The Sapphire Pendant Read Free Page B

know you’re a fraud. I can see that temper of yours burning in your eyes, ready for release. Go on and act on impulse and show the world who you really are.”
    He grabbed her shoulders, lifting her off the settee, and she watched as he tried to keep himself from shaking her. He finally pushed her away from him. Jessie fell backwards, sitting down hard.
    For a moment, Kenneth didn’t breathe. He wouldn’t allow his emotions to settle and take root. He knew the dangerous path down which untamed emotions could lead a man. He had perfected an iron will, which presently sought to douse the flames of his temper. He turned away. “I forgive you,” he whispered in a harsh, raw voice that shook from an anger he was unsuccessfully trying to control.
    “Don’t you dare forgive me,” she said, ready to see him break free from his magnanimous armor.
    He spun around and grinned wickedly. All signs of anger were now hidden behind devilish eyes. “I forgive you,” he said again, knowing this battle was his to win. “Do you want to try the other cheek?”
    “You may be able to tame the savage beast, but I’ll release it one day.”
    “Yes, but will you be able to deal with the consequences?”
    A high-pitched shriek stopped her reply. “My beautiful glasses! Where is she? Where is that girl?”
    Jessie leaped to her feet, alarmed. “Damn, that’s Montey,” she said in a panicked whisper. She looked around, desperate for a means of escape. She dashed behind a large plant. Kenneth rose to the occasion and moved in front of her and folded his arms, just in time to see Montey approach.
    The guy is huge!   Jessie thought, staring up at Kenneth’s broad frame. He had the body of a warrior: solid arms, legs, and shoulders that could haul weapons and women. Being a big girl herself—and believing him to be one of Earth’s lowest life-forms—she rarely noticed his size. No wonder the jerk is so arrogant.  
    Montey stopped in front of him. He was a bulky man with curly brown hair and a fussy mustache that bristled when he was agitated. It did so now. “Hello, Mr. Preston. Have you seen Jessie? I heard that she caused quite a disturbance. I’m glad that she didn’t ruin your suit.”
    “No, she had a little accident.”
    “That girl is an accident,” Montey said. “I never should have hired her. I was only doing her sister a favor.”
    “I’m sure she’ll apologize.”
    “No more apologies. She’s fired.”
    Jessie rested her forehead against the wall and groaned.
    “What was that?” Montey asked.
    Kenneth kicked the pot. “Oh, nothing.”
    “If you see Jessie, give her my message.”
    “I’m sure you could work something out.”
    Montey gave Kenneth a long, assessing look. “If you think she’s such a good worker, perhaps you could give her a job.” He spun on his heel and left.
    Jessie sat and covered her face. Her shoulders shook. Kenneth reached for her, then thought better of it. “It will be okay.”
    She looked up at him, with tears of laughter.
    “Did you hear him shriek?” she asked between breaths. “He sounds just like my grandmother when she gets angry. I never knew a man’s voice could reach such a pitch.” She wiped her tears away and sobered. “Damn, Michelle is going to kill me.”
    He sat down next to her. “Look, I can get you a job.”
    “Oh, no you don’t,” she said, shaking her head. She did not want to receive any of his charity. “You’ve done enough.” She shifted awkwardly. “Thanks for hiding me, though.”
    He shrugged.
    She lifted her hand. “And for the bandage. Though I could have taken care of it myself.”
    He shrugged again.
    Jessie looked at him, which was a mistake at so close a range. Up close, she noticed that his eyes were framed by curling black lashes that any woman would envy, and his full mouth entertained a shy smile. She also noticed an imprint forming on the side of his movie-star face: her handprint.
    She swore. God had a nasty sense of humor.