Breathless Read Online Free Page B

and had memorized the women’s names who’d stopped into her room to say hello. Some of them counted Stella as a true friend and confidante.
    Belle seemed to have a particular friendship with Stella and made it clear she saw Stella as an equal. Belle referred to the mansion and grounds as a “retreat for fine gentlemen,” and insisted on nothing but the best for her employees and the men who came calling. Some of the names and positions of Belle’s client list made Blue’s head spin.
    Powerful men in high positions, men with secrets and contacts that stretched around the globe, were among Belle’s gentleman callers.
    Blue didn’t much care what the women called the place, she was grateful for the respite and care she’d received. Everyone here was warm, friendly, and kind beyond anything she’d experienced in her life.
    Perhaps she should think of it as her former life. As each day passed, she felt stronger in Stella’s body and more removed from her own sickly one. She’d tried every day to see if Stella lurked somewhere in her subconscious, but there was no sign of the other woman.
    Blue had never been much for organized religion, but she had faith that whatever had happened had been for the best.
    The clues to why the switch had been made were somewhere in Stella’s life. They couldn’t be in Blue’s own life, because she’d never done anything to get this kind of benevolent attention.
    The life of Blue McCann was unremarkable, except for her beginnings, of course. Not every newborn was abandoned in a Dumpster. Since then, the only special thing that had ever happened to her was happening right here and right now.
    And his name was Dr. Colt Stephens.
    As each day passed, her desire for the doctor increased and the light in his eyes warmed.
    Today, she would see exactly how warm the man could get.
    He would arrive soon to take her home and she waited, dressed and ready. The pounding in her chest was a good sign, she decided. Her heart was strong, and she had released the fear that she wouldn’t be able to enjoy every moment with Colt.
    They were adults, attracted to each other, and spent a lot of time in a whorehouse. What more encouragement could they need?
    Not every man of this time could appreciate a straight-talking woman, but there were times she caught a smile lurking in his eyes when she said something he thought was outlandish.
    Everyone insisted she get more rest. Days of rest. Which suited her just fine, because she was terrified of taking up Stella’s midwifery and causing irreparable harm.
    Not that she’d be here long. Surely she would return to her own life and time soon.
    Which only made her want the doctor more.
    She may have to take matters into her own hands, so to speak.
    She checked the time and then Stella’s reflection. Blue still hesitated to look in mirrors, but the shock of seeing another woman’s reflection had faded. Lustrous red hair, wide green eyes, and an hourglass figure were definitely a step up. She’d miss this body if she had to leave it. All the more reason to enjoy it as much as possible while she could.
    The good doctor should be here any moment to take her to Stella’s apartment. Apparently, she had a place over a general store run by Hope, one of the former girls, and her husband, Jed Devine.
    Hope had married the widower, and was busy raising his children and expecting their first. They’d recently moved into a much larger house and Stella had taken their apartment.
    A light rap on her door announced Colt’s arrival. She opened the bedroom door wide in invitation. She smiled, delighted with him all over again. His face held the male focus of a man intent on a woman and her heart picked up speed.
    “Good morning,” he said with a tilt of his head. His hair gleamed and he flashed her a grin that set her afire. She motioned him inside and closed the door.
    He quirked an eyebrow and let his gaze drift idly down her body. He hadn’t seen her out of bed since