The Ghosts of Ravencrest (The Ravencrest Saga Book 1) Read Online Free PDF

was trying to blackmail me into having sex with him. He’s lucky I called him at all.”
    Randi gaped. “Well … What are you going to tell your mother? Have you even thought about that? She won’t approve.”
    Belinda tried not to roll her eyes. “I haven’t told her anything yet. And I’m twenty-three years old. It doesn’t matter if she approves or not.”
    Randi’s mouth flattened into an angry slash. Their mothers had been life-long best friends, a relationship Momma seemed to think should be perpetuated by their daughters. Belinda knew she needed to take this job. It was time to grow up, to stop trying to please Momma. This apartment was no more than an extension of her room at home, anyway. Her mother still checked up on her as if she were a child; she even called Randi to get updates. It was ridiculous.
    “You don’t even know this man!” Randi’s voice echoed off the apartment buildings lining the narrow street. “Who’s to say he’s not some kind of scammer? Or a pervert!”
    Belinda, who’d been bending to get into the limo, froze. “A pervert?” she asked. “Whyever would you even think such a thing?” Pervert? That’s rich coming from you, Randene Tucker.
    If Randi read her thoughts, she showed no sign. “Well, if his check doesn’t come, or if it bounces, I am holding you fully responsible!” She stormed off, her thick thighs and gelatinous hips rollicking with the fury of her stride.
    “Goodbye, Randi.” Belinda got into the back seat, and Mr. Hardwicke pulled out. And good riddance.
    As they made their way back to Ravencrest, Walter Hardwicke was silent. He was a handsome man, she supposed, if you liked them greasy, hulking, and hairy. His aftershave was strangely acrid, like wood smoke and black licorice. His teeth were large, unnaturally white, and his smile was a grimace. The man made her uneasy and as they pulled into Ravencrest, she sighed with relief.
    Once there, Hardwicke, along with a well-tanned, muscular young man with blond hair, brought her few bags into the mansion. Between the three of them, they got it all in a single trip, a fact that depressed Belinda. She hadn’t realized just how little she owned.
    Inside, Grant Phister directed the chauffeur and his helper to Belinda’s new room on the second floor of the family wing. “I’m so glad you’re joining our little household,” said Grant, his kind eyes reassuring her. “Let me get those for you.” He took both bags from Belinda.
    “I’m glad too, Grant.” And she was. She’d never made such a rash decision before. It was frightening, and it was nice to know someone was on her side. Amazing how much life can change in twenty-four hours.
    “You’ll like your room,” said Grant, as she followed him up the stairs. “Mr. Manning has asked me to inform you that the children have been put to bed, but you may meet them first thing before school tomorrow morning.”
    Belinda hadn’t realized it was so late.
    “After you see your room, you’re welcome to come down to the kitchen and I’ll make you a sandwich.”
    “Thanks,” she said. “I’m not very hungry, so I think I’ll pass on that tonight, but I appreciate the offer.”
    Grant turned down the long hallway. “Very well, but there’s bread, cheese and an assortment of deli meats in the kitchen if you change your mind.”
    “Thank you.” She followed him down the blue carpet, past Mr. Manning’s office and a few other closed doors and passages, finally turning onto a new hallway. “The family bedrooms are along here.” Modern brass wall sconces illuminated shiny hardwood floors and pale walls that held small flocks of framed photographs between built-in linen closets and cabinets.  
    Grant cleared his throat. “Behind these doors are bathrooms, game rooms, a TV room - we have a full theater, too.” He paused at a door on the left. “This is Thad’s room.” He pointed to a door on the opposite side of the wide corridor. “And that is