Harkham's Case (Harkam's #1) Read Online Free PDF

once.
    It was like a strange cross between a man ingrained with manners but also unafraid to be violent—ready to cut down anybody that acted unseemly. But the chivalry ended there, because he bossed like he didn’t care about anybody else’s opinions but his own.
    It was a dichotomy that fascinated her. He was her protector and simultaneous persecutor.
    What a bizarre situation she was in.
    Was this what it was like in the renaissance? A man there to defend her, but who also made her every choice for her, confusing the shit out of her and making her want to push back? It was freeing in a way, but also burdensome. She was an independent girl, and she needed to be able to do some things for herself.
    She was going to have to speak up about this soon before it got even more out of hand . . .
    “We’re sitting by that window. I need the natural light. When it’s cooler outside in a month, we’ll sit outside,” he said.
    She chuckled. “You’re certainly good at expressing your feelings about things. Most guys’re unable to do that.”
    He beamed at her. “Really? I’m good at that?”
    “You are.” And at being someone she constantly wanted to look at. He was very good at that. Her smile grew wider.
    An urge to kiss his cheek hit her, but she turned away and pulled him into a small line to get some food.
    “This is healthy stuff,” he said, his voice devoid of emotion.
    “Yeah? So? It’s the salad bar.” She shuffled forward.
    “I’m not vegetarian. I need protein to build muscles and keep my energy levels up, otherwise I can’t focus,” he said, pulling away and taking her with him.
    She stopped him by yanking back. “Well, I eat a salad for lunch. I’m not necessarily vegetarian, but the meat dishes here are swimming in unhealthy fats and they have unnecessary sugar.” She leaned back and locked her knees so he couldn’t haul her off. “I can’t eat that crap.”
    “Why not? It tastes good.” He stared at her like she was a monster.
    “I don’t like to talk about it.” She frowned. “Why don’t you let go of my hand, go get what you want to eat and then we’ll meet back at the table you picked out.”
    His hand shook in hers. “I don’t wanna let go.”
    “You can do it. It’ll be for five minutes or less. I swear, I’ll go straight to our table after I get my salad and drink. I’ll always keep in your eyesight. I promise.”
    “Your eyes are beautiful. I like that color of gray. It reminds me of a cool metal, and how refreshing it is to touch on a hot day. I think that’s how you’re able to calm me down when I’m all boiling like a lava man. You’re cool. You’re the ice to my heat. See why we belong together?”
    “Wow. You think my eyes are beautiful?” She swallowed. No one had ever said that to her before.
    “They’re more than pretty. They’re the friend to my soul. They make me feel comfortable and welcome. That’s special.”
    “Thank you,” she said like it was a question.
    “You don’t have to thank me. They’re your eyes you carry with you that keep me happy. They’re interesting to look at, so I do. All class long—I look at them and try to find out what they’re about. It’s a mystery I like exploring, and you’re so nice—you actually let me. Some people get really mad when I do that. But you don’t.”
    “Uh.” She almost trembled in place. He was giving her chills down her spine. No one spoke like this—so unencumbered and unworried about their candor. It was moving. Not just to her mind, but to her body as well.
    “It’s okay. I know it’s strange to have someone be so invasive. I don’t mean to be rude, but you’re like a pulley system I’m rigged to. You move one way, and I have to follow. Your eyes speak, and I have to answer. It’s like a system we can’t deny.” He smiled and rocked back on his heels.
    “Okay. I think that can be a good way to explain it.” She rubbed the back of her elbow. It was a little achy from being