The Wishing Stone Read Online Free Page A

The painting showed Lara on a beachfront, wearing a white linen shift and enjoying the waves rolling onto the shore. Nodding to himself, he was satisfied that the artist had indeed captured her grace and inner beauty.
    His gaze traveled to the porcelain figurine sitting atop the credenza, the one she had been forced by her husband to sell. Many nights he sat in this room reading but became distracted, dreaming of her here by his side. He also knew that the woman and the figurine were meant to be together, and he would surely put forth every effort to keep them that way.
    And now he could actually see and listen to her and not have to rely on his many memories or this paint-filled canvas anymore. Lara was the only woman who had triggered the many emotions that had lain dormant for all these centuries.
    Only to be awakened now in a beast.
    That was what Lucien considered himself; a beast.
    How he damned Marissa and all of her ilk for making his life a virtual living hell.
    Looking up at the ceiling, Lucien prayed he could keep Lara safe.

 
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Four
     
    Lara was escorted to a palatial room for her stay on this tropical island. The soft, leaf-green color of the wall covering complemented the dark hunter green carpeting. Stepping out of her sandals, her toes sank into the carpet’s lush pile. Idly, she turned to the wall of windows that lined one side of the room. A love seat and a pair of matching overstuffed chairs distinguished the room’s sitting area from the actual sleeping area, which contained a bed with an exquisite rattan headboard and a nightstand, along with a rattan straight-backed chair.
    The full moon outside reflected off the ocean as the waves rolled onto the sleeping beach far below.
    After repeatedly assuring the more than accommodating Margaret she could indeed handle her own unpacking, Lara set about that task.
    Hanging up her last garment in the walk-in closet, she changed into a simple peach cotton shift. She placed her empty suitcase on the floor in the far back of the closet and her makeup case in the bathroom. She was now ready to truly begin her vacation.
    Finding her way back down the wide hallway, she mentally followed the directions to the kitchen that Margaret had related to her. Lara thoughtfully studied her new surroundings.
    The collections of artwork that lined the walls were excellent reproductions of famous works she had seen only in library books. The statues that graced beautiful pedestals were also good replicas of renowned works.
    Passing additional bedrooms, Lara glanced into each of them, noticing the same flair for detail that was also given to her own room. Further down the hall, wide double doors appeared to beckon her investigation. Not totally sure of her directions, she turned the door handle of one of the doors, only to be disappointed to find it locked.
    At just that moment Margaret turned the corner.
    “I see you’ve freshened up. I’m sure you’re famished since airlines aren’t well known for their cuisine. Let me show you to the dining room. “
    At the hesitant look in Lara’s eyes, Margaret cocked an eyebrow up in question. “Is there a problem?”
    Not wanting to make an enemy of the friendly housekeeper, Lara hesitantly inquired, “Would it be all right if I ate in the kitchen? I don’t want my presence here to cause extra work.”
    “Nonsense, it’s no trouble at all.” At her crestfallen face, Margaret added, “But, if you would like to keep me company, you’re more than welcome to eat in the kitchen.”
    The rest of the evening passed swiftly as Lara talked with Margaret. The knowledge that the older and slightly broad woman was also alone had Lara feel closer to her.
    “Now tell me why a pretty young woman such as you hasn’t remarried?” Margaret asked as she settled a napkin on her lap.
    Smiling at the often asked bold question, Lara searched her mind for an honest answer. “I haven’t found the right man who will make me