A Dangerous Game Read Online Free PDF

breasts, she managed to smile. “You forget that I am used to traveling. I enjoyed the trip since the weather was cooperative, and it gave me time to catch up on my reading.”
    His brows lifted.
    “It surprises you that I can read?”
    “A little.”
    What an arrogant ass he was. “Well, I will have you know I write poetry and music as well.”
    “I was not demeaning you in any way,” he said, a sly smile on his face that completely contradicted his words. “I understand your life has not been an easy one, and I would never belittle a person for not having the same privileges as others. But I must say that I admire you...and Salvatore as well.”
    The anger she felt lessened under his thoughtful gaze and she tried to relax. “I did not come out here in search of compliments. I came to ask you if you would like to hear any particular song tonight. After all, the party is in your honor.”
    She saw the look of surprise flash in his eyes before he quickly masked it.
    “You choose for me,” he replied, taking a step toward her, pulling her roughly to him.
    Every inch of his hard body was pressed flush against her, so close she could feel the pounding of his heart against her chest. He captured one of her hands within his own, and to her utter horror, he pulled it down to his manhood, pressing her hand against the hard ridge of his erection. “Feel what you do to me, Nicolette.”
    She was ready to scream when his mouth covered hers, his tongue thrusting past her lips. “Darian, it is time for dinner!” a woman said from behind Nicolette.
    Darian released her abruptly, his wild gaze shifting from her to his mother.
    The countess glared at Nicolette, before she turned on her heel and went back inside. Darian reached for her again, but Nicolette stepped back.
    “Pick a song for me...just for me,” he whispered, before heading in the direction his mother had gone.

    *****

    Salvatore glanced up at the plaster ceiling with its three-dimensional images and wondered how much his great-great-grandfather had spent on the rendering. In his estimation, it had been far too much. His money would have been better spent on redecorating the all-pink drawing room’s walls and furnishings, which had been overdone to the extreme.
    Darian’s mother approached Salvatore, her forced smile in place. “Salvatore, I believe your partner is out on the veranda with my son.”
    “Thank you, Lady Kedgwick,” Salvatore replied with a curt nod, noting the venom in the countess’s voice.
    Salvatore had gone to Nicolette’s room to escort her down to dinner, only to find she’d left without him. Perhaps Darian had escorted her down? No, Nic would have made mention to him first—unless Darian had caught her unaware.
    Stepping out on the veranda, he passed by Darian, who managed a nod. Nicolette stood looking out over the gardens, her shoulders straight, hands behind her back. He could tell by body language alone that she was deep in thought, which made him wonder what had happened in the time he had left his room until now.
    “Hello, Salvatore.”
    “How did you know it was me?” he asked, kissing her cheek. She smelled of lilacs, and looked stunning in a gorgeous creation of pink tulle over white silk that they had picked up in Paris. How innocent she looked with her auburn hair pulled up high, pearls weaved through the silky strands, and her green eyes and pink lips accented by a light touch of rouge.
    “I know the sound of your footsteps.”
    “Very impressive.”
    She laughed lightly. “I’m glad you think so.”
    “So, how are you this evening?”
    “I am well.” Her voice lacked conviction.
    “Liar.”
    She looked at him under dark lashes. “You know me better than I know myself.”
    He searched her face, noting the obvious. Her color was high, her lips red, swollen. She trembled as well. “What did he do?” he asked, not sure he wanted to hear the answer.
    She shook her head. “Nothing.”
    He took her hand and led