Indigo Sky Read Online Free Page A

her if he could, but he doubted his mystery woman was the sort to indulge in such sport. Then again, based on her state of undress and her apparent disregard for proper conduct, maybe she was. A smile tipped his lips as an image of a wet gown clinging to her curvaceous body filled his head.
    Hank stumbled to his feet. “Our guests have arrived. Have to make an appearance. See you in the drawing room for cocktails before dinner,” he slurred and wobbled off.
    Finishing his whiskey, Rork contemplated Hank’s suggestion of a few nights of love. Gads, it’s insane not to take advantage. How often does such a beauty fall into one’s lap ? He rubbed his clean-shaven chin. A long-term relationship doesn’t hold much appeal, but a night or two . . . I’m soused to the damn gills . Fog encased his head and blurred his vision as he left the veranda. He gripped the ornate balustrade to steady himself and climbed the twisting, double grand staircase to the drawing room.
    Hank was already there with his guests and loudly ordered pre-dinner cocktails. He slapped Rork’s back. “Have a cocktail, old boy.”
    Rork shook his head. “Too foxed, need some fresh air.” He also needed quiet, needed to sober up before he made a spectacle of himself at dinner. The cool spring air would clear his head. He pushed aside the lined, pale blue silk draperies and stepped through French doors onto a balcony. The night was alive with cicada mating calls, and an evening breeze sighed through the trees. He savored the strong scent of pines and gripped the railing.
    Then he saw her.
    His head cleared as he drew a sharp breath.
    She rounded the outside terrace from the west wing, her emerald gown floating over the decking. Her hair was pulled back and pinned into twists entwined with colored jewels. Wisps framed her face and curled to her shoulders.
    Dear God, she’s breathtaking . Rork’s mouth was dry, and his tongue stuck to his palate. He pushed away from the railing and walked to her like one in a dream, and blocked her path. Speech eluded him as he stared, absorbing every facet of her face. He forgot everything except her. Her vanilla and lavender perfume wove its way through his senses, seducing him further.
    Her eyes widened. “You,” she breathed and bit her lip. Color drained from her face. She looked down, fiddling with her reticule. “I-I didn’t recognize you. Y-you had a beard.” She pressed a hand to her stomach. “T-then.”
    “When I saved your life?” he blurted. “Lady, you’re welcome.” Rork cursed himself for his stupid response. He cleared his throat, wishing he’d said something eloquent, but the words were out. In fact, they continued to hang there, echoing in his head. Of all the things I could have said, why that ?
    Long lashes lifted, and her eyes flickered, catching the light of the moon. They met his gaze for a moment before darting away. She took a faltering step to the side, and color flared on her cheeks. She was almost past him and through the door.
    Rork’s insides twisted. He realized that in a moment she would be gone again. He grabbed her arm and pulled her back.
    “Don’t!” She jerked free and put distance between them. She clutched the railing, staring across the moonlit valley.
    “That is no way to treat the man who saved your life.” Rork groaned. “I rescued you from certain death, and you won’t even acknowledge me? A lady would not be so rude.”
    She turned slowly to face him, her chest rising and falling with agitation. With eyes searing him with cool disdain and lips compressed into a tight line, she advanced.
    Rork managed to smother a laugh. She was even more desirable when roused to anger.
    “Exactly what do you want from me, sir?” Her delicate hands slammed onto her hips. “Was my thanks not sufficient after the-the unfortunate event?” She stood an arm’s length away, her head barely reaching his shoulders.
    His groin tightened. He wanted to pull her to him, feel her