Pride & Pleasure (The KNIGHT Brothers Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

wanted. She had an amazing career. Played solo on stages all over Virginia, all over the country. She had articles written about her, and her face was on the cover of newspapers and magazines. Little did she know that her wonderful life would only last for such a short time, or that her hand would never be the same. She’d always have the reminder of what the mugger took away from her… more than her purse with her driver’s license, fifty dollars and a few coins—or even the cello that was returned to her two weeks later. It’d taken her months of physical therapy and hours of agony just to get to the point where she could hold the bow without pain. Another six months until she could play again. She’d worked hard, hiring the best teachers who could help her get back to where she was—but she’d surpassed her expectations. She was better than before. Yet, each time she thought about venturing back into the world, into public, she was struck with fear. She’d tried, but the attacker had taken away her sanctuary. It went far beyond the deep scar on her hand.
    “I’m sorry, I know you don’t like to talk about it.” Dawn placed the iron back on the vanity top. “Look how pretty your hair is.” She smoothed her hands down the soft waves.
    Avary smiled, not seeing the curls, but only her sister. “Thank you for giving me the confidence to do this. You’re right. I need the money and the exposure.”
    Dawn hunkered down beside her. “And just think. He’s giving you enough that you can purchase a new cello, the one I’ve noticed you’ve been eyeing for months now.”
    It was true, Avary had been driveling over a Ren Wei Shi and imagining how beautifully she could play if she owned one. But maybe it was only a dream. Unless she was able to go out in public without having a panic attack, how would she ever play again for an audience? She didn’t have an attack every time she went out, but she never knew when the moment would strike her. A certain scent of cologne. A particular sound. She was never sure what would set off her anxiety, which made it harder to control.
    Going to the Knight Estate would be the baby step that she needed. She not only wanted the money, but she needed the opportunity to spread her wings. “If this works out, maybe I can get out of your hair and find my own place.”
    “Stop. You know you’re welcome to live here for as long as you need to.”
    “I’m in the way. I have a feeling that Doug would like to stay here permanently.”
    Dawn laughed. “We’ve only been dating six months. Don’t rush things because I’m not.”
    “But when it’s right it’s right.”
    “You really think Doug and I are right for one another?” Dawn asked.
    “I think he makes you happy, and that makes me happy.”
    “Come on. I have something for you.” Dawn stepped toward the hall, motioning for Avary to follow. Inside of her sister’s bedroom, she found her holding the beautiful red designer dress she’d bought to wear for the special upcoming weekend with Doug. “Since we’re the same size, you can wear this.”
    Avary’s mouth fell open. “No way, I can’t wear that. You bought it to wear for Doug.”
    Dawn shrugged. “For what this cost, it deserves to be worn more than once. And besides, I think it’ll look better on you anyway.”
    “Nope. Not happening.” Avary shoved the dress back toward her sister.
    “I insist. Remember we were talking about what you’ll wear to dinner at the Knight Estate? Well, you can’t wear just any ol’ everyday outfit. You’ll want to look your best. Show people that you’re coming back to the world, bigger and better than ever. Let people know you were hurt, but you’re recovering. This is the dress to do that in.”
    Reluctantly, Avary took the dress and held it up against her body. “I-I would need a wrap, something to go over my shoulders.”
    “I’ve got that covered. I packed one for you.”
    “So, you planned this all along?” Avary