The Snow White Bride Read Online Free Page B

alone in the corridor beyond the hall, once there was only shadows and the distant clatter of the feast being served.
    For the laird himself accompanied her, of course, and his attention was fixed fully upon her.
    “I have a boon to ask of you before you leave Kinfairlie , ” Alexander said, sparing her a glance.
    He had blue eyes, Eleanor noted, eyes filled with a thousand sparkles, as if his good humor could not be contained. His hair was as black as a raven’s wing, the black of his lashes making his eyes appear yet a more unholy blue. There were faint lines beside his eyes, as if he oft smiled, and he was tanned, as if he was oft outdoors. His manners were perfect, his grace unrivaled. She braced herself against his allure, reminding herself to trust no one. Who knew what lies a man might tell to ensnare her?
    “I have little to grant and less inclination to surrender whatsoever I do possess,” she said, and glanced away.
    Alexander chuckled, a beguiling sound if ever there was one. “I ask only for your name,” he said. “I am Alexander Lammergeier, Laird of Kinfairlie, and I bid you welcome to my hall, however short your visit might prove to be.”
    “I was solely here on your sisters’ sufferance, but do thank you for your hospitality.” Eleanor said no more, though she felt him waiting, felt his gaze upon her, felt her color rising ever so slightly.
    “Have you not a name?” he asked with some amusement.
    “Why would you have need of it?” They took measured steps together, despite Eleanor’s attempt to hasten. “I intend to leave and never return.”
    “Then perhaps I shall seek you out, like a knight upon a quest. It would be far simpler to succeed in that feat if I knew your name.”
    Eleanor was certain that he jested at her expense and stole a glance at him. She found his eyes sparkling yet, but he watched her avidly, as if truly interested in her answer. She recalled the sum of her father’s fortune and reminded herself that many a man would find that worthy of fascination. “You have no good reason to seek me out,” she said primly.
    “Ah, but I do.”
    He spoke with such conviction that Eleanor had to look his way again. The co rn er of his mouth was tugging into a smile. He had a dimple beneath one corn er of his mouth, and looked the very image of mischief.
    He shook a finger at her. “You would have me think that you are not curious, but I can see that you are. Perhaps you do not wish to encourage me, knowing as you do that the ogre appointed as your guardian would savor the chance to devour me.”
    “There is no such ogre!”
    Alexander nodded sagely. “Perhaps you show your interest in me by fearing for my hide in undertaking such a quest It shows a kindness of nature that is yet more enticing than your beauty.”
    “Perhaps I show no such concern.”
    He laughed, undeterred, and Eleanor found herself tempted to smile. “But surely you are not devoid of curiosity,” he teased. “You do not even ask after the details of my quest, although it concerns you alone.”
    “I suspect it is the same as most men’s quests, when they ride in pursuit of women,” Eleanor said. She dared to give him a stem glance. “A coupling, either willing or nay, and a son, either legitimate or nay.”
    The sparkle left his eyes, though she felt no triumph that she had insulted him. “You have a grim view of my fellows.”
    “I have been taught to expect no more and no less than that.”
    He considered her before he spoke. “How uncommon for a demoiselle. How unfortunate.”
    “I am no maiden,” Eleanor retorted. “But a woman twice widowed.” She lifted her chin and regarded him steadily. “There are many who would consider me well-sampled for that. As for Fortune, she is a fickle companion.”
    “I know that well enough,” he said so wryly that she dared to glance his way again. He smiled at her. “But surely the merit of a woman is not measured by her innocence?” He spoke with such