Crushing Desire Read Online Free

her feet, glancing at the window which led into her room.
    Where was Emily?
    “Did you miss me, cheri ?” He cocked an eyebrow, stepping into her.
    Reena moved around the bench, watching Martin’s hands, which could find their way into somewhat inappropriate places if not observed.
    “Certainly,” Reena replied. “How was your trip? Did you enjoy France?”
    “I saw Versailles. It was beautiful, all palatial cheeks, arms, and lips as sunset turned the marble pink, then red in its passion. I think I took you with me, mon amoureux . I only wish you had been there.” His sensuous smile unnerved her.
    Reena was used to these types of comments from Martin, but still her cheeks warmed. His gaze lowered until it rested on her breasts. She wore an older style of dress with Buffons—a thin material used to cover the bosom—and modesty pieces, because they hid her somewhat boastful developments. His eyes lidded and his mouth parted. She grimaced and tugged her shawl snug over her out of fashion attire.
    She cleared her throat. “Ms. Benton should be out soon.”
    Emily Benton stepped from the house at that moment and saved them both the humiliation of what had just occurred. “Where are we going, my young buck?” asked the older woman as she neared.
    Martin lifted her fingers to his lips, greeting her with a small bow.
    “Now don’t you be trying to flirt with me, son, I’ll not let you flip these skirts,” Emily chided.
    Reena couldn’t help but laugh, and neither could Martin, who offered an arm to each woman. Emily had a very open manner, which had never once presented itself in front of her father before they’d left for England. She’d been all steel and stone in front of him. So much so, she had Reena fearing that her life would be miserable with this woman her father had hired as her chaperone. After leaving her father’s side, however, she had taken Reena to the kitchen, and they had talked for hours over sweet pastries. They’d shared a lot since then.
    “I shall try my best to stay my natural urges where you are concerned.” Martin bowed to her and then to Reena.
    Men never did seem to mind Emily’s straightforward manner. Reena had been embarrassed the first time she’d heard the outspoken woman chastise a young man for allegedly wanting to toss her skirts. The young captain of the merchant ship they crossed on had laughed and promised to try. That seemed to be how most men reacted to her outrageous accusations. Her outlandish manner made the rather frightening post wartime voyage less fearsome.
    “Well, it isn’t polite to tease a lady,” Emily said in response to some comment that Reena had missed, bringing her mind back to the present. “Now, tell me where we are going.”
    “I thought that I should take my two favorite girls to the theater. I was able to get tickets to Much Ado About Nothing. What do you think about that Ms. Benton?” Martin winked.
    “Why you wicked…” Emily lifted an eyebrow. “How dare you take us to such a daring spectacle? Why it’s scandalous, that play. Do you try to tantalize me now?” She regarded him with a suspicious eye.
    “Always.”
    9
     
    The night was lovely…mild and fragrant. Stars shone through the curtained windows of the carriage, and the autumn moon loomed huge in the night sky. Horse hooves rang out when they struck the cobblestone streets of the city. They were more than halfway to the theater house, and Emily had fallen asleep. Reena smirked. It seemed Emily was never able to stay awake during a long coach ride, in particular when she was chaperoning Reena and one of her suitors. Yet she always seemed to be awake when Reena needed her most.
    “Will you be scandalized by the play we are to see, or will you be tantalized, I wonder?” Martin whispered, scooting closer to her on the seat.
    “I’m sure I don’t know,” she replied. “I’ve never heard of the play before.” A rabbit before a wolf, still she tried to keep her tone