the manor set his wooden cane upon the floor. Standstudy, where hiising up, his eyes narrowed in barely concealed aggravation, and he slowly stalked toward his meddlesome young wife. He saw her eyes widen at his slow, steady approach, indeed reveled in the knowledge that despite her vibrant youth and remarkable beauty, she cowered beneath his omnipotence like any menial servant.

  With only dim candlelight, the study was all but dark. Elyssa felt nervous and unfamiliarly frightened as she watched her husband’s eerie shadow make its way along the wall. Her breathing grew louder in her ears the nearer he got. She prayed he didn’t notice the rise and fall of her chest, her unexpected fear palpable.

  He scowled at the sight of the feminine nightgown she was wearing. No doubt she sought to taunt him with the gossamer apparel which fit her supple body like a second skin, only the filmy matching robe managing to cover more than a meager amount of flesh.

  Percy Fredrickson cursed the day he had bought her as his bride for the thousandth time since that fateful night those months past. Though he had not literally purchased Elyssa, the deal had been tantamount to acquiring a piece of property.

  ____________________

  He was at a ball that long ago night solely for the purpose of business, for Percy found socializing a complete waste of time. Indeed, he had not been to any social function for the exclusive purpose of enjoying himself since the death of his first wife.

  Mary, his wife of twenty years, had suddenly taken ill and died. Nothing seemed to matter after her abrupt departure from his life. Not even his son, Daniel, Percy's only living child and sole heir to his fortune.

  Embittered and grief stricken, Percy all but ignored his ten year old child, a son merely yearning to earn his father's love. Sadly, he'd never felt that security even while his mother was still alive. Years passed, and rather than the love he craved from his father, Daniel received only cruel indifference, and more than he could recall, stinging lectures on his shortcomings. As he grew older Daniel figured it to be no more than petty jealousy on his father's part, though the constant disapproval throughout the years dragged at Daniel's soul until his own heart had likewise hardened.

  Percy failed to recognize his son's genius for business though Daniel had proven himself a brilliant businessman once he was allowed to become involved in Percy's for the time being.thitrading company.

  As soon as he was old enough to live on his own, Daniel left home. He eventually left for destinations unknown, swearing heatedly to his father during their final argument that he would never return while Percy yet lived.

  It was rumored that the earl had banished Daniel from his home and business. Other gossip sighted Daniel in France, living uproariously with countless doxies, a different woman every night. Whatever the case, the earl rarely mentioned his son, and when he did it was with a sneer in his voice. It was common knowledge there was no love lost between the two of them. Though the earl hadn't bothered cutting Daniel out of his will, he quickly shut him out of his heart.

  The night of the ball, Percy concluded his business and was on the verge of departing when he saw the most exquisite creature he'd ever laid eyes on. The sight of the young beauty quite stole Percy's breath away.

  She'd been standing alone against the wall, content merely to watch countless couples dancing to the graceful sounds of the string quartet. Her ebony hair was fancifully coiffed, gentle ringlets cradling her oval face. A faint smile hovered about her perfect lips as she watched the nervous approach of a young swain. Gracefully declining the young man's request for a dance, she promised to consider saving him one later in the evening.

  A costly strand of diamonds adorned her slender neck, her graceful fingers reaching up to gingerly touch the elegant necklace. She looked resplendent in a gown of ocean blue, her figure quite perfect. She was slender yet voluptuous in all the right places and Percy had to force his gaze away to avoid appearing the fool should she see him staring.

  After a few
discreet questions, Percy discovered the girl's name to be Lady Elyssa Monroe, the daughter of a viscount. Though she appeared as wealthy as any other blue blood, Percy was told her father was presently struggling financially in the worst of ways.

  Basically, Elyssa was on the marriage market, though through no desire of her own, and not with the normal dowry provided. Indeed, whomever chose to wed the beauty would be the one paying said dowry to her family. Elyssa was only doing what her parents had all but ordered. Still, she put on a facade of contentment, and no one would have guessed that Elyssa was in abject turmoil at the thought of being sold to the highest bidder.

