Taming of Mei Lin Read Online Free Page A

safe.
    “You should go home now,” he said.
    “Let me stay just a little longer,” she pleaded.
    “No.”
    He planted a kiss on her lips and then another on her forehead. Then he rested his brow against hers and for a few precious moments, she listened to the sound of his breathing and wished that the moment wouldn’t end. Finally he got up and moved away.
    So she went. With every step, she wondered about the stories they told about him; acts of nobility, protecting the weak and righting small injustices. There was so much more to him she wanted to know. She thought of the hunger in his eyes and hoped that if she walked slowly enough, he would call her back. But he didn’t.

Chapter 3
    She awoke earlier than usual to open the noodle shop. Actually she hadn’t slept at all. By daybreak, she was already standing between the empty tables, staring at the stretch of road leading through town. What if Shen Leung rose before dawn and left without a single farewell?
    She’d stayed up, thinking over every moment she had spent with him. The memories that had started out so bright and clear had become twisted while she lay curled up in bed. He was worldly, so much more experienced than her in every way. Her overtures must have seemed laughable to him.
    But he had kissed her. Again and again, like he wanted her and needed her. He’d called her beautiful. He did want her, but not enough—
    “Mei Lin!” Uncle’s sharp tone cut through her meandering thoughts. “You’ve been wiping that same bowl for an hour.”
    She stared at the dishrag in her hands and the porcelain with its faded blue pattern. Uncle started grumbling his usual rant about how she ate all the rice and was nothing but a worthless girl. Her temper suddenly got the better of her.
    “This bowl?” She held it high and then dashed it to the ground. An angry sound pierced the morning as it shattered to pieces. “Now I don’t need to wash it anymore.”
    “Disrespectful! You’ll pay for that.” He shook his finger at her and grumbled his way down the lane to share morning tea with old Chang.
    As soon as he disappeared, she regretted her rashness. Breaking things and causing a storm so early in the morning simply because she was lonely. It was the first time she’d admitted it. She was lonely here.
    She bent to pick up the porcelain shards and found herself face-to-face with Shen Leung. He’d somehow come to kneel beside her. Her hands fumbled over the broken pieces while he tried to help. His fingers were long and graceful and she was so clumsy. They stood at the same time and she was at a loss as she looked up at him.
    “I’m not always like this,” she said in a near whisper.
    His flawless manners had returned. “I can pay for that.”
    “Nonsense. This wasn’t your fault.”
    But it was because of him. The sharp edges of the porcelain dug into her palms. He had filled her head and taken over her thoughts. She wanted to cry just looking at him and she didn’t know why. It was unbearable to want someone so much, so quickly.
    He pressed a copper into her hand. His thumb traced the edge of her palm needlessly. He slung his travel pack over one shoulder and the sight of it caused an immeasurable sadness within her.
    “Won’t you stay and have something to eat?” Her attempt to sound bright failed.
    “No, I should go.”
    He was standing close enough for her to feel the heat of his body and search every expression that flickered across his face. She was still holding onto the broken bowl awkwardly and there was nothing clever she could conjure up to keep him there a few moments longer.
    Her voice grew faint. “Please be careful.”
    “It is beyond my right to demand this, but don’t accept any more of those challenges. That is no proper way for a maiden to find a husband.”
    It wasn’t as if she wanted these ridiculous fights. Or that she had any choice when Zhou was intent on harassing her. Still, his request was kindly meant.
    “You can