Silver Storm (The Raveneau Novels #1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

yesterday. I
was quite callous... you didn't deserve it."
    Morgan's drawn face relaxed as he looked down
at her in surprise. Leading the way back to his house, he could
feel his pulse quicken. They walked hand in hand through the yard
to the little summerhouse where they had played as children. Devon
perched on the edge of the built-in bench, facing the glorious
sunrise. Morgan joined her. He felt awkward and nervous, yet
encouraged by her unexpected apology.
    "Devon... I'm so sorry about yesterday. I
behaved like an animal. I never meant to frighten you!"
    She turned to him anxiously, eyes wide.
"Don't be sorry. You love me and I love you. I know you couldn't
help it. I should have been more understanding."
    "Oh, Devon!" Morgan choked, throwing his arms
around her. She endured a smothering kiss and willed herself to
think only of their childhood friendship and lifelong love. If a
French privateersman could awaken her, then surely dear Morgan
could, too. It just might take more time...
    "I couldn't sleep last night," he whispered
against her ear. His hot breath bothered her.
    "Neither could I. I was simply
miserable."
    "Sweetheart!" His damp hands caressed her
neck, then moved to her shoulders and removed the shawl she wore.
Frantically, he touched her bare forearms and lifted her hands to
kiss each finger. Devon fought the nausea that swept over her and
managed to smile when Morgan raised his eyes.
    "I have something to tell you," he said.
"I've been waiting for hours. I almost came to the shop and woke
you. Devon, we received word last night that Tyler was killed at
King's Mountain. I have decided to fill his place in his
militia."
    Her mouth dropped. She could scarcely
remember Morgan's brother, for he had been nineteen when he left
New London five years ago, but the news of his death came as a
blow. It didn't make sense, any more than her father's and Jamie's
deaths, or Nathan Hale's. For a moment she wanted to beg Morgan to
stay. What if he were killed? The thought left an acid taste in her
mouth, and she selfishly realized that she would lose her best
friend.
    "Oh... Morgan. Your poor parents!" she cried,
thinking of those quiet, kindly people.
    "It is hard on them, of course, but I think
they expected it. The odds were against both Tyler and Joshua
surviving, I suppose."
    "But how can they let you go? I don't think
it is a good idea, Morgan. They will need you now more than
ever!"
    "No. Father agrees it is the right thing to
do. I imagine he thinks I should have joined before now. I'm
nineteen, after all, and healthy." He looked at her in surprise.
"Just a minute, Devon! You of all people should be proud of me! You
have badgered me for two years to fight for America's
independence."
    "But, don't you see? Tyler's death changes
all that! I never thought anything could happen to you. But now you
seem so vulnerable."
    "Please, I wish you wouldn't remind me."
    He looked so sad and frightened that Devon
threw her arms around his neck. Burying his face in her fragrant
hair, Morgan choked, "I have to go! If I don't, people will think
me a coward and laugh behind my back—and my father's. I cannot
humiliate him. Tyler may be dead, but my parents are proud of him.
Do you think I can go on any longer hiding behind the counter in
the drug shop? I may not be the bravest person, but I do have some
pride!"
    Devon was swept by a warm tide of affection.
Her arms tightened around him and her breasts pushed against his
chest. "Oh, Morgan, what will I do when you are gone?"
    "My darling, please don't cry. I'll be back.
The fighting will be over soon, everyone says so."
    "Will you be careful?"
    "I promise."
    Devon's lips were only inches away and Morgan
found them easily. Desperately she fought to remain still as his
tongue thrust into her mouth. If only I hadn't kissed that
Frenchman, I wouldn't realize how horrid this is! she thought
wildly.
    Morgan's hands fumbled at her bodice. Devon
realized that any eager lover would show him the