Steam Guardians 01 - A Lady Can Never Be Too Curious Read Online Free PDF

a deep pain, and she discovered herself battling the urge to console him.
    “Not enough to regret my choice. I am proud to be an Illuminist and a guardian of our order.”
    Now that she was looking closer at the pin, she could see a pair of crossed swords on the top and a crystal set into it.
    “Guardian…So you are a constable?”
    “Closer to a Knight of the Garter. My duty doesn’t end at shift change. To become a guardian is a lifelong commitment.”
    She could see there was dedication in him and even something she might describe as nobility. For certain, she had heard the word honor used by the men of her father’s acquaintance, but Darius was the first man she’d met who seemed to embody the quality.
    “As a guardian, it is my duty to escort you off our property.”
    He reached out and secured her upper arm in his firm grip while pressing on the ear device. They passed through the door and into the hallway.
    “You had to leave someone behind who you cared about, didn’t you? It was a lady. That’s why you were taking such delight in needling me.”
    Surprise registered on his face, shining through the stern expression of duty, but it vanished almost as soon as it appeared.
    “Don’t meddle in my personal affairs, Janette. Unless you plan to become an Illuminist, we will remain strangers.” He was warning her now, but it was a personal one—and yet the man was dangling a temptation in front of her nose too. It felt like he was daring her to try living as an Illuminist.
    To try living near him…
    “Perhaps I will,” she countered. “But I must say, you handle me far too much for someone who continues to insist we shall never cross paths again.”
    He froze, his dark eyes glittering. The grip on her arm tightened, just a fraction, betraying a reaction from him.
    “My world is more concerned with facts. We do not spend our time worrying about propriety, since it changes so often.”
    Just for a moment, his expression transformed into something she might honestly label roguish. The hard, judgmental security man had been vanquished, and in his place was a man who sent heat surging up into her cheeks once more. She looked away, without really thinking. It was pure response, an instinctive need to shield her innermost thoughts from him. The reason was simple; he was far more capable than any young swain she’d tried flirting with.
    “Yet apparently you lack the courage to see your course through,” he accused softly. “You appear quite maidenly with your eyes cast down.”
    She snapped her head back around. “I did not lack the confidence to walk past your doorman.”
    “Yet you lack the nerve to witness what your barbed words kindle.”
    His face hadn’t returned to the cold expression, but there was definitely judgment reflecting from his eyes. “I believe I understand you very well, Janette. You long for something you know comes with consequences. Reaching for it will cost you the security of the position you currently occupy.” He retreated behind a carefully controlled expression once more. “A facet of reality we all encounter at some point in our lives. The difference between us is how we both meet the moment of decision.”
    “I stand before you, proving I am not some timid mouse, sir.” Boldness sent her chin up in defiance. “I am not afraid to seek out what I desire.”
    One dark eyebrow rose, and the challenge returned to his eyes. “But do you have any idea what it is you desire, Miss Aston?”
    “Yes, I believe I do—”
    He tugged on her arm, and she ended up against the man. For one moment, their bodies were firmly pressed together. She was sure her heart stopped for several beats.
    “As you already noticed, I am not a gentleman.” His hand smoothed down her back in a long stroke that sent enjoyment through her. “Tease me, and I will be happy to respond. Pretense is not practiced here, and I’m interesting in doing more than kissing the back of your gloved hand.”
    She