September's Dream Read Online Free PDF Page A

the fresh air, breathing deeply. No matter what, she couldn’t bear to go below again tonight. How long, she wondered idly, would it take her to count all the stars in the heavens? Would it make the long night pass more quickly?
    She was stunned when a hand clamped about her shoulder, roughly twisting her around. "A bit scrawny, but I bet you got all the right womanly charms, all the same."
    She wrinkled her nose at the smell of liquor on the old man’s breath.
    "Take your hands off me."
    "A scrapper, too. I like that."
    She tried to pull away as he reached a finger to her cheek.
    "Nice, smooth skin. Soft as a baby. I think I’d like to feel more of you."
    A man’s voice, deep, commanding, exploded in the night. "The lady asked you to remove your hand."
    September’s eyes widened as a towering stranger grasped the man’s arm in a viselike grip and shoved him roughly across the deck. The man went sprawling, as the onlookers laughed.
    Jase turned and found himself staring into wide, startled eyes. The innocence he could read in their depths puzzled him. He watched as a tremor of revulsion swept through her. Then, as quickly as the drift of a snowflake, he saw her compose herself.
    "Thank you." She extended her hand.
    Her voice was soft, husky on the night air. It had the same effect on him as her laugh had the first time he heard it. Something knotted deep inside him.
    He stared at her hand for long seconds, as if afraid to touch her. Then, accepting her handshake, he felt the chilled softness against his calloused palm. The jolt was instantaneous. The stunning sexual pull of man for woman. His eyes narrowed, and he dropped his hand quickly to his side.
    Bewildered by his reaction to her, he lashed out in defense. "What the hell are you doing flaunting yourself for these men?"
    The words were out before he had time to think. He hadn’t meant to sound so angry. He saw her flinch, as if he had struck her. Then, her chin lifting defiantly, she met his dark look.
    "I don’t have to answer to you." She started to turn away, then tilted her head. As if to deny her own words, she added softly, "I needed some air."
    September found herself staring into the darkest, stormiest eyes she had ever seen. This man was filled with a barely controlled fury, and she had the feeling that his anger was directed at her. But she couldn’t imagine why. She had never seen him before.
    His brows drew together, forming a frown line that made him appear even more dangerous. He wasn’t handsome, she realized on closer scrutiny. But he was a compelling figure. He was so tall, she had to lift her head to meet his gaze. Thick, dark hair spilled slightly around his forehead and neck. The hand that had gripped hers was strong, work-roughened. He was dressed in a parka of animal fur. On him it seemed appropriate. He was as frightening a figure as any wild animal. Sleek. Silent. Threatening.
    He took a step closer, and she realized that he favored his right foot. She glimpsed a hint of pain before he composed his features.
    "Get below." His voice was a low growl of command. "Before we have a real brawl on our hands."
    He saw the flash of fire in her eyes, before she whirled away, nearly colliding with Deke Kenyon.
    Deke studied her for long moments, holding her at arm’s length. "You shouldn’t be out here, Miss Malloy. These men have been aboard too long. After a while, they forget how to be civilized."
    He saw the relief in her eyes even before she spoke. "Yes, I realize that now. I’m afraid there was a scene. But everything is all right now. I’m glad you’re here. I was—I was in need of some pleasant company."
    Behind her, she could almost feel the stranger’s stern gaze boring into her back. She forced herself to walk away, as if unaware of his scrutiny.
    Deke Kenyon stared down at her determined expression. He saw the flush of anger that colored her flawless complexion. "I’ll accompany you to the stairs. You’d better get