The Adventurer Read Online Free PDF Page B

Sounds good. ” Leaning forward, Devon propped his elbows on his knees and stared at his scuffed boots. “You’re welcome to join us. Gunda always makes enough for a small army. ” Jessica declined the polite but perfunctory invitation. “Another time, perhaps. ” His only response was a thin nod; then his eyes glazed and he was completely lost in thought. Folding her arms, Jessica leaned back and regarded this enigmatic man, noting how different he was from his paunchy, round-faced father. Other than matching heads full of thick russet hair, the men were so physically different it was difficult to believe they were even related. Crandall was a good four inches shorter than his son, with an orbital face that would have seemed jolly if not for the hard glint in his shrewd, dark eyes. In contrast, everything about Dev on Monroe was sharp, angular, from his chiseled cheekbones to his patrician nose. But the eyes didn’t fit. Devon’s crystalline blue irises were outlined by a dark cerulean shade and reflected a secret softness that seemed strangely alien in an otherwise fore boding landscape. She cleared her throat. “Is everything, ah, all right? Between you and your father, that is. “
    “Hmm? ” Devon blinked as though seeing her for the first time. “
    “Oh.
    Sure. “
    Somehow she doubted that. “I hope you understand that Crandall has been through a lot the past few days. ” ‘ He nodded without conviction. “That doesn’t excuse his rudeness, of course. ” Jessica twisted her fingers together, wishing she didn’t feel compelled to defend her boss.
    “I’m sure he doesn’t realize how brusque he sounded. “
    Devon’s lips curved in a sad half smile that made her heart flutter strangely. “Don’t worry about my feelings. My father and I understand each other. “
    She took no comfort from that, nor was she certain she believed it.
    Having lost her own beloved father, she was dismayed and deeply saddened by the obvious emotional distance between the two men. She was also determined to change it, although at the moment, that task seemed a monumental one.
    Still, she had to try. She owed Crandall that, and so much more.
    “Lieber Gott!” Gunda exclaimed as Devon stepped into the expansive foyer.
    “Your bones walk beneath skin!”
    Grinning, Devon dropped his duffel onto the polished marble floor. “And you are more beautiful than ewer, Liebchen. ” “Such a naughty boy. ” The blocky woman slapped his arm then proudly patted her thick waist. “I am old and I am fat. But you-” She wiggled a reproachful finger. “Does no one feed you? ” “Not like you. Now give me a hug. ” He swept the laughing woman into his arms and swung her around until she squealed in protest. “
    “You will break yourself!”
    “Not me. I’m macho. Haven’t you heard? I run through battlefields with a tank in one hand and a Minicam in the other. ” Devon lowered her to the floor and kissed her flushed cheek. “I like your new hairstyle. ” “Do you? ” Blushing madly, Gunda fluffed her freshly layered locks with her fingers. “There is so little left, my head feels like a balloon” “It makes you look years younger, ” Devon assured her, although in truth he rather missed the fat braid that had been wound at her nape for as long as he could remember. Despite the alien mob of per med honey brown hair and the fact that her apple-round face had begun to sag at the throat, Devon still considered her to be beautiful. Gunda had been like a mother to Devon, comforting him when life had turned cruel, offering warmth and love to counter his father’s indifference. If not for her, he’d have never known softness, never experienced the solace of a nurturing touch. Seeing her again brought back the memories and the gratitude. He affectionately framed her plump face with his palms. “I’ve missed you. ” Bringing up her thick hands, Gunda grasped his forearms’ Then why do you not write more often? It has