Once Upon a Kiss Read Online Free PDF Page B

for
the first time since their untimely arrival, Graeham seemed as revolted as
Blaec, for that proclamation managed to put an immediate lapse in the exchange
between the two. His jaw going rigid, Graeham shook his head. “I..” He seemed
at a loss and continued to shake his head, then choked upon his next words,
coughing and stammering while William awaited his reply.
    As far
as Blaec was concerned, there was no charity in the offer at all. Fury charged
through him, for he was certain William was up to no good. Just what it was he
was after, he could not quite fathom—yet—but he would before long.
    Graeham
continued to choke.
    “Are
you so eager to be rid of her?” Blaec interjected, his tone brimming with
challenge. At once Graeham held a hand up to thwart him, but Blaec ignored it,
pressing for an answer. It was his responsibility to uncover William’s purpose,
whether Graeham willed it, or nay.
    William
straightened within his chair. “ We are eager only for peace,” he countered, sounding
at once affronted by Blaec’s insinuation. His eyes narrowed, and in that
instant, Blaec was rewarded, for he saw in them the loathing he tried with such
difficulty to conceal. No, without doubt, there had been no charity in his
offer.
    “Of
course,” Graeham broke in immediately, having gained hold of himself at last.
“We are all eager for peace.” He gave one more discreet cough. “Are we not, Blaec?”
    William
sounded so hopeful, Blaec nodded, though reluctantly, but his gaze never left
that of his foe. Aye, his foe—whether the fiend’s lovely sister was to be
bride to his brother, or not. Glancing down briefly at his goblet of wine, he
lifted it slowly, then proffered it, raising it between them. Another
challenge—may William’s soul rot with the oath. To peace,” he said
grimly. “May it come to—”
    Like
metal to a lodestone, Blaec’s eyes were drawn to the entrance of the great
hall. At the sight of her, it was all he could do to find his tongue, much less
to complete his toast. No longer was she wearing the stolen ruby samite, but a
gown of emerald sendal that shimmered and glowed by the torchlight as she
wafted through the room. Neither gold thread nor silver embroidery could have
enhanced the cloth more than she did, with her stately height and graceful,
willowy form. Though if she was lean, there was naught left wanting in the
fullness of her breast, for as fine as the sendal was, it clung to her bosom
like an envious lover. The thought aroused him even against his will.
    Blaec
covered his momentary lapse by clearing his parched throat. “—pass,” he
concluded gruffly. “May it come to pass.” He brought the cup to his lips.
Swallowing the spiced wine, savoring it with his tongue, as he observed her
over the rim of his goblet.
    Like a
haughty queen, she caught his gaze, met it, lifted her chin, and then gave him
an icy glare before lifting her skirts and making her way toward the dais.
Truth to tell, he thought her well able to give the Empress herself a fight for
the crown in that moment. She took great care, he noted, not to meet his eyes
again. Though it would suit him just fine, didn’t she realize, were she never
to deign to look his way again.
    “Are
you unwell, d’Lucy?” William asked with mock concern. “You seem so... tempered
of a sudden?”
    Blaec
shot him a glare, but didn’t bother replying. It was all he could do to keep
from throttling the bastard where he sat—or glancing up at his too
beguiling sister as she drifted behind him. A shudder bolted through him as her
gown whispered by, the sound of it as alluring as the scent of her that
lingered once she passed. He alone gave her his back as Graeham stood along
with William to greet her, but he was unable to keep himself from lifting his
face to seek again the sweet but delicate fragrance of her. She smelled of...
something too tempting to consider.
    He
heard a kiss, and imagined William pecking her lightly upon her