Dark Summoner (Relic Keeper Series Book 1) Read Online Free

nose and chiseled jaw, he looked as though he had been sculpted to perfection by the gods themselves. Adorable dimples appeared in each of his cheeks as he smiled, making him seem charming yet approachable. Chin-length, ash-blond hair was smoothed back, with only a few unruly, windblown pieces falling every so often into his gorgeous indigo eyes. In my world, men like him only existed on the cover of GQ.
    His smile transformed into a worried frown. He must have said something to me, but I’d been too busy gawking at him to notice.
    “What did you say?” I asked, when I’d finally found my voice again.
    His words came out thick and silky like caramel with the hint of an accent. “My apologies.” He raised his arms into the air in a non-threatening manner. “I didn’t mean to frighten you.”
    I couldn’t help myself and smiled.
    “Are you feeling any better?”
    “Feeling better?” I asked uncertain.
    He tilted his head, eyes watching me curiously from an angle now. “You’d slipped and hit your head. Another few minutes, and we probably would have called a doctor.”
    “Oh.”
    It wasn’t the most articulate response, but I wasn’t exactly thinking clearly. It should have been apparent to me that something was off, especially since I was still sprawled across the hard floor below. I hadn’t even noticed. But when I remembered what had transpired just before my fall, panic settled into my chest. I sought any leftover evidence of the gray monster. But not a single thing was out of place. I found a small boutique filled with gifts and souvenirs. Frank Sinatra played softly in the background. The stranger’s cologne warmed my nose with delight.
    When I started to push up onto my elbows, he stopped me. “I don’t think you should be standing up yet.”
    “I’m fine,” I insisted, but he raised his brow, skeptical.
    “Honestly,” I added with a smile.
    He gave me a brief once over. “Very well then.”
    With his free hand, he pulled me to my feet. I swayed, my equilibrium still off balance. He recognized my unease and stepped to my side, only an inch separating the space between us. His kept his fingers wrapped tightly around my bicep, holding me steady. He was so tall, the top of my head barely reached his chest. I raised my eyes to his and found myself completely transfixed by the deep blue hue. There was a vigorous intensity in his stare. His eyes focused deeply on mine.
    Without other distractions, I found myself fidgeting under the scrutiny of his intense gaze. I was more than grateful when a women’s voice interrupted us.
    “I ran next door and grabbed some aspirin. I think—” The saleswoman appeared from inside the hallway, her feet pounding against the wood as she made her way over. Tight blond curls bounced with every step she took. Her nose and cheeks flushed from the windchill.
    He stepped away from me, leaving my skin cold from the absence of his heat. He leaned against the register and crossed one ankle over the other, his demeanor aloof and casual.
    “Oh thank goodness! She’s up,” she said, raising a hand to her cheek. “Are you all right, sweetheart? You took quite a fall.”
    I rubbed the back of my head, the spot still tender. “I’m really fine. Thank you—both. I’m just sorry that I scared everyone.”
    She nodded, but he acted far less convinced. His eyes burned with hidden thoughts as if he searched for something unknown. I wondered if we’d met before and if he was offended that I hadn’t recognized him.
    She walked over and placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. “You don’t have to apologize, sweetheart. I’m just glad things weren’t any worse.”
    Her kindness wasn’t something I was used to, and neither was the gentle contact. Both made me uncomfortable.
    I wish I could have cried. To lean on someone for only a moment and share how scared I really was. But I knew that I couldn’t. Besides, if I spoke a single word about what had really just happened, they