Read Online A Kiss Before Dawn by Kimberly Logan - Free Book Online Page A

aspects of his investigation, as well. I’m certain he could use your help, what with your knowledge of Little Haverton.”
    Emily stiffened. Deirdre wanted her to voluntarily spend time in Peter’s company? She couldn’t possibly know what she was asking. “That might not be such a good idea.”
    â€œEmily, please?” Deirdre’s green eyes importuned her. “I hate to see you and Peter at odds when you used to be so close. Please, do this for your brother and me. We won’t ask you for anything else, I promise.”
    Heavens, how could Emily possibly say no to such a heartfelt request? She took a fortifying breath. “Very well,” she heard herself say, praying she was able to keep the trepidation she felt from coming through inher voice. “I’ll speak to Peter about it when the opportunity presents itself. Perhaps after he’s seen the constable in the morning.”
    â€œThere’s no time like the present.” Deirdre inclined her head in the direction of the French doors. “He’s out on the terrace.”
    Emily looked around, surprised to discover that she must have been so absorbed in her contemplation of her mother’s portrait that she hadn’t noticed when the gentlemen had rejoined them. Tristan, Cullen, and Angus McLean had seated themselves with the other ladies and were laughing at one of Lilah’s remarks, while Benji had returned to the chair next to the fireplace and the book he’d been reading earlier.
    The French doors where she’d been standing just a short time ago stood open to the warm night air.
    Emily swallowed nervously. The mere thought of approaching Peter, alone on the terrace, in the dark, was enough to have gooseflesh breaking out across the exposed skin of her arms. “Perhaps this isn’t the best time—”
    Deirdre gave her a nudge toward the doors. “Go on. I’m sure he won’t mind. He’ll more than likely be grateful for your offer of help.”
    Emily wasn’t so certain about that, but she started across the parlor with measured steps, mentally shoring up her courage. Maybe this wasn’t such a bad idea, she tried to convince herself. After all, if she stuck close to Peter, accompanied him on his interviews, she could keep track of where he was in his investigation.
    And make certain he didn’t get too close to the truth.
    She shrugged off another pang of guilt. She would not allow herself to feel ashamed over doing what needed to be done in order to preserve her family.
    Straightening her shoulders, she stepped out onto the terrace.
    Â 
    Peter leaned back against the stone balustrade with an exhalation of air, enjoying the light breeze that brushed against his face. This was more like it. Out here he felt better able to breathe. Inside the house had been stifling.
    Not that he hadn’t been glad for the chance to catch up with the people who had made such a difference in his life. Lilah was as amusing as always, and it was nice to see the McLeans and Benji, despite the boy’s less than receptive mood.
    And Emily…
    He closed his eyes and tilted his head back. Even with the resentful glares she had thrown his way throughout dinner, that lovely profile had drawn his gaze, and his pulse had sped up every time those misty violet eyes met his.
    He couldn’t deny he deserved her ire. Apparently he’d hurt her far more with his defection four years ago than he’d even suspected.
    Turning, he gripped the railing with both hands, his hold tightening until his knuckles turned white. The smell of jasmine drifted to him from the garden beyond the terrace, teasing his senses with its exotic fragrance.
    Out there, just past the expertly trimmed boxwoodhedges, near the copse of elms that stood sentinel next to the central fountain, was the spot where he had once almost made love to Emily.
    His mouth went dry with remembrance. He could still visualize the