Cursed by Diamonds (A Dance with Destiny Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

could feel the humming in his chest, but she couldn’t make out his words over the roaring wind.
    She buried her nose against his neck and closed her eyes to the stinging rain. He smelled of moss and rowan and all things green. Without conscience intent, she inhaled deeply, rolled his scent around in her mind. Jenevier took special note of the hint of jasmine and something else she couldn’t quite make out.
    Is that… patchouli? What a strange combination.
    He stood her up in front of the door, steadying her, taking the heavy bag from her back. “So, you can understand why I’m not too awfully concerned.”
    “No. I have no idea what you were saying.” She twisted her long curls around her fist, squeezing water unto the dusty floor. “I couldn’t hear for the wind.”
    “Apologies, Milady. I was telling you not to worry. The horse will be fine. He hasn’t been injured and I see no signs of him being ill. He seems to be cold, wet, and a little scared. But that’s all.”
    “Raven,” she muttered.
    He tilted his head to the side. “Pardon?”
    She ignored his quizzical look, continuing to wring the cold rainwater from her hair. “His name is Raven.”
    “I see. You are very fond of him.” Dr. Clave smiled, amused.
    “Extremely! He is my best friend… my dearest companion.”
    He used a single finger to pull a soaked curl loose from her forehead. “Well, as I said. Your best friend is going to be just fine.”
    He smiled reassuringly, but Jenevier didn’t notice. She hadn’t taken her eyes off of the dark lump lying still in the hay. Her stomach was twisting in knots as she moved slowly towards the horse.
    “But, how do you know?” she whispered, mostly to herself. “How can you be sure?”
    “As I said before, I am a doctor—an animal healer.”
    “Oh, but you never actually said… My apologies… I wasn’t paying adequate attention to…”
    Her words trailed off as she knelt down by the beautiful horse and gently laid her hand on his side. She felt the hot tears on her cheeks before she even realized she was crying. The stress, pent up anxiety, and pure adrenaline washed over her. She collapsed inside. Joy and relief had caused her tears and they would not so easily be stopped. The constant flowing drops burned her eyes as they healed her heart.
    “I promise you now, lovely maid. He will be fine.” Dante tried to comfort her. “If it will make you feel better, I will examine him whilst you are here. Your obvious fears forced me to check him when you left in such a hurry.” He reached toward her trembling back, but thought better of it and withdrew. “First, you need to dry off and warm yourself. There’s no way you can take care of him if you let your precious health succumb to unnecessary fears. And the chill those wet clothes will leave in your bones, that’s just asking for misfortune.”
    “Rain doesn’t make you sick,” she said absently.
    He chuckled softly, placing his large hand upon her shoulder. “In this… you are correct, my dear. Alas, stubbornness has killed many a great warrior.”
    She smiled at his strange diagnosis and turned to look at him, actually seeing his face for the first time. There, bathed in the soft lamp light, warmed by the gentle smile he wore for her comfort, she saw that this man was truly beautiful.
    Can a man be called beautiful? Are his eyes gray? She had never seen gray eyes before. What’s wrong with me? He is a complete stranger. Kind and gentle, yes. But a stranger nonetheless. She shook her head slightly, trying to erase her straying thoughts. “Well, we certainly don’t want my stubbornness to cease my breathing, now do we?”
    “No, we do not. That would be an unforgivable waste.”
    He softly ran his finger down her cheek. She didn’t flinch.
    “Now, Milady. Go get yourself cleaned up. Fear not. I will stay right here with Raven.”
    “You are wet as well, Milord. Perhaps you should take your own advice to heart.”
    She smiled