Giovanni (Blood Brothers Book 6) Read Free Page B

something about this guy I don’t quite trust.”
    Just then, John stirred with a groan. “Sydney,” he whispered her name like a soft caress, sending another wave of awareness shooting through her body. She could feel his gaze on her which seemed to burn a hole in her skin. She wasn’t sure why she would react to a stranger this way but it made her more than a little uncomfortable.
    “Yes. Are you Mr. Chandler?”
    “ Mi s cusi ?”
    “I’m sorry?”
    “Umm, yes. I am he. But please, John will do.”
    “You frightened me, passing out like that. Should we call you an ambulance? This sun has been a killer lately.”
    “No. Please don’t.”
    “Are you sure? You gave us a bit of a scare.”
    “Trust me. I’ll be fine. Actually, I’m just exhausted. I’ve been awake for a while.”
    “Hmm, well, if you’re sure.”
    “I am.”
    “Well in that case, you’re in luck, even though I didn’t think you’d show up until tomorrow, we have a room for you. Ida can show you to your room. We can discuss rules and what not after you’ve rested. You’ll have to accept my apologies because I’m just getting home from an appointment.” She realized she was babbling and laughed nervously.
    Sydney scooted away from him and reached for her cane before wobbling to her feet.
    “The only room that’s ready is Dylan’s room.” Ida huffed the words, seeming very put out that Sydney would dare offer the one room in the house that remained vacant.
    “It’s the only room that’s clean and ready for a guest. Mr. Chandler—er, John can stay there for the night and we’ll prepare one for him for the remainder of his stay if that’s okay with you, Ida.” Sydney added that last part without bothering to disguise her annoyance. She couldn’t figure out what had gotten into her friend, who didn’t seem to like their new guest.
    Mr. Chandler shuffled on the ground. Sydney figured he was attempting to get up. She would have offered him a hand for leverage but was too scared to make contact with him again. She could tell when he was on his feet again, because he had somehow invaded her space and the warmth of his breath gently flowed against her lips.
    “Well, I suppose if you’re going to stay then I might as well show you to your room,” Ida grumbled ungraciously.
    Sydney would definitely have to find out what was going on with the older woman when they got some time alone.
    “Well, I look forward to talking to you later.” Mr. Chandler spoke.
    “Likewise,” Sydney answered to be polite. She got along with most of her boarders, some whom she’d even become quite close to over the years, but there was something about this man that made her feel emotions she couldn’t quite understand and that made him dangerous.
    It was only when he finally walked away from her did Sydney release the breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. They’d spoken briefly on the phone and from what she gathered, he was basically a drifter who traveled a lot and wanted to spend a little time in the South and see some sights. He said he was willing to pay for three months stay upfront.
    Since her accident, she hadn’t had much luck with dating so she’d given up on ever finding a love. For some reason she seemed to attract men who either fetishized her condition or the ones who babied her and wouldn’t let her do the most mundane of tasks. She could do without either types of men and was happy with her life without being fussed over all the time. Like most hot-blooded women, she did miss the companionship of a lover and there were times when she was lonely. She’d tried to just do the casual thing with a couple guys, hang out with no strings attached and fulfill each other’s needs. But both situations had turned out to be disasters with each of the men falling into the two category of guys she tried to avoid. Now it was just her and her trusted vibrator. And if she ever got lonely, she’d call a friend to hang out.
    Sydney