A Perfect Storm Read Free Page A

course she would think that . “If you’re asking if I’m gay and trying to make some political or social statement by telling this story, I’m not.”
    Sophie’s brow furrowed. “That’s not what—” She glanced up and suddenly zipped her lips.
    Right on time . A shadow fell over them. Lucien looked up just as Magnus came to a stop next to where Lucien sat.
    Magnus dipped his head in Sophie’s direction first and then put his attention on Lucien. “Sir?”
    “What is it, Magnus?” Lucien asked while keeping an eye on Sophie.
    “The swells on the water from the storm have grown more quickly than anticipated. I would not feel comfortable putting Ms. Emerson on a boat tonight.”
    “Understood.” Lucien turned to Sophie. “If you do not object, Miss Emerson, we would be happy to prepare a room and put you up at Ravenstoke tonight.”
    Sophie wore a smile—a tight one. “I don’t want to put anyone in danger on the water.” As she said that, she plucked repeatedly at the cording on the couch. “Myself included.”
    Lucien ignored the twist the frantic movement of her fingers created in his gut. “Then it is done.” He glanced at Magnus. “Have Emma ready the blue room for Miss Emerson, please.”
    “Yes, sir.” Magnus bowed—Lucien didn’t miss the glower directed his way as the man dipped his head—and left the room.
    Alone again, Lucien put his attention on Sophie. Christ, vitality crackled in the air around her, like the lightning absent from the storm outside. He could not overlook, however, that she continued to torture his couch. He’d researched and seen her from afar for long enough that her life force didn’t surprise him; he just hadn’t realized her unique energy would leap off her and snake its way around him too.
    Lucien shook himself mentally and murmured, “I apologize.”
    Sophie crooked an eyebrow. “You apologize on behalf of nature?”
    That shocked a rough chuckle out of him. “No, I suppose I don’t. I can’t control the weather.” Even if I did obsessively observe and wait for this perfect storm . Abruptly, beyond his conscious command, Lucien shot to his feet. “And since we cannot predict what damage she will do tonight, I must go make sure the generators are prepared should we need them.” He backed away to the hall that would lead to his study and rooms in the north wing. “If you’ll wait here, someone will come shortly to show you to your room.”
    “Wait!” Sophie spun on the couch and leaned her stomach against its back. “My cell phone isn’t getting any reception right now.” No longer mangling the cushions, Sophie instead trapped Lucien in the depths of her clear, bright stare.
    Son of a bitch. Remember . Lucien fought to regain his superior position. Don’t get caught up in her eyes . The horrible whirring of breathing machines and the beeping of heart-rate monitors filled his ears and put the frigid line back in his spine.
    Cool once more, Lucien said, “Feel free to use any of the landlines in the house.” He pointed at the phone on a side table. “There is also open Wi-Fi. I’ll see you again after you’re settled.”
    Bowing formally, as Magnus had done, Lucien did an about-face and moved down the hall. He began with an easy pace, knowing she watched him. By the time he hit the split in the walkway, Lucien strode with such purpose anyone spying would have thought demons from hell reached through the flooring and tried to grab his ankles to pull him under into the fire.
    Once in his study, Lucien bit off a slew of curses and threw himself into his desk chair.
    From the tall windows, where darkness already swirled with the rain and wind beyond, Magnus stirred. “It’s not as easy as you thought it would be,” he said, his voice gentle when Lucien needed him to be anything but caring right now. “She’s a nice person, and she doesn’t have a bit of deception in her.”
    With a snarl, Lucien muttered, “Shut up.” He closed his eyes,