Desperate and Daring 01 - Desperate and Daring Read Online Free PDF

odd. I haven’t the faintest idea what I should be doing or saying. He is but a steward, an employee of the duke, and yet, in some strange way, I feel as though my future is in his hands. It doesn’t help that he smiles at me so and watches me with those glowing eyes.” Heather shook her head in dismay.
    “I beg your pardon?” Lucy said.
    Heather looked up to find her friends staring at her peculiarly. “What did I say?”
    “Something about his smile and glowing eyes,” Anabelle prompted with a smile.
    “Do feel free to elaborate.” Hazel nodded encouragingly.
    “What? No. There is nothing that needs clarification, I assure you. He is simply watching me—for the duke, I would presume.”
    Lucy squinted at her. “For the duke, you say. And yet you say his eyes are glowing? How would you describe glowing eyes exactly? I would like to know when a man’s eyes are glowing when he looks at me.”
    Heather wanted to melt into the sofa. “Forget I said anything.”
    “We can’t now. We will all be watching him watching you the rest of the evening.” Charlotte laughed quietly.
    “No, you won’t.” Heather stood. “I’ve had quite enough excitement for one day and wish to retire. I will see you tomorrow if I don’t throw myself from my window.
    “Heather, don’t run away,” Lucy bid.
    “I’m not running. I’m walking at an appropriate pace. Goodnight, you harpies,” Heather said in affectionate weariness. She caught her mother’s eyes as she headed for the door and somehow conveyed her intent. Her mother didn’t stop her, only nodded in understanding, and continued talking to Lady Wellsford.

Chapter 4
    Once out of sight, Heather picked up her pace and headed up the stairs. She was about to put her foot on the first step of the next set of stairs when a shadow moved in the hall.
    “Miss Everly,” he said.
    Heather froze. She slowly turned, just barely able to see his face in the shadows of the corridor, but she knew his voice already, and now knew the feeling of his eyes touching her.
    “Mr. Calder.”
    “I was hoping to speak with you again. I think we may have gotten off on the wrong foot. Will you join me?”
    Heather hesitated. She should say no. She should go straight to her room to do what she meant to do, which was to go to bed and to wish this day was just a terrible dream.
    She certainly felt like she was dreaming. Like all her movements were languid and heavy, and she had no control of where it led. She nodded and turned towards him. His features became clearer, his lips turning up on one side in a half smile. He looked uncertain. Good.
    “Lady Endervale is lending me the use of her sitting room for the duke’s use.” He opened the door to a small room with a chaise lounge and a small desk. A small fire filled the room with adequate warmth and an oil lamp glowed on the desk. “I don’t think she’s ever used it.” His voiced was tinged with amusement.
    He waved her through and Heather entered slowly. He walked around her and pulled a chair from the wall, placing it before the desk.
    Heather took the seat and folded her hands in her lap, nervously resigning herself to another interview of sorts. “Have you more questions then?”
    “I actually wondered if perhaps you had some questions of your own, Miss Everly. The duke seems to inspire questions and curiosity.” He smiled and a dimple winked at her.
    Heather felt her mouth go dry. How could a steward be so boyishly handsome? Something was different about him… “Where are your spectacles, Mr. Calder?” she asked in astonishment. Her eyes greedily absorbed his face in pleasure and discomfort. Without the glasses, he was much more masculine, his eyes magnetically blue, his jaw wide and firm. He had a cleft in his chin. Had she noticed that before? She noticed it now. She couldn’t seem to stop herself from staring at him.
    “I have trouble seeing distant things. I don’t need them when working,” he answered