Knight Edition Read Online Free Page A

failed to stir her libido.
    And the goose bumps lifting on her skin couldn’t be caused by the midnight-colored hair that brushed the tops of his broad shoulders, or the olive complexion that contrasted darkly with his snowy cotton shirt.
    Her gaze lifted. Black, fathomless eyes glittered back in a slightly narrow face, saved from appearing effeminate by his square jaw and the masculine shape of his mouth.
    She lingered over that mouth. Perfectly symmetrical, not too wide, or too narrow—and firm.
    Sidney swallowed and slowly returned to his unblinking stare. With her own mouth dry as a desert, she swallowed. It was now or never. She wouldn’t get a second chance. She lowered her hands from her breasts and extended one sweaty palm. “Mr. Navarro, I’m Sidney Coffey, and I’d like to ask you a few questions.”
    Navarro stood still, bemused by the woman’s audacity as she offered her slim, pale hand. He drew in the scents that warred with her tight, composed features. She had guts standing there, half naked and shivering from a mixture of fear and arousal. “We have nothing to discuss. You may leave.”
    Two spots of color flared on her cheeks. She pulled back her hand and straightened her shoulders. “I know who— what you are. You’re a master—one of the vampire council members.”
    For some reason, her temerity amused him. “Then why aren’t you running for the door?”
    Her chin rose while her upper chest gained a rosy glow. “I told you. I have questions.”
    Navarro let his glance sweep over her chest, and he smiled to himself at the telltale gasp that lifted her small, apple-shaped breasts. Delicious. “And this is how you usually conduct your interviews?”
    “Of course not,” she said, her voice clipped. “I seem to be having a… wardrobe malfunction , but I’m perfectly willing to conduct the interview now. Then I’ll get out of your hair.”
    “This interview is so important?”
    “A matter of life and death.”
    “Naturally. But whose?” He gave her neck a pointed stare, wondering what mischievous imp guided his actions. He didn’t have time to toy with the woman.
    How had this scrappy baggage invaded his home?
    And where the hell was Inigo? Had his retainer acted on an impulse and allowed the woman to enter? Impossible…but, oh so entertaining. He’d never have guessed Inigo would have the nerve to disobey one of his rules. Navarro couldn’t remember the last time anyone had countered his command—with or without a little vampiric persuasion.
    Nor could he remember the last time anyone had challenged him like this delicate little piece of femininity did now.
    The woman nudged the blanket with her toes, trying to draw it closer without his notice.
    Because the situation amused him, Navarro decided to goad the girl further. “I’ll entertain questions under one condition.” His gaze bored into hers.
    Her gulp was audible. “What condition?”
    He almost smiled, anticipating her flight. “That you remove all of your clothing.”
    Her eyes rounded, and her breath caught. “You’ll answer my questions if I get naked?” Her voice squeaked.
    Navarro crossed his arms over his chest and narrowed his eyes. “I don’t promise to answer anything, but I will let you ask your questions.”
    Her brows drew together. “You think I’ll strip without any guarantee you’ll give me what I came for?” Her heartbeat accelerated and her cheeks paled, but the smell of her musky arousal surpassed the slightly acrid aroma of her fear.
    “Do you really know what you came for?” he asked, letting his voice drawl like a velvet caress.
    She blinked, and her round, stubborn chin rose a notch higher. “There’s no reason to be obnoxious. I trespassed, okay? If you’d let me in to begin with, I would have been long gone by now.”
    “It’s my fault you’re standing half-clothed in my study?” he asked, incredulous.
    Her expression turned bullish. “Two minutes—that’s all I need.”
    “I