When Next We Love Read Online Free PDF

hair behind her shoulders, she attempted a comeback to dispel the miserable feeling of utter ridiculousness he had instilled in her. “My dear Mr. Mallory! Believe it or not, there are women in the world who value the trait of modesty. You never know, one of them might be more than willing to turn you down!”
    “True, love, but the sea is full of fish.”
    “And one black cat is just like another in the dark?”
    “You got it.”
    Leigh gave him a saccharin-sweet smile. “That’s what you think now, Derek Mallory. But one day you’ll change your tune. You are a mere mortal—or were you aware of that? One day, Mr. Music, you will fall in love. And I hope you’re on your knees begging for the feeling to be reciprocated, begging for marriage—”
    “Oh doubtful, love! Doubtful!” Derek interrupted casually. “You see, I saw a friend fall in love, and I saw what it did to him. The beautiful, shy little creature that he married turned out to be a heartless bitch. No, I don’t foresee the same thing happening to me.”
    He had barely gotten the words out of his mouth before Leigh was on him, hand raised, nails curved like a feline’s in a hissing attack. Once again she hadn’t bothered to think about her actions. She had forgotten all about any of her gentler emotions toward Derek; all she knew was that at that moment she hated him with black and thorough rage.
    Her blow never found its mark. He must have anticipated that his provoking remark would draw such a response from her. Catching her hand with deft ease, he twisted it cruelly behind her back. “Oh, Leigh!” he said, his voice dripping disgust. “You never do learn, do you? I’m not your doting, besotted husband. Don’t ever slap me, I slap back.” His jaw tightened savagely. “And believe me, woman, if ever a man lived who thought you deserved a sound thrashing, that man is me. So don’t tempt me, huh? I’d love to give you a good taste of your just reward!”
    Leigh was in no position to argue. The pain in her steel-trapped arm was barely endurable. But she wouldn’t apologize. Not ever again! He was so—so wrong and unfair! Despite the agony she felt, she tilted her head in defiance and stared at him distastefully. “I loathe you, Mr. Mallory,” she said, the green overshadowing the amber in her eyes, gleaming emerald with open vehemence. “You are the most arrogant, egotistical, self-righteous, self-centered bas—” she stopped as a cry of agony escaped her lips as Derek twisted her arm even more viciously. She closed her eyes miserably and fell silent. With a slight push, he released her.
    “Sorry, I can’t stand here and listen to any more of your opinions,” he said as if they had been discussing a song or a book. “I don’t want to be late for dinner. I have a guest coming later this evening and I want you tucked in for the night before she arrives. I won’t need any of your opinions with her here, either.”
    He saluted her quickly and headed for the curving staircase that ranged to the right of his office and the hallway. As soon as he moved, Leigh forced her quivering and abused limbs quickly to retrieve her bag for a final time and to rush back down the hallway in a desperate dash for the door. Hurricane or no, she wasn’t staying here! She’d happily walk the distance back to the mainland and stand on the causeway until someone picked her up and got her to a phone; she’d do anything to get away from Derek.
    “I wouldn’t do that if I were you!” his voice suddenly warned as she set her hands on the outer door. “The dogs are out. Nice nasty Dobermans. They chew strangers into little bits!”
    Leigh clenched her teeth as she let her hand fall from the door. “Then call me a cab, please.”
    “Sorry, love.” Derek’s mock apology echoed frostily against the tile. “Phones are dead. We’ve been having that problem frequently this past month. Cable trouble.”
    The echo died slowly as he continued up the stairway.