Bittersweet Endeavors Read Online Free PDF Page A

quite place what . 
    “What’s the meaning of this sudden outbreak, Lucia?”
    Myra immediately realize d that Seth disliked the girl , and it wasn’t for the reason of the laughter she released .  He glared toward the servant through eyes of hatred.  He h arbored ill feelings for Myra , too, but he didn’t display such depths of disgust as he aimed at the other servant.
                    “T’ was I who m she was laughing at, not you. ” Myra didn’t want someone in trouble at her expense and felt a confession was needed in order to protect the girl from his wrath .  She held a challenged, unblinking stare aimed directly a t those beautiful blue orbs Seth possessed .  She found it difficult to maintain her resolve , but she stayed composed.  He turned and faced her , and then leaned down until his nose almost met her s .  A smile brightened his face , but it was an ominous smile that didn’t hold a whit of warmth.  It was at that moment that Myra recognized that she had caused herself more trouble than planned . 
    “And what would it be that you’ve done to have cause d such an outburst from one of our other servants ?”
    Myra observed the fullness of his lips but discarded the thought when the image of how they’d feel upon her own mouth invaded her mind.  Such indecent thoughts never crossed her mind until that moment.  It took her by surprise. S he lowered her lashes , ashamed for having such impure thoughts . She glance d back toward his direction but lost all sensibility once she realized he moved and stood very close to her . His frown set so close near he r lips that it made her quiver.  Myra surveyed his mouth and sighed inwa rdly.  His lips outlined into a feature of perfection , as well as his light, sky - blue eyes.  What came over her?  She wondered if she caught a f ever on the ship and it cursed her into such improper thoughts .   H is eyes reminded her of a cloudless sky on a summer morning , and it lulled her into distraction .  If not for his poor disposition, Myra believed he was the most handsome man that she ’ d ever made an acquaintance .  In spite of his appearance , though, he proved he had the temperament of an aged mule .
    “I am a waiting your reply ,” Seth impatiently snipped.
    “T’was,” she thickly mimicked his tone , “My tongue sticking from my mouth in your direction.”
    S he gathered the attention and snickers from the rest of the servants.  It didn’t serve her well.  It uncovered his full-blown anger.  His eyes closed, his nostrils flared, and he bit hard on his bottom lip.  It wasn’t a good sign at all, she realized too late.  She noted he attempted to stay calm when he vented his anger through clinched fists at his sides.  But Myra held little hope the anger would stay contained if the vein that pulsated within his neck offered any indication to the degree of his displeasure.
    “Do you realize that it was I w ho saved your ungrateful hide?  If not for me, you r duties would entail being on your back pleasuring one of those men who c a me to auction.”
    Such frank words unleashed gasps and surprised murmurs among the women in the kitchen.  A blush me t his strong cheekbones and he shook his head with regret .
    “I apologize for my bluntness . ”   H e offered his regret to ward the wome n who surrounded him and then turned and glared at Myra .  “I think it shall be b est if we continue this conversation outside. ” He opened the door and waited for her .
    She stepped back and edged herself behind the large walnut table that stood at the center of the room .  Again, h e waved his arm and indicated that she should follow him outside .   Frightened at the impending reprimand, she shook her head and relayed that she wouldn’t follow him .
    “Now!”  His tone came so har sh that she flinched .  His eyes narrowed and left her no room for argument . Before she realized her action, she walked toward the door .  Her