Bitten Too Read Online Free Page A

you." She closed her eyes against the lie.
    "Tomorrow then. At a more appropriate hour."
    When she opened her eyes, he'd gone.
    * * * *
    In the small parlor at the back of her father's house, Yasmine set aside her needlepoint. She stood and walked to the end of the room and back to the loveseat. How could she face Jorge after her behavior last night? He'd promised to call, and she sensed he always kept his promises. She paced another circuit.
    "Dear, what's troubling you?" asked her mother from a comfortable chair.
    "Nervous energy. I didn't sleep well." I didn't sleep at all.
    "Why don't you call on Amelia in a little while? I'm sure she has gossip to share after last night's party."
    Brilliant. If Yasmine had already gone when Jorge arrived, she might avoid him completely. "A good idea, Mother. A visit would be just the thing."
    In the foyer, she rang for the butler then retrieved her bonnet from a peg in the cloak closet.
    "My lady," said the butler with a slight bow.
    "Oh, good. You were close, Jaspins. I'm going out. Would you be so kind as to order around one of the carriages?" She tied her bonnet's ribbon under her chin.
    "Of course, my lady." He bowed and turned on his heel.
    I have to get out of here. Jorge could come any minute. She imagined she sensed his approach. Her fingers fumbled on her cloak, and she dropped it.
    "Are you sure you're all right, Yasmine?" asked her mother, coming down the hallway from the parlor.
    "Why? Because I dropped my cloak?" She retrieved it and sent the heavy material around her shoulders.
    Her mother folded her hands together. "More to do with the fact that you're planning to wear a cloak at all. My dear, it must be close to eighty degrees. You'll swelter."
    Yasmine glanced out a window at the sunny driveway. "Right." She removed her wrap and returned it to the closet. "I really am fine."
    "I wonder if you might benefit more from a nap. It's a bit early for calling."
    And have Jorge come to me in my room again? Her hands shook at the idea. "I can't." She swallowed. "I mean, I wouldn't sleep. Why waste my time trying? "
    Wheels crunched, and Jaspins strode from the back hallway. "Your carriage, my lady." He slowly marched to the front door and opened it.
    "Don't count on me for luncheon, Mother," she said, hurrying to escape. "I'll likely eat at the Malveaux's."
    Her mother gave a little wave. A bemused half-smile lifted the right side of her face.
    Yasmine didn't wait to learn if she had anything to add. She forced her feet to a stately pace down the steps and toward the carriage. The front door closed. As she grasped her skirt with anxious fingers and lifted a foot to the carriage's step, horse hooves sounded on the lane leading to her house.
    She didn't need to peek . Somehow, she sensed Jorge ’s eyes on her . She sigh ed and lowered her foot to the gravel. She'd only appear desperate if she tri ed to run.
    His horse clattered onto the drive, and Yasmine pasted a polite smile into place. "Good morning, Lord Grauwolf."
    "Miss Hanswald," he said, tipping his hat. "I see I've caught you on your way out." He brought his mount to a halt.
    "Yes, unfortunately." Her stomach clenched. "I'm sorry about it. I know you'd hoped for a visit this morning."
    "Another time, perhaps." His eyes narrowed, dark and predatory beneath his brow.
    "Perhaps," she agreed, offering a reluctant nod.
    "I suppose I should call on Lord and Lady Malveaux. My aunt's been urging me to pay my respects while I'm in town."
    She froze.
    "Awkward, really," he said, his tone casual and in contrast to his intense expression. "After the death of Youel, I mean. What's to be said?"
    He'd outmaneuvered her, damn the man. If she went to see Amelia, she'd be rude for not offering to travel together. If she stayed home, she'd appear rude for not asking him in for their visit. She had nowhere to go. Lady Grauwolf's mansion was absolutely out of the question.
    She fisted his hands in her skirt. "What a coincidence," she said,