A Night of Forever Read Online Free PDF

crunching
underfoot, releasing an earthy scent. He was determined to outrun
his demons, but he could not outrun the beast for it burrowed deep
within. The animal was a part of him…his blood, his bones, his
soul.
    A low fog hovered in the woods, giving the early
morning an eerie, depressing glow that matched his mood. “Perfect,”
he muttered.
    The path forked and he paused, relenting. He didn’t
bloody well know where he was going, or what he would do when he
got there. He didn’t care, he only needed to escape…if merely for a
moment. When he’d arrived at the estate he’d had a plan…visit with
Grayson a month or so until the country cottage he’d purchased was
made livable. Then he’d retire into a quiet life.
    He hadn’t expected Mary Ellen. She’d invaded his
mind, wreaked havoc with his well-laid plan for docility. At night
he dreamt of her. During the day he sought her out. He swore he
could sense when she was near. Even now he heard her name whispered
on the fog.
    Mary Ellen.
    He headed left and further into the woods,
determined to outrun the woman, his need, the demon. Instead of
evading her he wasn’t the least bit surprised when he entered a
clearing and saw her sitting upon a large boulder, a book in her
lap. At first he thought her a mirage, but no. Hell, deep down he’d
known she was here and the animal within had led the way.
    Blood roared to his ears. He couldn’t seem to focus
on anything but her. He saw the slight rise and fall of her chest
as she breathed. The pulse beat in the side of her neck. The auburn
curl that brushed against the woolen shoulder of her gray gown. He
closed his eyes and breathed deeply. Her scent whispered toward
him.
    Mary Ellen.
    “Following me again, Mr. Callaghan?”
    If only she knew the truth. He opened his eyes.
“Merely out for a stroll, Miss James.”
    She slid him a wary glance. “Do you have nothing
better to do than spy on me? Silly parlor games to play? Perhaps
Miss Palmer has a suggestion.”
    He started slowly toward her, afraid of scaring her
away, desperately needing to be near her. “Dare I believe you sound
jealous?”
    “Of that silly ninny?” She released a quick laugh
and slammed her book shut with a thud that belied her dismissive
words. “Absolutely not.” She slipped from the rock. “I’m only
surprised that you find her so…intriguing.”
    He leaned against a tree and folded his arms across
his chest, greatly amused by the way she feigned indifference.
“Intriguing? Yes, she is rather interesting.”
    Mary Ellen released a delicate snort. “I have more
important things to do than discuss the merits, or lack, of Miss
Palmer.”
    “But she is ever so interesting.” If he was smart he
would allow her to leave. Instead, he moved toward her, blocking
her exit. Close, so very close to her warm body. “Why, just the
other day she drew me into a rather titillating discussion on
whether her dress was mauve or rose. It was utterly
fascinating.”
    Mary Ellen jerked her head toward him. She might
have been indifferent to his charm, but he knew how to pull her in.
The surprise in her eyes quickly gave way to mirth. “True. Only
yesterday she cornered me to let me know that my hair should fall
to the left, as that is all the fashion nowadays.”
    Humor and wit were the ways to get to Mary Ellen.
Aidan reached out and took the curls that lay upon her right
shoulder. He just couldn’t help himself. Her smile fell, her breath
catching. For a long moment they merely stared at each
other…remembering the kiss. Remembering how the other had tasted,
remembering the scent of attraction that flowed around them.
    A cool breeze swept through the room, rustling the
leaves, her skirts and her hair. Mary Ellen shivered. He let the
silky strands slip from his fingers and released his hold. She was
not his to have. She was too frail…too human, and he was… Hell, he
was too much of a monster.
    She stepped back, her cheeks flushing. “Once again
you