Love Rules Read Online Free PDF Page B

To think such pigs exist.” Taking her hand in his, he rubbed it absently, sensuously.
    She stared at his actions, and then slowly pulled her hand away. “Here, look at me and you’ll see.” She opened her dress and let the back down for his gaze. She lifted her hair slowly away. Huge whip marks that had cut to the bone marred the perfection of her golden skin. He touched one. She jumped. He kissed one, she shivered.
    She spun around and her dress lowered, her breast almost bared to him. Her innocence seemed out of place, but it shone in her eyes. She didn’t realize the temptress in her.
    Jesse drew a breath. His eyes fastened on her dark nipples that peeped above the drooping bodice as she moved; his mouth watered. He wanted her, and if she paid attention, she’d know it.
    She blushed as he studied her. Hurriedly, she fastened her dress and let her hair down once more. Obviously uncomfortable, she stepped away and lowered her head.
    “Why did you kiss the marks?” she asked, not looking directly at him.
    “My mother…she always said a kiss made it better.” Jesse felt her pain, but he clenched his jaw to keep from revealing too much of himself. “I’m sorry. I don’t blame you for running. And I’m sorry I stare at you. It probably makes you uncomfortable. It’s just that you’re so young, so innocent-like, beautiful and shy.”
    Her breath hitched, and her golden skin turned almost pink. “White men don’t talk that way to women like me, unless they—” She stopped, peeking at him from beneath veiled lashes. She pressed her lips together. “Maybe you should feed yourself now.” She stood and walked away from him.
    He wondered at that. Why, if she was such a seductress, didn’t she stay close?
    She had him where she wanted him. Why did she back off? Why did she blush when she caught him staring? Why did she unbutton her dress and show him her

    scars in the first place? The act had not been intentionally seductive, but a childlike gesture of trust.
    Nothing added up.
    This woman had been a victim, her and her family, and to witness her mother being raped? He hadn’t expected anyone like her, a poor, mistreated creature and lovelier than any woman had a right to be.
    When he finished his meal, she took the bowl. He reached to touch her hand again. “I’m sorry you were hurt so badly, truly, and thank you for taking care of me. I appreciate your kindness.”
    She shook her head as if she didn’t quite believe his words. Unshed tears hovered in her eyes. Was gratefulness such a rare thing in her life? Surely as one of the best spies for the North, she had the gratitude of the Federals.
    She hurried away. “You should rest.” She cleaned the dishes and wiped her hands on her skirt.
    When she moved about, her leg peeped out from her skirt. As she leaned on one hip to stir the stew once more, his groin tightened. Even the way she stood was provocative, and yet she was unaware. He couldn’t stop looking any more than she could stop being herself, a tempting little lady, and she didn’t even know it. Or did she? Perhaps her charms lay in feigned innocence, enticing without being brazen about it. He was certainly tempted.
    “There are no other beds here. Where will you sleep?” He glanced about the room.
    “On the floor.” She pretended to be busy.
    He stared at the roof a long time. One bed, two people, and a libido that seemed to scream at him every time she shifted toward him. How was he going to sleep?
    Before she blew out the candle, she made a pallet on the floor with old blankets. She carried the lamp to her bed and glanced over at him. “Goodnight,”
    she called.
    “Goodnight.” He looked at her and their eyes met for a long moment before she blew the flame out. Her eyes reflected so many things, all at once, sadness,

    fear. But, when she came close, he’d seen a spark in her eyes. Like a frightened animal.
    A restless night and a nasty storm didn’t help. Water trickled from the