Desire Me Now Read Online Free PDF Page B

as he walked toward her. She eyed him suspiciously.
     He handed her a small glass pot with an amber-colored salve inside. Kneeling in front
     of her, he scooped some of the salve onto his fingers and reached for her face. When
     she flinched from his outstretched hand, he said, “It will help lighten the bruise
     that’s setting in on your cheek.”
    “Yes, of course,” she replied and held still for his ministrations. She felt suddenly
     shy and vulnerable. Those were weaknesses she needed to guard against. She must remain
     strong.
    Mr. Riley’s fingers were warm and callused, and he was methodical but gentle in applying
     the strong-smelling concoction.
    “You said you were released from your duties,” he said offhandedly. “Might I ask whom
     you worked for?” There was a hint of danger to his question.
    “It does not matter.” She never wanted to think of Sir Ian again, or what he’d almost
     done.
    The look in Mr. Riley’s eyes said he definitely thought it mattered, but he didn’t
     ask again.
    Amelia leaned over to put her boot back on. Embarrassment had her ducking her face
     in a poor attempt to hide the bruise. She couldn’t stay in this house, and she had
     to find a way to pay Mr. Riley for the doctor’s visit.
    “What do you think you’re doing?” His question was sharp, almost angry.
    “I am beyond grateful for your kindness, but I cannot be an imposition to you further.
     I have to go back to the employment agency before they close at the lunch hour.”
    “There is no need. I have sent them a note to advise them of your new situation.”
    Her fingers frozen midtie on her laces, Amelia opened her mouth to protest but then
     closed it again. What could she say? He was domineering and had no right to make any
     such decision for her. Yet . . . yet he’d been there for her when she needed help
     most. And she hated to admit it, but she was indebted to him, as she had no means
     to pay him back for his assistance or for the doctor’s services.
    Amelia blinked against the tears forming in her eyes. She didn’t like this feeling
     of helplessness. She hated that she had no control over her situation. “Why are you
     being so kind when you don’t know if I am even capable of the task?”
    “It is interesting that we met, when we both require something of the other.”
    “That is not explanation enough. I have already told you that I do not know the first
     thing about being a secretary.”
    She saw nothing but kindness radiating from his eyes. And she wanted to trust him
     on this, because he seemed concerned about her welfare, if his insistence that she
     stay was proof of that. But she wasn’t sure she could trust him.
    “We will have to educate each other along the way,” he said, “as I haven’t any idea
     what I require yet from someone whose sole purpose is served as a secretary. Huxley
     is my man of all affairs, but some of his tasks need to be alleviated. I have entertained
     the idea of a secretary for some months and I believe you’ll be perfect for the job.
     You can start with my neglected correspondence and learn how to keep my schedule.”
    “I—”
    He shook his head. “No more objections. I will have a warm lunch brought up to chase
     away the morning chill and then turn you over to Huxley to review some of your duties.”
    Amelia pinched her lips tightly together and stared at Mr. Riley. He was so sure of
     himself, so sure she’d do exactly as he bid. But what right did she have to refuse
     the very thing that would save her from a far worse fate than working for this man?
     And she hated to admit that his concern for her being warm and well fed broke through
     the careful guard she had erected when around men.
    Then something occurred to her. Something she should have thought of sooner. What
     if he wanted the same thing that Sir Ian had wanted? Her heart lurched painfully in
     her chest with that realization. Something in her expression must have given away