Andrea Kane Read Online Free PDF Page A

slight build, your diminutive height…and the most crucial thing, your hair. Not only its texture, but its extraordinary color. Even I was fooled.” Slayde slammed to his feet, began pacing about the room. “Oh, that bastard knew exactly what he was doing when he sent me those ransom notes.”
    “Ransom notes?” The pounding in Courtney’s head escalated. “What ransom notes?”
    Slayde gave her a measured look. “You’re in excruciating pain.”
    “What ransom notes?”
    “I’ll answer this question, and this question only,” he said firmly. “The conclusion of our conversation will have to wait until later.”
    “All right.” Courtney couldn’t help but agree; the pain was too agonizing.
    “From the minute Aurora disappeared, one week ago today, I’ve been receiving letters promising me her life in exchange for the black diamond. Most of them were clearly hoaxes. But the two I received from the pirate holding you were chillingly genuine—and more than persuasive. They each contained strands of Aurora’s— your” —Slayde corrected himself—“hair.”
    “Where did he get—?”
    “From your brush, your pillow, any one of a dozen places. ’Twas only a few strands. But given the color, it was enough to convince me. So I took the risk and gave him what he wanted.”
    “The stone? But now you have…nothing to bargain with.” Courtney could scarcely speak, much less think.
    “ ’Tis time for your laudanum.” Slayde had already taken up the pot of tea and poured a cup, adding the requisite dose of medicine. “If I hold your head, can you drink this?”
    She attempted a nod.
    “Good.” He perched beside her, easing her up just enough to press the cup to her lips, offering her the tea, drop by drop, until it was gone.
    It took mere minutes for the pleasant haze to settle in, surrounding the pain and holding it in faraway abeyance.
    “That tasted dreadful,” Courtney announced.
    “I’m sure it did. But ’twas necessary nonetheless.”
    “The laudanum was necessary. The tea was not.” Her lashes fluttered. “Do you know Papa kept a few bottles of brandy aboard the Isobel. For special occasions. Once ’r twice, he let me taste it. When he looked away, I finished half the goblet.” A blissful sigh. “It tastes far better than tea.”
    A corner of Slayde’s mouth lifted. “I agree.”
    “ ’Tis also stronger. It works faster and disguises the bad flavor of medicine. Next time, I’d like my laud…laudan…”
    “I’ll make certain all your subsequent doses are served in goblets of brandy.”
    Her lashes drifted to her cheeks. “I’d like that.”
    She was asleep.
    Silently, Slayde stared down at his patient, oddly moved and more than a bit unsettled.
    He had time to contemplate neither.
    “Lord Pembourne!” Matilda burst into the room, her eyes wide as saucers. “Come quickly!”
    Whipping about, Slayde stared at the white-faced maid. “What in God’s name is it?”
    “It’s Lady Aurora! She’s home!”

Chapter 3
    S LAYDE SWOOPED DOWN THE staircase like a hawk.
    “Aurora.” Taking the hallway in a dozen long strides, he reached the entranceway door, seizing his sister’s shoulders in a grip so punishing, she winced. “Are you all right?”
    Indignant turquoise eyes gazed up at him. “Of course I am. Slayde, have you lost your mind?”
    He blinked. “Evidently so.” Slowly, he released her, his baffled gaze sweeping her from her head to toe and finding her thoroughly intact. “You weren’t harmed?”
    “Harmed? Certainly not. As promised, the viscountess chaperoned me everywhere.” Tucking a wisp of red-gold hair behind her ear, Aurora indicated her companion. “Honestly, Slayde, it’s not like you to become so emotional.”
    Slayde’s gaze shifted from his sister to the elegant, utterly stupefied woman beside her. “Elinore?”
    “Hello, Slayde,” Lady Stanwyk said. Uneasily, she assessed the tension between brother and sister, her fingers idly stroking