Read Online Seduced by the Night by Robin T. Popp - Free Book Online

leaving her feeling terribly confused because she wasn't the kind of woman to feel strong passions; it was a flaw in her genetic makeup.
    Frowning at both men, she shoved the clothing into her suitcase and closed it. Grabbing a second, smaller case, she packed her toiletries.
    "Ms. Stavinoski ," Detective Boehler said, walking into the room with Mac. "Where can I reach you?"
    "She'll be staying with us," Dirk answered.
    If the detective seemed surprised, he didn't show it. "Fine. I'll contact you there if I have any questions."
    "Is that it?" Dirk asked, nodding to the two suitcases as he took a step toward them.
    She looked around the room, giving it a final inspection. When her gaze fell on her little clown sitting on the bookcase, she grabbed it. The doll had been a gift from her grandmother many years ago and was a memento of happier times. She wasn't about to leave it behind. Refusing to meet either man's gaze, she placed the doll in her purse. "That's everything," she said, finally risking a glance at Dirk. Instead of the amusement she expected to see at her show of sentimentality, there was an unexpected flash of warmth and understanding. Then, gesturing with his head that she should precede him from the room, he picked up both of her suitcases and followed.
    Thirty minutes later, Bethany sat in the front seat of Miles's car, staring at the taillights of the gold-tone Humvee Mac was driving, without really seeing them. Lost in her thoughts, she didn't at first notice Miles's silence or the glaring looks he shot her. "I'm sorry, did you say something?"
    "As a matter of fact, I said quite a few things, until I realized you weren't listening."
    "I'm sorry," she apologized again. "This evening was traumatic. I keep seeing Mr. Yarbro's body in my mind and wondering if I could have done something to save him."
    Miles sighed, the anger draining from him as he reached across the seat and took her hand in his. "I'm an insensitive jerk. Of course you're upset about what happened this evening, but don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you."
    His words were an eerie echo of Dirk's, but they left her feeling far less reassured. She knew he meant well, so she gave him a grateful smile and then turned to gaze out the window.
     
    They were out in the country and the sun was beginning to rise. Bethany felt as if she were in a different world. She watched the open pasturelands pass by and was just beginning to wonder how far out in the country Admiral Winslow lived when the brakes of the Humvee lit up. It turned onto a drive partially hidden behind a line of trees edging the road.
    The mansion, for that's truly what it was, loomed before them. Two rows of huge, ancient oaks trees graced the front drive, reminding Bethany of Oak Alley in
Louisiana
.
    All three cars pulled to a stop in front and Bethany , feeling suddenly awkward, hesitated before getting out. Was she doing the right thing in staying with these people when she didn't even know them?
    Miles came around and opened the door for her, helping her out. She held his hand, grateful to have him with her, and he seemed to like her show of attention, laying his other hand on top of hers before turning to face Mac and Dirk who joined them, each carrying one of Bethany's suitcases.
    'This way," Mac said, walking to the front door. He opened it and, looking back once to make sure they followed, led the way inside.
    As soon as Bethany stepped into the foyer, she was overwhelmed by the old-world charm that greeted her. Admiral Winslow and Lanie walked up to greet them, offering warm smiles and words of welcome. Mac set the suitcase he carried by the door and gave his wife a kiss.
    Bethany saw the tender way Lanie gazed at him and how his eyes burned possessively when he looked at her. They were clearly in love and Bethany felt a small stab of jealousy, which she quickly suppressed.
     
    "Good morning, everyone," the admiral said pleasantly, shaking hands with Miles and Bethany.