Wild Hearts Read Online Free PDF

with enough humor so that I would never know what to expect. Someone who loved me and our children. And that unexplained attraction.”
    Zeke stopped and faced her. “Passion.”
    The moon was nearly full. The soft light spilled onto her face, making her blush visible.
    She cleared her throat. “Yes. Passion.”
    â€œAnother practical benefit of the marriage bed?”
    She turned away. “Mr. Titan, this is not an appropriate subject for conversation.”
    He grinned. “Perhaps not appropriate, but interesting. I have heard that some married women don’t enjoy their husband’s attentions.”
    â€œI have heard that, as well. But we aren’t talking about some women, are we? You’re trying to find out if I enjoyed that part of my marriage.” She raised her chin slightly. “I did, sir.”
    She stepped around him and headed for the hotel. Zeke fell into step beside her, aware that he’d pushed her too far.
    â€œI’m sorry,” he said, almost meaning it. “You were right. That is not a subject for polite society.”
    â€œWhich is probably the reason you want to talk about it.”
    He laughed. “True enough. I play at being a gentleman. I can say the words, use the correct fork at a fancy dinner. I’m well read and successful, but in my heart, I’m a Texan. I’d rather ride a horse than a carriage, shoot my supper than buy it, and play cards than go to ballet.”
    â€œHave you been to the ballet?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œBeautiful women dancing, Mr. Titan. They’re elegant and sometimes show their legs. You’d like it.”
    â€œYou think you know me.”
    â€œI do know you.”
    â€œAnd?”
    They were close to the hotel. She stopped.
    â€œAnd it is time for us to say good-night,” she said.
    Even though he knew he shouldn’t rush things, he wasn’t ready to let her go. Alethea surprised him, and it had been a long time since he could say that about any part of his life. There was a strength in her, a determination. Too bad she wouldn’t let him kiss her.
    He stared into her big, green eyes and searched for a hint of what she was feeling. Either there wasn’t enough light or she was doing a fine job of keeping her thoughts to herself.
    He touched her cheek. “Say my name.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œYou’ve been calling me Mr. Titan all evening. Say my name. My first name. Just once.”
    He dropped his gaze to her mouth and imagined what it would be like to press his lips to hers. To taste her sweetness. Would she kiss tentatively, waiting to be convinced? Or would she give boldly, passionately?
    â€œMr. Titan, I—”
    He pressed his index finger against her bottom lip, then ran it down to her chin. Her eyes widened.
    â€œI’ll go first, if that makes it easier,” he murmured. “Alethea.”
    â€œGood night,” she said firmly, stepping back and turning toward the hotel.
    He stayed where he was, watching her leave. The game wasn’t over. He knew it in his gut. Sure enough, when she reached the door to the side stairs, she turned back. Her gaze met his before dropping to his mouth.
    â€œZeke,” she whispered, and then was gone.
    Â 
    Alethea awoke refreshed and ready to start a new day. She was pleased with her performance the previous night. Not so much the reading, but afterward, with Zeke.
    Except for an unexplained sense of longing at the end of their time together, she’d stayed in complete control of her faculties. She’d done her best to convince him he was well on his way to seducing her. In truth, were he truly courting her, she would be hard-pressed to deny him.
    He was nothing like Wesley, yet so appealing, she thought sadly. But she couldn’t know the true man—not when his goal was to force her into leaving town. However much she might enjoy his company, she had to keep reminding herself that Zeke