Ravenous (Siren Publishing Classic) Read Free Page B

most handsome man she had ever encountered, even at court. He was tall and well built, not lean to say, and definitely not overweight. His hair was as black as midnight and his eyes were the color of deep chocolate. His skin was pale in color, adding a very interesting contrast to his dark hair and eyes. He was wearing a white linen shirt, a deep-burgundy waistcoat, a crisp cravat, a black double-breasted coat, and lastly, tight-fitting trousers that left little to her mind’s wondering.
    “Are you well, miss?” A voice with a deep timbre suddenly clouded her foggy brain.
    “I am, my lord.”
    Gabriel was taken aback by her beauty. Color in her cheeks provided a delicious addition to her petite yet curvaceous body. Her hair was the color of the sun he missed so much, and her eyes were as blue as the clear sky. She was once again wearing a demure day dress in a dark color, however it did not detour his knowledge of what lied beneath the frock.
    He took a seat next to hers and began, “May I have your name and where you hail from?”
    “Mercy Goodwin, my Lord, and I come from Sussex,” she finished.
    “Why have you come to my home? I have not properly advertised for a governess. Where did you hear of the position?”
    There were so many questions, and this man was direct.
    “I heard of the position from a passing stranger. I was in need of employment. I have no family left and need to make a living. When I heard of the possibility of gaining such a position, I had to take a chance. As I told your butler, noblewomen look upon me and make judgments,” she finished quietly. She hoped he took her word for truth. She needed to stay here. With his gaze upon her, she felt a pull toward his eyes, a pull she had never felt before.
    Gabriel felt himself a man of good judgment. One did not live for two hundred years without becoming acute to those who lie. He searched her face and tried to feel her mind, but was blocked yet again. The wall in her brain was not as solid as it had been the other evening, he felt a slight tug against his powers, which was a sign her mind was opening. Plus, he noticed a bruise marring her delicate cheek, less so this evening, but it was still there.
    Curious, he thought.
    “George has warned you that you will be on a trial. However, you must sign some paperwork of nondisclosure. I am a very private man with many quizzical habits, you understand.”
    Emma nodded her head in agreement. She was willing to sign anything as long as it garnered the position.
    Fool, Gabriel screamed inside of his mind. This woman was hiding something. He could feel it. He should not make a decision based upon his love for puzzles and a beautiful face. Mercy Goodwin was the most attractive woman he had ever laid eyes upon. He felt his cock stir at the sight of her sitting in a dower dress. She should not have this kind of effect on him. Nevertheless, she had and did. He bargained with himself over the fact that James and Rose needed a guiding hand, and this woman was the only woman available.
    “You shall start your duties in the morning. You are to see to the children’s lessons and be assured they are in bed at an early hour. I will not be in residence during the daytime. I will expect a full report on their progress every evening, is that understood?” he asked.
    “Indeed, my lord. However, every evening…”
    “Aye, you will meet me here every evening to tell me how my wards are faring.” At that statement, George walked into the room and filled a glass for him. It was a very bright-red liquid that looked to be wine, but was in fact cow’s blood.
    “Are you finished?” Gabriel asked.
    “Aye, my lord.”
    “Then I suggest you retire to your room. Your duties will begin early tomorrow morning.”
    With that said Emma quickly stood and quit the room. Butterflies flew vastly inside of her stomach at his person and his voice. Emma felt as if she was in very big trouble and was not sure as to why. She was