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

bottle.
    “Here, let me.” He took the medicine and skillfully added the required dosage. “Two drops should be plenty.”
    “Is this horse medicine?”
    He laughed at the furrow now creasing her brow. “Yes, it’s the same thing. You simply change the dosage for people.”
    She looked at him suspiciously.
    “Fear not, Maiden. You’ll not neigh or grow a long tail. It’s only for pain. Promise.”
    “And I was only teasing,” she said as she obediently drank her now spiked tea.
    “I still don’t understand what happened here.” The doctor flicked his finger, pointing toward Raven.
    “I was thinking about, perhaps…” She paused, trying to sort out her foggy memory.  “Well, I had a strange dream.”
    He chuckled again. “Dreams rarely leave you injured.”
    “I know. But I can’t remember anything, not clearly.”
    “Very well, then. Let’s start with your name.”
    She blushed slightly and smiled as she extended him her hand. “Apologies. My name is Jenevier Embarr.”
    “Hello, Lady Embarr. It is my honored pleasure.”
    “Please, just Jenevier.”
    “Very well, Jenevier. You may call me Dante, if you wish.”
    She looked closely at her unexpected hero. Dante had chin length chestnut colored hair and his skin was tanned dark by too many hours in the sun. His shoulders were broad but his waist was thin. She already knew he was strong. He’d picked her up and tossed her in the air like she was a doll. When he smiled again, he displayed a whole mouth full of shiny white teeth.
    She could feel only warmth and kindness radiating from this stranger. He had put her at ease—effortlessly made her feel safe, almost serene. It was a warm feeling. That was one thing that didn’t come naturally for her, not at all. Actually, he made her feel so comfortable, she was becoming a bit un comfortable.
    “You really should try to relax. No sleep yet. But try to relax.”
    She jumped at the sound of his voice, and then blushed at being caught staring so intently.
    “Here, let me help.” He moved closer.
    “No, really. I’m fine, Dante.” She could feel the heat radiating off her cheeks. Jeez… what’s wrong with me?
    “I insist,” he whispered, restraining a snicker.
    Only then did she realize he was enjoying her embarrassment. Enjoying what he knew he was doing to her, on the inside. He gently took her foot, removing the filthy boot and sliding off her sock.
    Jenevier slowly leaned back against the sleeping horse’s side while the good doctor began massaging away her tension. She freely released it. Letting it melt away like hot candle wax streaming down a taper. His touch felt like heaven.
    “As you begin to relax, let your mind go. Now, tell me everything you can remember about this dream.”
    “But… you’ll just think I’m childish.”
    “What I think does not matter.”
    She opened one eye and looked at him. He was staring intently at her. She smiled and closed her eyes.
    “What is the last thing you remember?” he whispered.
    She cleared her mind, trying to concentrate. “The lake.”
    “Why were you at the lake?”
    “I’m not sure. Raven… he couldn’t hear me.”
    “Why?”
    “He was frightened.”
    “Why?”
    “I don’t remember.”
    “Try harder.”
    “I don’t… It was the storm.”
    “What happened? Why were you out in the storm?”
    “The wind blew open the stable doors… I heard a voice.”
    That realization snapped her eyes open. Jenevier reflexively sat up. Their noses were nearly touching. His smile widened. His large gray eyes danced with the flickering lamplight. They looked so out of place paired with the reddish tones in his wavy hair, but his dark skin made them pop. Two sparkling stars in the evening sky. She couldn’t look away.
    “Very good, Jenevier.” His voice was calm, gentle.
    They were so close she could smell his sweet breath. The warmth of it upon her face made her whole body tingle.
    He continued to speak without moving away. “What’s