Destiny's Daughter Read Online Free PDF

Texas?"
    "Because it was added as an afterthought, much as Texas was added to the Union."
    Annalisa laughed, and Chase smiled his pleasure. She had a wonderful, rich laugh.
    "The pilothouse perches above the Texas."
    She shielded her eyes from the sun and stared high above them. "It certainly gives the pilot a good view of the river from any direction."
    "Umm." He watched the stream of smoke from his cigar until it drifted away, then added, "It also allows him to be buffeted by tremendous winds. I wouldn’t relish his job in a storm."
    While he lazily smoked his cigar, Annalisa’s glance sidled toward the upper decks. Her eyes narrowed slightly as a tall shadow moved away from the railing above. The hair at her nape prickled. Someone had been watching her. Intently. She felt the chill even in the heat of the sun. Shivering, she glanced once more toward the upper deck. A shadow slanted, then withdrew. Someone—a man, from the shape of the angular shadow, had been watching her. But why? The feeling was unsettling.
    "Would you care to stroll along the deck, Miss Montgomery?"
    Chase offered his arm, and Annalisa had no choice but to accept it. Placing her hand lightly on his sleeve, she took a hesitant step. Without even seeming to be aware of it, Chase covered her hand with his and led her through the crowds to the stern. He glanced around until he found a section that was completely private.
    "Would you like me to find a place sheltered from the sun?" he asked.
    "Oh no. Please. I love the feel of the sun on my skin."
    Yes, she would love the sunshine. Like the sun, she seemed to glow with some inner radiance. He pressed his hand over hers and stared down at her. God, but she was beautiful. And she seemed to be completely unaware of it. That made her all the more intriguing.
    He searched his mind for casual topics that would overcome her reticence. "You should see the huge furnaces below decks. They’re fed a continuous meal of bituminous Pittsburgh coal to keep this boat moving."
    "You seem to know a great deal about steamships, Mr. Masters."
    He settled her comfortably in a chair near the rail and pulled a second one close beside her. "Why don’t we forego the formalities, Miss Montgomery. My name is Chase."
    "All right—Chase." She watched as he crossed his leg and drew deeply on the cigar.
    The strength in his thigh seemed to fascinate her. With an effort she pulled her gaze back to his face.
    "I guess I’ve traveled the length of the Mississippi aboard riverboats. I enjoy them. Enjoy the passengers too." He turned to study her. "I like learning all about them. For instance, I find you enchanting."
    "Me?" Her eyes widened. "But I’m so—ordinary." In confusion, she stood and walked to the rail.
    Chase followed her. "Are you? Ordinary?" He nearly laughed aloud. Her hair, that wild mane of dark curls, was unlike any woman’s hair he’d ever seen. Thick gypsy tangles that begged to be touched. Her eyes were as tawny as the golden sun reflecting off the waters of the Mississippi. As clear and intense as those of a stalking cat.
    The wind whipped her hair, prying loose little tendrils. Without thinking, Chase reached out and caught a strand. It was as soft as he had imagined it would be. As he lifted it and allowed it to sift through his fingers, his eyes narrowed. Staring down at her he murmured, "Just who and what are you, Annalisa Montgomery?"
    A flame raced along her spine, heating her skin, making her blood run hot. She felt a strange contraction deep inside. She swallowed and stared at the collar of his shirt, avoiding his eyes.
    He tugged on her curl, forcing her head up. Her gaze met his, and the fire turned to ice.
    "I’ve told you who I am."
    His gaze centered on her mouth. Her lower lip trembled slightly, and he felt a rush of desire that left him shaken. "You’re no nun. At least not like any I’ve ever known. And you’re no innocent schoolgirl. I realized that when I saw you work last night."
    Puzzled,