Crushing Desire Read Online Free Page A

light-hearted.
    Reena wondered if she should make a noise to wake Emily. She wished it were Michael who sat next to her now. Martin was without doubt attractive, perhaps the most beautiful man she had ever met in spite of the scar on his lip, which he had gotten falling from a horse during his childhood. His twin, Michael, who also courted her, was like him in every visual aspect except for the scar. In personality, though, Michael was different from Martin. Michael had grown up well behaved. He was very funny and a gentleman with her most of the time. Martin, however, was always trying to get her alone so that he could steal a kiss. Reena took a shaky breath and pushed herself up against the side of the carriage.
    “I think you should like the play well, amore .” He slipped closer. So near now that she had nowhere to run. “It’s about a young couple that wants to marry. They have a lover’s quarrel after the villain convinces the young man that his bride-to-be has been untrue.”
    Martin smiled, and Reena’s heart fluttered. It wasn’t attraction that had her pulse racing. His smoldering eyes and all too active hands discomfited her.
    “I think it will indeed tantalize you, amoureux .” He leaned in toward Reena’s mouth.
    She turned her head, and his mouth fell on her cheek.
    “Monsieur Dubois,” she said, as his lips moved along her cheek toward her neck. “Monsieur Dubois, please.”
    “Kiss me, Reena,” Martin whispered, his voice thick. “Kiss me the way you kissed my brother in that alley when we were young.”
    He pulled her hands to his chest, holding them against him.
    “I never should have given him that kiss.” Her words came in a rushed whisper. “It was a juvenile child’s game.”
    “I’ve wanted to kiss you many times since that day. You must allow it.”
    Reena kept her face turned away. “Monsieur Dubois,” she began.
    “Martin.”
    “Martin, I can’t. It’s not proper. And what about Emily?”
    He nuzzled her cheek, his mouth kissing a small trail toward her lips. “She’s asleep Reena, and it’s only improper if you’re caught. Besides, propriety never stopped you in that alleyway.”
    Reena swallowed hard. It was true. She had always had a wicked curiosity about the flesh.
    The truth was she would have to marry, even if it wouldn’t be to Joshua. Reena had to protect her reputation and her virtue. Her eyes misted, and she swallowed hard at a lump in her throat. His hand caught her chin. He moved his mouth to cover hers, but the instant his lips touched hers, Emily jerked and mumbled in her sleep, kicking Martin hard in the shin. He yelled and grabbed his shin.
    Only Reena saw the fleeting smirk on Emily’s face before she sat up.
    “Oh my! Did I hurt you?” Emily’s eyes went wide, and she blinked sleepily. “I do get a bit carried away when I dream.”
    Martin’s eyes darkened for a moment, but then one corner of his mouth lifted. “And what, or should I say whom, were you dreaming about?” He sat back.
      “Oh you!” Emily’s hand flew to her throat. “A lady never tells. Not that there was anything to tell, mind you.”
    Emily swatted the air playfully, and Reena couldn’t help but laugh at their banter, though her insides still quivered.
    9
     
    The theater was crowded when they entered through the huge double doors. Martin had rented one of the balcony boxes and led Emily and Reena to it.
    “I believe that you should truly enjoy the play,” Martin whispered in her ear.
    “We shall see.” Reena gazed up at him.
    Martin winked in reply and seated Emily on one end of the box and Reena in the middle, next to him. Glancing at him a moment later, she again found his eyes on her bosom, lips parted and breathing shallow. She eyed Emily, wishing she could tug at her modesty piece.
    Emily met Reena’s eyes and then looked in the direction of Martin’s ardent gaze. “Why if you keep staring at me young man, people will begin to think you’re in love with