Indigo Sky Read Free

sir.”
    “Please, I don’t mean to be offensive. Forgive me.”
    Her belly fluttered with excitement. Something bloomed to life in Leila and reached out to meet him.
    His hand came up, and he touched her neck with one finger. “But how can the truth be offensive?”
    She opened her mouth to deliver a rebuke but sucked in a breath and covered her mouth with her fingertips instead. He stood so close that she could feel his body heat. His sheer size and latent strength bordered on intimidating. Dark, wet chestnut hair fell in waves on his forehead and curled over his collar. The soaked shirt clung to his muscular arms and broad chest. His clothes were of fine quality, yet he wore an air of danger. The hard planes of his face contrasted with his easy, seductive smile. But most of all, his eyes played games with Leila’s heart. She took a few paces back.
    Those cool eyes pinned her in place.
    Her anger deflated. Unable to escape his magnetic force, she wet her lips.
    His smile faded, and the intensity in his eyes deepened to a hunger for more, a promise of forbidden pleasures.
    Her eyes widened. He took another step closer. Leila’s stomach lurched. I’m married!
    He advanced.
    She retreated, knowing instinctively he was used to getting what he wanted, and right now, it was obvious he wanted her. Just because he’d saved her didn’t give him a right to her. But she wanted to give him the right. I’m wanton, despicable . She took another step back. “I-I must go,” she squeaked.
    He held up his hands and smiled. “Please, my intentions are honorable.”
    Heat crept up her neck. Did I misunderstand ? Leila swallowed her shame. “I really must go. Thank you.” Flight was uppermost in her mind, yet she stood rooted to the spot, staring up at him. He looks so . . . so good standing there. Attempting to restore normality to the situation that was anything but, she lifted her chin. “It’s late. I must change for dinner.”
    “I hope to see you again, m’lady.” His smiling eyes teased her as he scooped up his jacket. “This is dry.”
    She shook her head, pressing icy hands to flaming cheeks. He’d held her and looked at her, as only a husband should. Oh, Lord, how could I forget I’m married ?
    He draped the jacket over her shoulders, his fingers brushing her neck.
    She jerked as though jabbed, and the ache in her head increased. Leila lifted her soaked skirts and fled.
    “Wait, please wait.” His heavy footsteps followed close behind as she ran through the trees and along the grassy riverbank.
    She stumbled to a halt at the brook’s edge, breathless, and stared at the water surging around rocks. Moments ago, this brook had sucked her under its currents and tried to drown her. Nausea overcame her, and her legs seemed to disappear. He swept her off her feet and carried her across. “Wrap your arms around my neck,” he said softly, holding her gaze. “If I slip, I want to ensure you’re attached to me—that you’re safe.”
    She complied, her heart threatening to burst from her throat. His heart thudded just as hard against her chest.
    He set her down on the other side. He bowed and walked back across the brook on sure feet.
    “Don’t go,” she whispered to empty space. But she needed to get away before she chased after him and said or did something she would regret. She spun and ran. The jacket slipped off, but she didn’t stop for it as she no longer felt the cold—fire burned in her veins.
    Struggling up the impossibly steep incline, Leila, with effort, made it to the hotel. Head down, she hurried past guests, ignoring their appalled gasps. Leaving a wet trail down the passage to her room, she opened the door and sagged against it, pushing it closed.
    She had found sanctuary at last, but the stranger still held her mind captive. She pressed trembling fingers to her temples. Don’t think about the accident or how it happened. Especially, don’t think about what happened after . She had difficulty