Indigo Sky Read Online Free Page B

body pressed against his. He smirked. “I believe at least acknowledging that I exist is in order.”
    Wide eyed, she sighed and worried her lower lip. “Oh do you? And how would you like to be acknowledged for this-this bravery?”
    Rork could think of a number of ways. Despite his alcohol-induced haze, he knew enough not to voice those ideas. Running a hand through his hair, he made no attempt to hide his admiration. The low bodice of her gown showed an abundance of alabaster skin. Beneath the gown were creamy, shapely legs that he’d seen all too briefly. Rork’s arousal strained against his trousers. He took a step toward her.
    Her hands fell to her side, hanging loosely. Her eyes fixed on his mouth and moved up to meet his intense gaze. Her tongue moistened her lips.
    That was all the invitation he needed. He closed the gap and wrapped his arms around her small waist, pulling her tight against the length of his body. A startled gasp fell from her lips. A tingle crept up the back of his neck. All sense of decency deserted him. He had to taste her, had to see if her mouth was as soft as it looked. She averted her head and wrinkled her nose, pushing her hands against his chest. “You’re drunk.”
    The protest registered in Rork’s head. He released her as though she had slapped him.
    She stumbled back, and her feet tangled in the hem of her gown. A cry escaped, and her backside hit the floor with a thud.
    Rork unpinned his gaze from her lips and laughed. “This seems to be a recurring event.” He leaned down and held out his hand. “That’s twice I’ve swept you off your feet.”
    She slapped her hands against the wood. A crimson flush crept from her chest to her hairline.
    Bending, Rork smiled and took her arms. His hands slipped down to her gloved hands, and he pulled her to her feet. “There, safe again,” he whispered.
    She yanked her hands from his, picked up her emerald-studded reticule, and took several steps back. “You arrogant, undignified blowhard!”
    Rork couldn’t help the laughter that rumbled up. “Such language. I can see that my assumption was incorrect.”
    “What assumption?” Her dark eyes gleamed a warning.
    “The assumption that you’re a lady.” Rork leaned back against the balustrade. His eyes, wide and wild, locked on hers.
    “How dare you!” She stomped one foot. Her voice rose as she continued the tirade. “You know nothing about me.” Her eyes flashed. “And certainly not enough to make such a crass statement.”
    “You, madam, were rude.”
    “Really? While you, on the other hand, accosted me twice, laughed at me, and then insulted me.”
    “Do you not at least see the humor in our interactions?”
    She tilted her chin up. “I might have if the humor were not followed by insults.”
    “They were not insults, madam. I merely spoke the truth.” Rork enjoyed crossing swords with her, and her feisty responses further piqued his interest.
    “You, sir, are not a gentleman. Your hypocrisy is really quite astounding. I will not tolerate this insolence.” She turned on her heel and stormed off.
    “Wait! What’s your name?”
    She rushed down the stairs and back to the garden.
    Rork shook his head, covering his face with his hands. “Capital, Millburn. You effectively chased her away.”

Chapter 4
    Running along the veranda, Leila stumbled as her slippers caught in the hem of her gown. She lifted her skirt and raced down the stairs. She wanted to get as far from that man as possible. Perspiration beaded her forehead. Sweat trickled down her spine. She stopped and leaned against a tree trunk, struggling to catch her breath. What will I accomplish by running ? This is ridiculous . Where can I go? I’ll never be able to avoid him. She ground her teeth.
    Squaring her shoulders, she walked back to the stairs. He was still on the balcony, his back to her. She thought it might be possible to slip by him. After the brazen liberties he’d taken, she didn’t want a repeat