No Red Roses: A Loveswept Classic Romance (Santa Flores) Read Free

body exuded an almost tangible sexual vitality. She’d sensed that electricity just from his shadowy silhouette, but it was nothing compared to the dynamic effect of his actual presence. Crisp dark hair, worn slightly long, framed features that were more fascinating than good-looking, she thought dazedly, except for that beautifully sensualmouth and the flashing dark eyes gazing at her with distinct displeasure.
    The realization of this displeasure abruptly snapped her back to her usual cool sanity. Tamara wasn’t used to that particular expression on the face of men who’d just seen her for the first time. She was more accustomed to their looks of dazed admiration than the open contempt of this arrogant and extremely rude man.
    “May I help you?” she asked. Upon closer inspection, she was sure he’d come to the wrong house. She certainly had never seen him before, and it was unlikely her aunt was acquainted with a man like him. His biscuit-colored suit was obviously exorbitantly expensive and far too trendy for one of Aunt Elizabeth’s conservative friends. His yellow linen shirt was left unbuttoned to reveal a strong bronze throat encircled by a fine gold chain.
    “You must be the local vamp I’ve been hearing about,” he said curtly, his dark eyes glittering. “Well, I’m sure you’d be very good at it, honey, but I’ve other fish to fry tonight. I want to speak to Elizabeth Ledford.”
    Tamara’s eyes widened at the remark before a flush of anger stained her cheeks scarlet. This had to be the rudest, most conceited, most arrogant idiot she’d ever had the misfortune to meet. “My aunt is out for the evening,” she said between clenched teeth. “Perhaps you could call her tomorrow for an appointment.”
    “No way!” he growled, a frown of impatience darkening his face. “I have to get back to New York tomorrow, and I intend to settle this tonight. I’ll have to make do with you.” He stepped aggressively into the hall, and Tamara was forced to move aside to avoid being swept out of his path. The nerve of the man!
    “I’m afraid I also have plans for the evening so you’ll have to leave now ,” she said crisply. She wasn’t about to be intimidated by this macho lout!
    His dark eyes narrowed dangerously. “I’d advise you to climb off that high horse. I’m mad as hell, and not in the mood for any of your histrionics, Cleopatra. You might find yourself occupying the same jail cell as your aunt if you’re not careful.”
    “Jail! You’re absolutely insane. Will you please get out of here?”
    “When I do leave, it will be to go directly to the police. I don’t think you’d want me to do that. I understand your great-aunt is a little old to be thrown into the holding tank, isn’t she?” His voice was coolly ruthless, and Tamara felt a shiver of apprehension cutting through the antagonism she felt for this man.
    “Who are you?” she asked.
    “Rex Brody,” he answered tautly. “And you’re Tamara Ledford, right?”
    “Right,” she echoed. On reflection, all his remarks had betrayed an odd familiarity for a perfect stranger. “But how did you know that, Mr. Brody?”
    His lips twisted cynically. “I know all about you, babe. I’ve spent the last two hours being filled in on all the juicy details of your aunt’s operation. I even know about your little affair with Walter Bettencourt.”
    “My affair with—”
    “I’ve got to admit I can understand his being unfaithful to my aunt a little better now that I’veseen you,” he drawled, his eyes lingering on the silken thrust of her breasts in the low-cut gown. “From what I hear, you have the reputation for being very accommodating to half the male population of this horse-and-buggy town. He’d have to be a monk to resist an experienced little madam like you.”
    “As I said before, you’re completely crazy.” Tamara’s violet eyes were blazing. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
    “Then perhaps we’d