Enchanted Read Online Free PDF Page B

harm.”
    “Most people don’t mean to.” She saw the light in his eye and shook her head. “Oh, you’re cynical. I can’t understand cynics.”
    “That’s because you’re a romantic, and a naive one at that. But it’s charming on you.”
    “Now, should I be flattered or insulted?” she wondered aloud, smiling with more ease than she’d ever felt with him, even when he moved to sit at the ottoman in front of her chair.
    “Truth can be accepted without either. What do you teach?”
    “Literature—or I used to.”
    “That would explain the books.” They were stacked on the coffee table and in a box beside the couch. He’d seen others piled on the kitchen table and knew there were still more in her bedroom upstairs.
    “Reading’s one of my greatest pleasures. I love sliding into a story.”
    “But this …” He leaned back, reached over and plucked up the top book on the table. “
The Study of Wolves, Their History and Habits.
That wouldn’t be a story, would it?”
    “No. I bought that on impulse one day, and didn’t even realize I’d packed it. But I’m glad I did.” In a habitual gesture, she brushed at the hair that had come loose from her braid. “You must have seen him.” She eased forward, the delight in her large, dark eyes nearly irresistible. “The black wolf that comes around.”
    He continued to look into her eyes, straight in, as he enjoyed his wine. “I can’t say I have.”
    “Oh, but I’ve seen him nearly every day since I came. He’s gorgeous, and doesn’t seem as wary of people as you’d expect. He came into the clearing right before the storm tonight. And sometimes I hear him calling, or it seems I do. Haven’t you?”
    “I’m closer to the sea,” he told her. “That’s what I listen to. A wolf is a wild thing, Rowan, as I’m sure your book has told you. And a rogue, one who runs alone, the wildest of all.”
    “I wouldn’t want to tame him. I’d say we’re just curious about each other at this point.” She glanced toward the window, wondered if the wolf had found a warm, dry place for the night. “They don’t hunt for sport,” she added, absently tossing her braid behind her back. “Or out of viciousness. They hunt to feed. Most often they live in packs, families. Protect their young, and—” She broke off, jumping a little when lightning flashed bright and close.
    “Nature’s a violent thing. It only tolerates the rest of us. Nature can be generous or ruthless.” He put the book aside. “You have to have care in how you deal with it, and you’ll never understand it.”
    Their knees were brushing, their bodies close. She caught the scent of him, sharply male, almost animal and absolutely dangerous. His lips curved in a smile as he nodded. “Exactly so,” he murmured, then set his glass aside and rose. “I’ll start the generator for you. You’ll be happier with some electricity.”
    “Yes, I suppose you’re right.” She got to her feet, wondering why her heart was pounding. It had nothing to do with the storm raging outside now, and everything to do with the one so suddenly brewing inside her. “Thank you for helping.”
    “It’s not a problem.” He wasn’t going to let it be a problem. “It’ll only be a moment.” Briefly, lightly, his fingers danced over the back of her hand. “It was good wine,” he murmured, and walked out to the kitchen.
    It took her ten long seconds to get her breath back, to lower the hand she’d pressed to her cheek and follow him. Just as she stepped into the kitchen, the lights flashed on, making her yelp. Even as she laughed at herself, she wondered how the man moved so fast. The kitchen was empty, her lights were on, and it was as if he’d never been there.
    She pulled open the back door and winced when the wind and rain lashed at her. Shivering a little, she leaned out. “Liam?” But there was nothing but the rain and the dark. “Don’t go,” she murmured, leaning on the doorjamb as the rain