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walked her to the foot of these very same stairs to bid her a good night, and pulled her into his embrace.
    “I’ll see you tomorrow, Sophia,” he’d said in a sultry tone, then claimed her lips in a kiss that was anything but chaste. Surprised by his unexpected boldness, she’d stood stiffly in his arms, unsure of what to do. She remembered gripping Andrew’s shoulders for support, trying to relax. His mouth had crushed down hard on her lips, and a slight feeling of panic engulfed her. He’d never kissed her like that before. It had always been quick, gentle pecks on the cheek, and rarely on the mouth. Before she had the chance to respond in any way, he’d broken away from her. Footsteps and voices headed toward them, and Andrew once again acted like the gentleman she knew him to be. Clearing his throat, he’d kissed the top of her hand, and bowed.
    “Until tomorrow,” were his parting words.
    Sophia cleared her mind. She glanced at the spot where her first real kiss had occurred. She touched her fingers to her lips. If only she had known what to do in response, perhaps then the kiss would have been more enjoyable. She’d heard other girls talk about their first kisses, and how it had left butterflies in their stomachs. She must have done something wrong. She certainly hadn’t felt any butterflies, only a sudden need to get away. Should she dare and ask Andrew to teach her how to kiss him properly? 
    Muffled sounds drifted to her ears from her father’s study. Angry male voices. Sophia frowned. She’d never heard her father raise his voice in anger to anyone. She headed down the hall, and lifted her hand to knock. Just before her knuckles made contact with the wooden door, she paused. She’d clearly heard her name. Why would her father be discussing her with a complete stranger?
    Glancing over her shoulder in both directions, she wanted to be sure no one stood in the hall. Then she quietly depressed the handle on the door, and carefully pushed it open a few inches.
    “She’s got the right to know, Mr. Yancey,” a deep, resonating voice drifted to her ears.
    “I will not upset her with this,” her father responded heatedly. “We’ve been over this already, Joseph.”
    “Dammit. I made a promise to Raven’s grandfather that I would bring her to him,” Joseph argued, his voice growing louder.
    “Stop calling her that. Her name is Sophia. And I also made a promise to keep her safe.”
    Sophia’s heart pounded in her ears. She wished her corset wasn’t strapped so tight. Feeling  light-headed, she couldn’t catch a deep enough breath. Nothing her father or the other man said made any sense to her.
    “Maybe you should ask her what she wants,” Joseph raged.
    “Out of the question.”
    “She’s standing right outside the door. I’m sure she’s heard enough already to wonder what’s going on. Why don’t you invite her in?”
    Sophia gasped. Before she had a chance to react, the door opened in front of her. Her eyes widened and she sucked in a deep breath, or as deep as her corset would allow. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she stared up into the midnight blue eyes of Joseph Walker, and her knees buckled beneath her.

 
    Chapter Three
     
     
    “Oh no, you don’t,” Joseph said, and quickly reached for the girl’s arms. “Stand up, woman, and catch your breath.” He gave her a gentle shake.
    “Sophia, sweetheart, are you all right?” Yancey appeared at his side, a concerned look on his face.
    The girl was limp like a sack of grain, and Joseph scooped her up in his arms. His hand tangled in the endless amount of her bulky dress and all that fabric underneath it, and he fumbled awkwardly to get a secure hold on her. Cursing silently, he headed for the leather couch. The fragrant scent of something flowery assaulted his nose, and he gritted his teeth.
    “Set me down, I’m not going to swoon,” she said, her eyes wide with panic. She squirmed in his arms, and braced her hand against