Once Upon a Masquerade Read Online Free PDF

for no reason. Still, she’d be more careful from here on out. They’d never see each other again.
    She stretched her aching shoulders and neck. Although muffled sounds emanated from the ball within, the overall silence helped to relax her. She leaned over the railing as the gentle wind played with her hair, the touch cool and soft, and absently flicked a fine layer of dirt from the railing with her feather duster.
    “You play your role well.”
    She recognized the voice immediately. The duster slipped from her hands and clattered to the floor. Christopher Black.

Chapter Three
    CHRISTOPHER STEPPED ONTO THE balcony as the enchantress he’d followed spun about and retrieved her duster. The hint of fear that flashed in her eyes disturbed him. “Could I persuade you to work for me? You appear quite capable with a duster.”
    She glanced at the item in her hand, and her shoulders relaxed, descending several inches. She cocked her head to the side as if contemplating his offer. “I’m afraid not, sir. But, I could teach you how to fend for yourself.”
    With a slow grin, he drew closer. “You’re obviously more adept than I in such matters. What incentive can I use to entice you to come to me, fair maid?”
    She stroked the feathers of her duster almost nervously. “My services come at a high cost.” Her eyes darted to the floor. “I… What I meant was—”
    He raised a finger to her lips, but didn’t touch. “As I suspected for someone as skilled as yourself.” He rubbed his stubbled jaw and motioned for her to turn about before him. “Are you an agreeable sort?”
    She stood her ground, resting her hands on shapely hips. “Always.”
    Christopher began to circle her, surprised but amused by her pluck. “Do you polish furniture?”
    “I do.” The dark color of her gown accentuated her smooth, porcelain skin. The material hugged her enticing curves, from the gentle swell of her breasts to her narrow waist. Unlike those of her gender schooled to show vulnerability, this woman had vitality, an inner strength that beckoned.
    “Make beds?”
    Playfully, she leaned toward him, presenting her straight, white teeth for his inspection, and flexed the muscles of her arm. “Of course.”
    With a chuckle, he stepped around to her back. “Do whatever your employer demands?”
    “That depends on the demands.”
    When she straightened, he admired the delicate skin at the nape of her neck exposed by her upswept hair. He leaned in from behind and breathed in the faint scent of cloves. “Would a kiss be too much to ask?”
    She shivered and twirled around with a small gasp, her face inches from his. The unusual color of her eyes, a blend of soft greens, drew him in as sure as a wave to shore.
    The corner of his lips curled. After failing to discover anything new about Nathan’s lady friend, he might be able to salvage this evening after all. “Or maybe a simple touch.” He reached down and lifted her gloved hand, his index finger stroking her palm. “Followed by a kiss.” Looking deep into her lovely eyes, he settled his lips on the back of her fingers. “I’m Christopher Black, fearsome pirate. Who might you be?”
    She pulled her hand away and eased back a few steps, raising her feather duster. “Rebecca Bailey, a meek and humble maid.”
    “Meek and humble? I find that hard to believe.” His gaze caressed her face, sweeping across her smooth skin to rest on those remarkable green eyes. “Have we met before?” He had the vague sense they had, although the time and place eluded him.
    Taking another step back, she turned away, her delicate features tensed with alarm. “I don’t see how that’s possible. I’ve just arrived in New York.”
    He sensed her desire to flee and wished he knew why she felt that way. He couldn’t let that happen, not yet. Instead of pressing her further, he conceded with a shrug, “I must be mistaken. Where do you hail from?”
    “The great city of Boston.” The slight smile on