Amanda Ashley Read Online Free PDF Page A

ending?”
    â€œDo you really want me to tell you?”
    Kara shook her head. “No, although I must confess, I was tempted to read the end to see how you resolved the conflict.”
    â€œHow do you think it should end?”
    â€œHappily. There’s enough misery in the world.”
    Alexander nodded.
More than you can imagine.
For a moment, his thoughts turned inward, and then he stood up as he sensed Kara’s sister and grandmother approaching.
    He turned toward the door as Gail and her grandmother walked into the room. Both came to an abrupt halt when they saw him.
    Alexander grinned wryly as Gail stared at him. He didn’t need to be clairvoyant to read her thoughts. She was wondering what he was doing there, wondering what her grandmother would say if she found out Gail had gone to see him alone, late at night.
    Alexander winked at the girl, hoping to put her at ease, and then realized Kara was making introductions. He shook her grandmother’s hand and smiled at Gail, who looked relieved when neither her sister nor Alexander divulged her secret.
    He stayed a few more minutes, aware of the older woman’s curiosity. Kara’s grandmother, Lena, was too polite to stare or ask impertinent questions, but he felt her furtive glances, knew she was wonderingwhere her granddaughter had met him, and why he was visiting her.
    As quickly as possible, Alexander bade Kara good night and took his leave.
    He was not often trapped in such a small space with mortals. That close, he had been all too aware of them, acutely conscious of the differences between himself and humanity, of their weaknesses and frailties.
    Outside, he drew in a deep breath, his nostrils filling with the myriad scents of the night.
    He thought of Kara, and cursed the dark loneliness that inhabited his soul.
    As soon as he was gone, Nana fixed her attention on Kara. “Who was that man?”
    â€œYou mean Mr. Claybourne?”
    â€œOf course I mean Mr. Claybourne,” Nana retorted. “What does he do? Where did you meet him? How long have you known him?”
    â€œReally, Nana, you sound just like Sergeant Joe Friday,” Kara exclaimed, grinning. “Just the facts, ma’am,” she said in a fair imitation of Jack Webb.
    â€œDon’t be impudent, Kara Elizabeth Crawford.”
    Kara sighed. When Nana used that tone, Kara felt like a child again instead of a grown woman.
    â€œI just met him a couple of days ago. He donated some blood, and he came by to see how I was doing.” She waved a hand toward the book on her bedside table. “He’s an author.”
    Gail picked up the book and read the title. “A. Lucard! He’s A. Lucard?”
    Kara nodded.
    Gail shook her head. “I don’t believe it.”
    â€œWell, it’s true.”
    â€œAre his books as scary as everyone says? Can I read this when you’re done?”
    â€œYes, his books are scary, and no, you can’t read it.”
    â€œWhy not?”
    â€œBecause you’re too young.”
    â€œAm not.”
    â€œAre too.”
    â€œGirls, that will do. Gail, why don’t you go get me a cup of coffee?”
    Gail lifted her eyebrows. “Do you really want a cup of coffee, or are you just trying to get rid of me?”
    â€œJust do as you’re told, miss.”
    â€œOh, all right,” Gail grumbled.
    Kara took a deep, fortifying breath as she watched her sister leave the room.
    â€œNow, missy,” Nana said, “tell me what’s going on between you and Mr. Claybourne.”
    â€œOh, for goodness sakes, Nana, what do you think’s going on?”
    â€œIf I knew, I wouldn’t be asking.”
    â€œNothing’s going on. I just met the man!” Kara shook her head in annoyance. She loved her grandmother, but sometimes Nana’s old-fashioned ideas of right and wrong made her want to scream. “I’m in the hospital, for heaven’s sake. Hardly a fit place