Indigo Sky Read Online Free

aspiration, and forced a grin. “She was a beauty, a vision, like new leaves in spring. I couldn’t take my eyes off her.”
    Hank’s laughter sent whiskey cascading from his glass. “Too bad the encounter was brief, but you're in trouble. Never let a woman captivate your mind, least of all a beauty. It only leads to heartache.” His mouth twisted.
    Rork cocked one eyebrow. “And you know this firsthand?”
    “Yes. I’ve had my fair share of trouble with beautiful women. More than I want to admit. Ended up marrying one, to my eternal regret.”
    Hank was a successful syndicated writer who had a flair for the theatrical as he related entertaining, grandiose stories.
    Hank lifted his glass to Rork. “Friend, let us toast to our meeting and upcoming journey. May we have pleasant weather and safe travels.” He drained the contents of the glass.
    Rork grimaced and downed his drink. “I fail to see how you can regret marrying a beautiful woman.” Perhaps it isn’t a happy marriage , Rork mused. Hank swayed in his chair, waving his arms as he engaged other guests. What woman would be happy with a drunkard?
    Hank poured another whiskey and stared at the amber liquid. “Humph.” He looked up at Rork, rolled his eyes, and said, “All women are beautiful in their own way. My wife’s beauty comes from her wealth and important family connections. They’re impressive.”
    The flippant answer amused Rork. “How does your wife’s beauty, in whatever form it comes, cause you trouble?”
    “What wife doesn’t cause her husband trouble? My wife has been nothing but grief since the day we married. She is always irksome about one thing or another. It’s because of her considerable assets that I tolerate her crap.”
    “So, clearly, her physical beauty isn’t the problem.”
    Hank chuckled. “You’ve got me there, my friend. Maybe not all beautiful women are trouble, but I wouldn’t recommend letting one get into your head.”
    Rork rubbed his cheek. “So you only married for money?”
    “Basically, yes.”
    “Where is your wife?”
    Hank shrugged. “Around, I guess. You’re a good-looking man. You must have had your fair share of beauties.”
    Rork rubbed the back of his neck. “Yes, I’ve known beautiful women, but the relationships were brief. I prefer a solitary life. I love adventure, travel, and painting, a lifestyle not favorable to having a family. In a few days, we embark on an arduous journey that will likely take close to a year—most of my journeys do. I doubt any woman would wait for me to return.”
    Hank snorted. “Oh, they’ll wait. This war has left them with a shortage of men.” He flapped a hand. “Having said that, I don’t advocate going the route of a ball and chain. Just use them for fun.”
    “Not my style,” Rork said. The last thing he needed was a woman filling his head with erotic images. It interfered with his work. He took another sip. The smooth liquor slid over his tongue.
    Hank gestured to a servant for another bottle of whiskey. “Nothing wrong with a spot of dallying for a few days.” He swept back a curtain of brown hair that fell over one brow. “Perhaps the woman you saved is a guest here. Do you know if she is?”
    “No idea. She ran before I got her name.” Rork’s head swam from the liquor.
    “Perhaps she’ll show up at dinner.”
    Rork nodded. Perfect, it would be perfect . His eyebrows rose as Hank downed the whiskey and poured yet another.
    Voice slurred, Hank shook his head. “They’re trouble, but they can be a good deal of fun.” He waved the glass, spilling drops on the wood floor. His eyes slid to a redhead lounging against the railings. “We’re leaving in a couple days, but hell, why not have a bout of fun to while away the time?”
    Rork followed Hank’s glance. Who is the redhead? It was clear she captured Hank’s interest, but she was too tawdry for Rork. His thoughts drifted back to the beauty with indigo eyes. He would have a fling with