Fiery Pursuit (Passionate Pursuits, Book One) Read Online Free PDF

I’m sure you can eat more, but I don’t want to overtax your starved stomach. I’ll be giving you frequent but small meals for a while.”
    She looked at the tray with one piece of white chicken, some fruit and a slice of homemade bread slathered with honey butter.
    Her eyes lit with pleasure as she pushed herself up in bed. “How perfect. May I eat now? Oh do you want to join me, Sir Elf? You must be hungry too. I won’t mind if you have the bigger portion. You’re a large man, after all.”
    You have no idea how large I am and where , Lars thought.
    “I’ve eaten.” It was all he could manage to say. The generosity of her offer stunned him.
    The curtness of his tone made her snap her eyes to his, and then, looking down at her plate, she began to take one small bite at a time. The cabin was silent as Lars again leaned against the wall, watching her with hooded eyes. In spite of her doubtless ravenous hunger, she ate with the comportment of a born lady. One steeling herself to remember her manners.
    She sighed when she’d finished every bite, then looked up at him with a smile.
    “Would you believe I’m sleepy again? Not very polite of me, I know, but it’s like a big wave is dragging me under.”
    “Of course you must sleep. That’s what your system is urging you to do. We’re well under way to England, with no pursuit in sight, so rest as long as you wish. I’ll see you when you waken.”
    He started to walk past her to leave and she put out her hand to stop him.
    “Lars, I can never thank you enough. I’ll do anything I can to make it up to you.”
    He carefully removed her hand and turned toward the door.
    “Just sleep. That’s the only thing important now. I’ll see if I can find some clothes for you to replace that scratchy Arabian robe.”
    Leaving her staring at his curt tone, he walked away. He’d check on her soon, but for now he’d better take his susceptible body from her presence and her touch. Why in mortal’s hell did he have to respond so blatantly to this one girl? For years he’d concentrated on helping others less fortunate than he. This was what he was meant to do. He’d found sexual pleasure when it was offered, but he’d never pursued it. As for clothes, what he was going to find on board his small yacht was debatable. But he never wanted to see that damned dark thwab on his beautiful girl again. An ugly name for an ugly garment.
    And he’d give ten years of his life if he could show her how she could easily repay him. Letting him caress her into forgetfulness of all her troubles. Having his body assure her he’d take care of her no matter what happened. Initiating her into a sexual joining that would doubtless startle them both.
    * * * * *
     
    His senses told him when she woke, and again he hurried back. So much for resolving to stay away from her as much as possible. He’d slung one of his own shirts over his arm. He’d found nothing on board suitable for her to wear. Since he was the tallest his shirt would cover her more than most.
    As he walked into her cabin she smiled at him and swiveled to sit on the edge of the bed. He stopped where he was. He’d meant to be cool and impersonal. He couldn’t do it. This girl devastated him with one smile.
    He didn’t move, but he let his warm gaze drift over her body. The thwab was hiked up over her long, bare legs. He’d massage them with his healing touch again today, but the whip marks on them already were dimmer. Her long, beautiful hair hung in disarray, although she tried to push it back as she looked up at him. Cheeks flushed and eyelids still heavy with sleep, she was even more beautiful than last night. Part of this was due to the food and her long sleep. And part to the look of trust she gave him. He forced himself to step back so it was a bit harder to grab her.
    “Here’s one of my shirts if you’d like to wear it. We’re heading out to sea and it’s getting chillier. At least you can wear this under that