  Before the night was out, Elyssa's parents broke the news to her. There was an extremely wealthy man of title interested in having her to such a thing?"ed to ">CHAPTER wife. She implored them not to make such a hasty decision, for she'd only been looking for a husband less than a week. The viscount and his wife quickly silenced her objections, reminding Elyssa that not only was she wedding an earl, she was also keeping her younger brothers and sister from becoming homeless waifs. Elyssa respectfully refrained from reminding her parents that they were the ones threatening the financial security of her siblings, not she.

  Three weeks later Elyssa was wed to Lord Percy Fredrickson. She nearly wept aloud at first sight of the older gentleman. He appeared much older than his fifty-eight years and Elyssa's skin crawled in the knowledge she was being sacrificed merely for money.

  How she managed to get through the short ceremony without fainting dead away she had no idea, but Elyssa quietly spoke the ominous words I do out of sheer devotion to her family. Hurtful thoughts that her parents were betraying her chance at happiness swirled in her mind as Elyssa watched the heavy ring of silver being slid onto her finger. She had been used solely as a pawn to aid in her parents' financial instabilities.

  She tried not to dwell on those dark thoughts, for the sorrow was nearly unbearable. Forcing herself to smile after they were pronounced man and wife, she allowed Percy to place a chaste kiss upon her lips.

  Shortly after the ceremony Elyssa watched as her father took Percy aside. She saw the money exchange hands, a tear running its course down her smooth cheek as she watched them shake hands, both of them smiling. The deal had been made. The transaction completed.

  They left a few hours later, after the grand reception Elyssa's mother had dared pay for in advance. With the prestigious name of Fredrickson uttered, she'd had no problem in attaining the necessities for a magnificent gala, the majority of the wedding guests completely unknown to Elyssa.

  The ride home was awkward at best for both bride and groom. Elyssa's eyes remained averted nearly the entire time and she spoke only in response to her new husband's occasional query.

  Finally they reached their destination. The Fredrickson mansion was intimidating, yet hauntingly beautiful. Percy was pleased to see Elyssa's expression light up at first seeing it. Her family's mansion was slowly deteriorating, for it had been many years since her ancestors had kept the home maintained as it should be. If nothing else in this farce of a marriage, Elyssa might at least be granted the small joy in running a household she could actually be proud of.

  The few servants that greeted them upon their arrival were friendly enough, though Elyssa sensed the pity in their eyes as they welcomed her. She was led upstairs to a beautiful bedroom, its antique furnishings exquisite, though to the tastes of someone much older than she.

  Surprised that she had been allowed a reprieve of privacy, Elyssa took advantage of the brief duration by partaking of the wine brought her by a servant. The lady's maid assisted in helping Elyssa change into a demure nightgown. She feared her husband would appear before long, and wanted to be beneath the covers in the dark before he ever crossed the threshold. She was thankful they would not share the same quarters, although the connecting door between their rooms would be a constant reminder that Percy was only a heartbeat away.

  Still, it would be extremely foolish not to face the reality that within mere moments Percy would be in to claim his husbandly rights. Hurriedly blowing out the candles, Elyssa left the room completely dark but for the moonlight peeking in through a far window. Endless moments ticked by and Elyssa's eyelids were heavy from the long day she'd endured. Still, sheer nervousness kept her from completely falling prey to slumber.

  A short while later Elyssa pulled the covers up about her neck as she heard a sound at the door. Her eyes widened as she heard the creaking of the knob, the door slowly opening inward. Her body stiffened as her husband entered the room and spoke her name upon reaching the bedside.

  Her breath quickening, Elyssa shut her eyes tightly at the feel of Percy's weight pressing down into the soft mattress. She thought of her beloved siblings, the true reason she was there. Lying in bed with a man far too old for her, too unfamiliar to her, and about to sacrifice herself on the altar of matrimony.

  Thankful for the lack of light, Elyssa was grateful she could see no more than Percy's dark form nearing her. Cool, dry lips pressed against her own and Elyssa started at the feel of his hand on her shoulder, gently pulling her toward him. Their bodies were prone on the bed, now facing each other, as Elyssa dutifully allowed her husband's kisses.

