Kissing Comfort Read Online Free PDF

arrangements.” Laughing softly, she added, “And I auditioned four separate stringed orchestras before I hired this one.”
    â€œThen you’re also invested in the success of this party.”
    â€œI suppose I am.”
    He considered her answer for a long moment before he made his decision. “Then you’d better help me up.”
    Comfort stared at him. “Help you—” She stopped talking and rushed forward to lend assistance when he began to push himself to his feet. There was no mistaking that standing required his full attention and effort.
    Comfort took his right arm and brought it around her shoulders, supporting him as best she could. She was tall, but he was taller still, and the fit presented no difficulty for either of them.
    â€œWhat happened?” she asked. “Where are you injured?”
    â€œMy back.”
    She glanced at him, saw his grimace when he stepped forward, and paused to allow him to catch his breath. “Can you make it with only my assistance? Perhaps I should summon more help.”
    â€œI hobbled here on my own. Your support is sufficient.” To prove it, he took a more confident step. This time his lips didn’t twist into a perversion of a smile. “By the time we reach the doors, I’ll be able to walk unaided.”
    Comfort kept her doubts to herself. She slid an arm around his waist to steady him. “You haven’t said what happened.”
    â€œNo, I haven’t.”
    Recognizing that she held the upper hand, no matter how briefly, Comfort decided to take advantage. She stopped cold and halted his forward progress. For the first time since happening upon him, torchlight bathed Bode’s face, and when Comfort’s glance swiveled sideways, she saw clearly what the shadows had concealed.
    His face was distorted by the swelling in his left cheek. It was only a matter of time before it took over his eye. Dried blood defined a slash just below and a little to the right of his chin. A cut on his forehead disappeared into his hairline.
    She sighed with great feeling. “Did you give as good as you got?”
    â€œAt least that good, I hope.”
    â€œThe police? They were notified?”
    â€œAnd further delay my arrival? No. I didn’t make a report.”
    â€œI see. What happened to the miscreant who assaulted you?”
    â€œMiscreants,” he corrected, offering a slim smile. “All away, I fear, run off by a gang of young ruffians who then relieved me of my money and what remained of my dignity.”
    â€œThen you’ll have no justice.”
    â€œIt seems unlikely.”
    Comfort braced herself to take Bode’s weight again. “I think we should use an entrance other than the salon.”
    â€œThat was my intention before I came upon you and Bram. The first side door I tried to use was barred.”
    â€œBram insisted. He was concerned that with so much attention on the salon, the rest of the house was ripe for plunder. I think we’ll find the servants’ entrance open. If not, I can slip inside the salon and find someone who will open it.” She slowed their progress as they reached the fountain and invited him to rest for a moment.
    Bode refused the offer. “Too many kinks to work out,” he said. “It’s better if we keep going.”
    â€œVery well, but if your back seizes again, allow me to shoulder more of your weight.” She was uncertain of his response. It might have been laughter; it might have been a growl. Neither communicated cooperation. When she considered it, it was rather astonishing that he’d asked for her help at all. That must have pained him every bit as much as his back.
    â€œWhere were you assaulted?”
    â€œNot more than fifty yards from the Black Crowne warehouse.”
    â€œSo you were on your way home.”
    â€œI was on my way here.”
    The distinction was not lost on Comfort. Bram lived in the family