MIDNIGHT CONQUEST: Book 1 of the Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles Read Online Free PDF Page A

You have a special place in your heart for…Kehr.”
    Davina gasped. How did he know her brother’s name? Then she pursed her lips. “Rosselyn told you of my brother.”
    He opened his eyes and grinned. “Well, I saw the lad in her life, too. But what I said of your brother is what I learned from you. You don’t believe in fortune telling?”
    Davina harrumphed. “You have said nothing to convince me you’re a marvel, sir.”
    A chuckle rumbled deep in his chest, and her heart thudded against her ribs. His eyelids dipped close in concentration. “Honey. You have a particular passion for honey. And your brother shares this passion with you.” He opened his eyes and shook his head. “ Tsk, tsk, tsk. Come, lass. You and Kehr needs be more cautious on your night raids. You two will give yourselves away if you eat so much at once. I suggest you taper your stealing, to avoid trouble.” He winked.
    Davina’s face burned with embarrassment, but that soon gave way to wonderment. How could he know she and Kehr snuck through the castle halls at night to rob the honey supply?
    Broderick leaned forward and whispered, “Fear not, lass. Your secret is safe with me.”
    Davina bowed her head, hiding her smile, and then sat mesmerized as the giant turned her hand into the lamplight and studied the lines on her palm. She scooted forward when a furrow formed on his brow. “What do you see, sir?”
    Their faces were very close as his deep voice cautioned her. “I cannot lie to you, lass. Doing so would be a disaster.”
    “A disaster?”
    “Aye.” His emerald eyes bore into hers. “Times ahead will not be pleasant. But you must not lose faith. You have much strength. Draw on that strength and hold tight to what is most dear, for that is what will bring you through these troubled times that are yet to come.”
    “What will happen, sir?” she pressed.
    “‘Tis unknown to me. I know not the specifics. The lines on the palm do not reveal such details, only to say that strife is in your future. Just remember what I told you. Hold tight to your vision of strength.” He brought his lips to her hand and kissed her knuckles before releasing. Dazed and openmouthed, she stared at him, rooted to the chair. The corner of his mouth turned up, bringing forth his dimple, and she returned the smile, listening to her heart bang inside her chest.
    Broderick cleared his throat and nodded toward the basket. She smiled wider, still staring at him, and he nodded toward the basket once more. She returned the nod, glanced at the basket and gasped in realization. He wanted her to pay him! Too embarrassed at her ridiculous, gawking behavior, she fumbled to pull some billon pennies from the purse at her waist and placed them in the basket, scurrying from the tent without looking back.
    Davina stood near the entrance, catching her breath and willing her face to stop burning. Swallowing hard, she turned to the Gypsy woman. “Thank you for sitting with Rosselyn, Amice.” Pressing more coins into the woman’s hand, Davina offered an uneasy smile as Rosselyn surrendered her empty teacup to Amice. Snatching Rosselyn’s hand, Davina dragged her handmaid away, trying to leave her embarrassment behind.
    “Mistress, what troubles you?” Rosselyn stopped Davina, grabbing her by the shoulders and confronting her.
    The words poured from Davina’s mouth in a rush while she fluttered her hands like a wounded bird. “Oh, I acted like a fop! I sat gazing at him like a doe. He was so handsome, Rosselyn! My heart will not cease ramming in my breast! What plagues me?” Davina fanned her face in a failed attempt to cool the burning in her cheeks.
    Rosselyn laughed and hugged Davina. “My dear Davina, I do believe that Gypsy has stolen your heart!”
    Davina clapped her hands over her mouth. “By the saints! I left my brother’s gift on the table!”
    Sobering up marginally, Rosselyn turned back to the fortune teller’s tent. “Come, then, let us return and