Secrets of Seduction Read Online Free PDF Page B

vast relief. “Thank you. You are very generous.”
    “No doubt I will regret it,” he muttered.
    Before he could change his mind, Skye rose and went to the hearth to don her damp cloak.
    “What are you doing?”
    “I need to tell my servants we are staying and to make certain they have food and beds for the night.”
    “I am not letting you go out to the stables.”
    “Then perhaps your caretaker could go for me?”
    Hawkhurst frowned. “I told you, he is elderly. He’s so frail, he might be blown away by the wind. I will go myself.”
    It was another sign of his uniqueness, a nobleman volunteering to perform menial tasks in place of his elderly servant.
    “That is kind of you to spare him,” Skye replied. “But I should go. I am already half soaked.”
    “Did you bring a valise with a change of clothing?”
    “Yes, but I can sleep in my shift if need be.”
    For a moment his gray gaze drifted lower over her body, as if he were imagining her in her shift. “There is no need. I will fetch your valise.”
    “I don’t want to put you to so much trouble. If you have some extra dry clothing for me to wear, I could make do.”
    Hawkhurst hesitated, then shook his head and stood abruptly. “No, I have nothing for you to wear.”
    The gruff note had returned to roughen his voice. He took up the lamp on the desk and moved toward the door.
    “Do you mind if I find something to eat in the kitchens?” Skye asked.
    “I have no cook to prepare a meal for you.”
    “That is no matter. I’m sure I can manage on my own.”
    He looked skeptical but shrugged. “I will show you to the kitchens.”
    Quickly gathering the rest of her things, Skye followed him from the study and attempted to fall into step beside him. She had to hurry to match his long stride as he moved along the corridor.
    He was at least a head taller than she, with a commanding demeanor that shouted nobility and a powerful, athletic build that made her feel intensely feminine and protected. His authoritative presence was rather comforting when the lamplight cast dancing shadows all around them. Hawkhurst Castle was more elegant manor than keep or fortress, but so dark and gloomy, she could easily believe it haunted by the ghosts of his late family.
    Because the estate was entailed, it could not have been sold, but with his wealth, Hawkhurst had the means to purchase another home for his new bride—which made it all the more admirable that he had returned to face his past.
    A shiver ran down Skye’s spine at the thought of ghosts, and she moved a little closer to Hawkhurst. When her arm accidently brushed his, she felt that fiery jolt of awareness again. Her startled glance upward at his strong profile caught a muscle flexing in his jaw, as if he, too, had felt the heat.
    He led her down a flight of stairs, deep into the bowels of the castle. When they finally reached the kitchens, which comprised several large rooms, Skye was relieved to see a fire going in both the hearth and the cookstove.
    Hawkhurst indicated the door to the pantry and spoke tersely. “I will leave the lamp with you.” Then he flung a cloak around his broad shoulders and left by way of a rear entrance.
    Before the door shut behind him, Skye could hear the rain drumming against the pavement outside. She regretted making him brave the storm for her sake, but she hoped to repay him by preparing some hot tea and a meal for him.
    Skye rummaged in the pantry awhile, then busied herself putting a kettle on the stove and slicing some bread and cheese to toast over the fire, then paring apples.
    She also lit two more lamps to chase away the shadows. It was a bit unnerving to think of staying at the castle overnight. She did not like sleeping in unfamiliar places, for strange beds usually brought on disturbing dreams about the deaths in her own family—her parents’ and those of her cousins in the same tragic shipwreck. But she was determined to make her own destiny and not let her future