  Percy's tongue touched her lips and Elyssa's mouth opened as she gasped at his forwardness. He mistakenly took her actions as a sign that she was perhaps not as innocent as originally thought, though Percy found that prospect more tantalizing than not, having no wish to bother introducing a young virgin to the ways of passion.

  Even in the darkness, Elyssa felt exposed and vulnerable. She knew she must sophisticated hi dowfulfill her wifely duties, but Percy's nearness was stifling. She found herself cringing inwardly at his every touch. Each one becoming more intimate, more unbearable. She had no idea what to do, what to say, for her mother had never bothered telling Elyssa the details of precisely what went on between and a man and a woman in the dark of night.

  The feel of Percy’s tongue against her own caused a revulsion within. The path his fingers trailed from her hip up her back left a chill. It was only when her husband guided her hand downward past his chest that Elyssa could bear it no more. She jerked her hand away from his bare skin, her soft cry of unwillingness echoing throughout the room.

  Percy stilled, uncertain of her response. Hoping he had only mistaken his wife's sudden lack of enthusiasm, Percy tried once more to relax Elyssa, thinking perhaps she was just nervous. His fingers pulled the strap of her nightgown down over her smooth shoulder. His fingers splayed over her breast and Elyssa moved away, recoiling from him and wrapping her arms protectively about herself.

  Cursing himself a fool, Percy finally faced the fact that his wife was repulsed by him. Her initial willingness was proof enough that she'd most likely lain with a man before. He was apparently much older than the men Elyssa was used to, or perhaps she was in love with another man altogether. Who could know?

  Elyssa turned back toward Percy at the sound of him rising from the bed. She could feel his anger emanating, could sense the humiliation she'd caused. It was the last thing she wanted, her naivete to cause a wall of hardness between she and her husband. Holding her hand out tentatively toward him, Elyssa implored, "Percy, please do not leave angry. I am sorry."

  Her pity only served to force the knife deeper into his back. His mouth set in a sneer, Percy struggled to maintain a facade of nonchalance. "You think to entice me back to bed with a soft voice now?" he asked gruffly.

  "Please forgive my clumsiness. I fear I am not as worldly at heart as I'd hoped for my wedding night."

  Taking advantage of Elyssa's self-condemning words in effort to save what little of his pride remained, Percy latched onto that excuse to ridicule her. "Clumsy is right. But as far as being naive, I rather doubt your innocence at your age."

  "I beg your pardon?" she asked in confusion. escaped her lips and as his l

  "One can only assume that a twenty-one year old who must advertise for a husband is no longer
chaste and pure."

  "I resent your insinuation," she cried, unshed tears pooling in her eyes.

  "And that I have been made your scapegoat makes me ill. Not only have I married tarnished goods, but I paid dearly for the mistake."

  "Percy," her voice trembled, "please do not say such cruel things. I beg your patience with me."

  "Don’t worry, Elyssa. I shall not make a fool of myself ever again where you are concerned. I will continue to spend my nights in a cold, empty bed as I have for years." Leaving Elyssa with one final thought, Percy continued, "As will you. If I ever hear that you have cuckolded me, I shall see your reputation ripped to shreds and you'll be out of this home begging your deceitful parents to take you back."

  The thick door slammed shut behind him and Elyssa remained in bed, her eyes filled with tears as she recalled the details of her brief wedding night. Feeling horrible that she'd hurt Percy, Elyssa was likewise grateful that she had not had to see the deed through. The thought of enduring such intimacy with Percy left her feeling great relief that he would not ever force the issue again, by his own words.

  It was not a wonderful way to begin married life, Elyssa mused miserably, but she would gladly trade an intimate relationship with Percy for a simple life of merely running his household. Surely that great task would keep her busy enough to make up for the lack of her husband's attentions.

  The following morning Elyssa tried apologizing once more but Percy refused to accept her gesture. He reminded Elyssa he had gotten her message loud and clear, and their farce of a marriage would be just that. The pretense of a contented marriage to anyone that might be about. But within the mansion walls, Percy rarely showed his young wife any consideration at all. She had wounded his male ego beyond redemption and although he never spoke of it, it showed in his actions everyday.