Stone Solitude Read Online Free PDF Page B

the sun.
    A living gargoyle beneath the sun, not the stone statue that was frozen in place.
    “What’s your name?” she asked, sending that pleasurable pulse down his spine again.
    His lips curved into a dark smile as he murmured wryly, “Roman.”
    “I’m Daisy,” she said, holding out her hand as if she truly expected him to take it. When it became obvious he had no intention of doing so, she slowly lowered her arm and frowned. Shit, he should have taken her damn hand, exposed his stone skin to her gaze. But he couldn’t risk frightening her off before he had a chance to seduce her.
    “Sorry,” he offered by way of apology. “I have a… skin condition that most people find unsettling.”
    Tilting her head to the side, she studied him and he had the upsetting sensation that she could see more than he wanted her to see. With only the slightest hesitation, she raised her arm back up and offered her hand once again, “I’m not one of those people.”
    Swallowing thickly at the unexpected kindness, he slowly reached towards her, extending his hand until it was no longer hidden in the sleeve. He watched her eyes as she saw his stone hand for the first time, the gnarled fingers and deadly nails. Her pulse throbbed rapidly in her throat but she slid her hand into his without a second’s hesitation and his cock twitched between his rock thighs. His craggy paw swallowed her much more delicate hand and he felt the touch in the depths of his soul. He had to fight the urge to pull her across the table and ravish her on the spot and he realized he was in danger of losing sight of his goals by a pair of silver eyes and a warm smile.
    “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Roman,” she whispered, refusing to release his hand.
    “The pleasure is mine,” he graveled, reluctant to let go as well. Holding her hand, he smoothed his thumb over the pulse in her wrist and smiled as color climbed into her cheeks. For the briefest moment, he regretted the course of action he had to take but then he hardened his resolve. It was the only way.
    His brothers were unaware of his existence, thanks to the fucking curse, so he couldn’t go to them for assistance, not until he was free and by then their help would no longer be needed. It was damn unfortunate that she lived in a city that was guarded by gargoyles because it made his pursuit of her that much more tricky. Gargoyles took their roles as guardians very seriously and they wouldn’t take too kindly to what he had planned for the innocent virgin. Worse, there were two pods – six gargoyles – guarding this particular city.
    Add to the fact that he was a hideous beast, he was stuck lurking in shadows and tomb-like rooms.
    With a start, he realized he was still holding her hand. Clearing his throat, he forced his fingers to release her and then he hid his stone claw away, “Forgive me but it has been an eternity since anyone has touched me.”
    Tears filled her eyes in sympathy and anger swelled in his chest at her soft heart. Pushing the irrational fury down, he murmured, “Don’t cry, my little flower.”
    At the words, she froze, staring at him with wide, bewildered eyes. Standing abruptly, she grabbed her backpack off the floor and muttered a quick, “Excuse me,” before fleeing the room.
    Sitting back in the chair, he fought the urge to run after her and pull her into his arms. He wasn’t sure if he would rage at her for being too tender or ravage her with a stone kiss. As he calmed his inner fury, he replayed the entire encounter, focusing too much on her sparkling eyes and the feel of her hand in his.
    She hadn’t flinched when she held his paw.
    Shaking his head to clear the perilous thoughts, he smiled to himself. On the whole, he was satisfied with their initial meeting even if she had left so brusquely. Having finally met her, he was far more confident in his ability to seduce her. Not that failure had ever been an option; he was just grateful she wasn’t afraid of