Celine Read Online Free PDF Page B

Michel, on break from Jefferson University and full of the political bent of youth, held court. Trevor and his cousin stood with their backs to the entry. Thank God, no one noticed her. She wasn’t up to being caught spying again.
    She counted six people. Where the devil was Justin?
    He emerged from the library. “Ah, Celine, there you are. And aren’t you a sight to behold?”
    â€œThank you.” She relaxed now that he was at her side.
    He moved in front of her, blocking her view of the others, regarding her with a gentle smile. “Your gown is beautiful. As are you, of course.”
    She brushed a hand over the rows of delicate Belgian lace cascading from her waist to her toes. “I would have preferred something less dramatic, but Marie insisted. You know how she can be sometimes. At least the beige is a subdued color.”
    She touched the narrow row of lace gathered around the top of the dress that left her shoulders bare and the top of her breasts exposed. There wasn’t an inch to spare for slippage. The chocolate-colored silk sash tied around her corseted waist matched her doeskin slippers. She wiggled her toes just to feel the comfort.
    Justin gave her hand a squeeze. “Relax. This is an informal family gathering.”
    Lindsey fidgeted. “May I go to the others, Father?”
    â€œAs you wish.”
    He bolted across the hallway like a horse let out of a paddock.
    â€œThat’s what boys do at thirteen.” Justin chuckled and presented his arm. “Shall we join them?”
    Celine slipped her hand in the crook of his elbow and steadied herself. “Of course.”
    The massive room never failed to impress her. Glittering candlelight danced off the prisms of the twin chandeliers overhead. Tall candelabras graced the table, high enough to allow the diners an unobstructed view. Roses, the color of a pink morning sunrise, floated in a shallow bowl in the center.
    The others were assembled near the French doors and sipped either mint juleps or sangria. They turned in unison at her approach.
    Her stomach gave an isolated lurch, and then quieted. Michel moved quickly to her side and blew a kiss across her cheek. “Aren’t you a wondrous sight.” Removing her arm from his father’s, he took it and whispered wickedly in her ear. “Come, allow me to introduce you to my cousin and his parents. You are going to drive Cameron absolutely wild.”
    Celine’s cheeks prickled with heat when she found herself standing beside a man who was unnervingly handsome. What appeared to be surprise flickered over Cameron’s countenance before a cool, almost arrogant demeanor settled around him.
    Trevor stood just behind and to the left of him. She ignored Trevor and focused her attention on Cameron. Sweet heavens. Except for the hazel eyes fringed with the same sooty lashes as Trevor’s and the neatly manicured moustache, the two could be brothers. Cameron’s height was nearly the same as his cousin’s, his hair the same mass of thick black waves. His large frame showed to advantage in finely tailored clothing as well.
    She shot a quick glance at Trevor. He gave her a small nod. Were they both haughty men? She went back to acknowledging Trevor’s cousin while Michel made the introductions.
    Cameron was all charm. No, arrogance was not what the two men displayed—this was power. And mischief. And confidence. Along with dazzling charisma. Lord, the two of them together must be a formidable force in business matters. And when they stepped out together in the evening, surely they melted hearts along the way. They wore their power like their clothing—impeccably.
    She struggled to inhale. Drat the tight lacing on her corset. She extended her hand in greeting. Oh, wouldn’t her daring friend, Dianah, have appreciated these two? And wouldn’t Celine feel so much more comfortable with Dianah demanding all the attention.
    Cameron took her