Her Dark Dragon Read Online Free PDF

people of the valley do know. When I was in the bank today, there were several witnesses to my conversation with Mr. Jansen and my intentions. And I don't care what they think about you or Robert."
    "You don't know everything, little girl, not by a long shot. I think you'd better make some calls first thing in the morning and tell Jansen to reopen the accounts and Sam to back off. The house will be sold, and we will use the proceeds to relocate."
    Robert sounded so smug that she laughed aloud. He didn't like being laughed at, and his face turned redder than from the drink. She walked slowly from the doorway. The crash came only a moment later. Only slightly turning her head, Danni saw the broken crystal where she'd just stood, the ice cubes mixing with the spilled liquid on the polished marble floor. She didn't hold back her laugh and knew they heard it. She hated the marble they replaced the original wooden plank floor with, its polished patina shining after many years of use and attention. It was only another nail in the coffin of her family's future. If she ever got to own the house, it was the first thing she'd change back.
    The idea soured in her stomach, knowing she'd never be able to turn the structure back into any resemblance of a home she once knew. Sure Robert and Felice wanted to change their surroundings, only their changes tainted her future. Danni knew she had to get away. With a purposeful stride, she got to the barn and saddled up one of the older horses. It wasn't until she was deep in the vineyard before she slowed down and let her tears finally fall.
    Accepting everything that had been thrown at her in the last two days was almost too much to bear. Making matters worse, she couldn't turn to her best friend, Nico, for help. She felt alone and adrift among the vines.

Chapter Three
     
    Nico waited patiently at their meeting place deep in the vineyard where nobody would hear their conversation. From her tone this afternoon when she phoned with the arrangement, he knew she rejected him just on principle. It was his responsibility to be calm and controlled, to let her say what she needed. Then he would reinforce the positives of his proposal and hope she started to see his version. Tethering his horse to a fence post, he pulled a slim cigarillo from the pack. His one small vice in life he allowed himself and he only indulged occasionally. Tonight he just wanted this one. He didn't gamble, and only drank hard liquor on occasion. Tasting and drinking wine were his life. He leaned against a post a few rows from his horse and settled in to wait. His future was on the line with this conversation.
    It had been smart to give her some time to cool down before approaching her again, but he wanted to be there for her. To hold her and tell her it would all work out. Nico stayed where he was, waiting for her to reach him.
     
    * * * *
     
    In the distance, she could see the glowing head of his cigarette. He stood, propped against a fence post, one leg straight in front of him the other bent back with his boot resting on the post. His left thumb was hooked in the belt loop of his worn denim pants, the other hand held the cigarette. He was an amazing sight, even in the darkening light. His hat was pulled low over his face. She could see his chest move with each puff.
    It was a long time ago that he had kissed her in this very place. She wanted him to do it again. Now she let awareness ripple through her and shifted on her horse's back without thinking. Danni knew she had to get her act together. Being horny at this time was not going to help her. While it might have once been a wonderful chance at the future, she saw now that being manipulated into a marriage of convenience wouldn't solve any of her problems. She couldn't stop being sexually aware of him. Her desire to do all the things she'd dreamt about for years was still forward in her mind. She had to change the subject. She'd always want Niccolo Severino to be her