Midnight My Love Read Online Free PDF

brother. When
she and Jenny were in school, they had spent many vacations
together at Willowmede. Grabbing the vinaigrette, Alex waved it
under Jenny's nose.
    "Thank you, dearest," Jenny whispered. "That
is quite enough. How bad is he hurt?"
    "He's lost an arm," Alex explained
gently.
    Jenny took the vinaigrette from her and
sniffed it again. "Lost an arm, you say?"
    "Yes, and he's extremely weak and needs me.
Rochdale is waiting below. We're leaving at once. You and Aunt
Haygood can start out this afternoon."
    "Of course," Jenny said, her color slowly
returning. "I'm sorry, Alex. I don't know what came over me. It
must have been the shock--to suddenly receive tidings about Robert,
after not hearing anything for months." She summoned up a smile.
"Now, don't worry about things here. I'll help your aunt with
everything."
    Turning back toward her dressing table, she
caught Alexandra's eyes in the mirror. "Will you be all right with
Rochdale?"
    Alex gripped her riding crop tightly in her
hands. "Yes, he's been kindness itself. He's taken care of Robert,
accompanied him to Willowmede all the way from London, and rode
here with the news."
    Jenny dismissed her maid and rose from her
dressing table. "Well, I'm glad to see there's some good in the man
they call Demon. Will you really be all right riding alone with
him, dearest?"
    Alexandra shrugged a
shoulder. "I'll be fine. I've refined too much on that incident in
the observatory--it was so long ago. And it was only a kiss. He probably doesn't
even remember. I've made up my mind to accept Carlisle's proposal
and get on with my life. But first, I must see to
Robert."
     

CHAPTER THREE
    Damien waited outside with
his horse until Alexandra emerged from the house. She had taken the
news of her brother quite well. No tears or hysterics like most
women would enact. She had swayed, and he'd thought she might faint. He
remembered the exquisite feel of her delicate shoulders under his
hands when he had caught her. The worry in her emerald eyes had
almost been his undoing, and he had resolutely pushed her away. He
had wanted to comfort her, yet could not. He'd foolishly given up
that privilege long ago.
    A Turlington groom led a sleek black
stallion around from the mews. Damien noticed there was a
regulation saddle instead of a lady's side-saddle on Alex's horse.
He was about to ask the groom if he'd made a mistake, but forgot
what he was going to say when the door opened and Alex skipped
lightly down the steps.
    She looked unbelievably beautiful in her
severe black habit with a split skirt. A froth of white lace
nestled at her throat, and a tiny hat sat jauntily on her head.
When the groom helped Alexandra onto her horse, Damien quickly
turned to adjust his girth. He sought to control the irrational
urge to knock the servant down, simply for touching her. The
feelings were idiotic; he was behaving like a mooncalf. He must
repress such absurd emotions. She was only a woman, after all.
    Mounting his horse, Damien looked toward
Alex. She was seated sideways on the saddle. She waved the groom
aside, leaving him behind as they headed north toward Willowmede.
Shortly after passing the city gates, Alexandra came to an abrupt
halt and dismounted before Rochdale knew what was happening.
    "What the devil?" H pulled on the reins and
turned his horse around.
    "I won't be but a moment," Alex said. "I'll
cover ground more quickly if I sit astride. Would you please help
me remount and then we can be on our way?"
    "My pleasure," he said, unable to hide an
appreciative grin. She'd always been a headstrong little thing. He
dismounted and stood looking down at her for a long moment,
admiring the fine contours of her lovely face. The grin swiftly
faded when his eyes fell to her lips. They were soft and red like
rosebuds. He knew how she tasted. He wanted to taste her again.
    Swallowing hard, Damien grasped her waist,
tossed her up in the saddle and quickly relinquished his hold.
    With cheeks flushed, Alexandra