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

way she had looked that night, with her hair tousled about her shoulders and her lips swollen by his savage kisses. The sound of her breathy moans and soft sighs echoed in his head as if it had happened only yesterday.
    â€œLove me, Peter my darling…”
    â€œPeter?”
    The voice floated to him like a continuation of his memories, and for a brief moment he thought he was still lost in the past.
    â€œPeter? Are you there?”
    It was louder this time, jerking him from his haze, and as he whirled to face the house, he saw Emily step out of the darkness and into the path of a stray moon-beam that spilled across the terrace.
    This was no memory. She was all too real.
    Immediately, he smoothed his features into a mask of cool composure and shoved his hands in his pockets, attempting to project a façade of casual nonchalance that he was far from feeling. This woman had already proven that she was all too adept at stealing past his defenses, and he couldn’t afford to let down his guard with her. Not even for an instant. “Lady Emily? What are you doing out here?”
    â€œLooking for you.” She moved toward him, her skirts making a hushed swishing sound on the stones beneath her feet. Coming to a halt not far away, shestared up at him with eyes that were opaque in the dimness, giving him no clue as to her thoughts. “I need to speak with you.”
    â€œAnd here you gave me the impression earlier that you’d be quite happy if you never had to speak to me again.”
    â€œYes, well, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about. My behavior this evening has been inexcusable, and I owe you an apology.”
    To say he was shocked would have been an understatement, and he knew his astonishment must show on his face despite his best efforts to hide it. She was apologizing to him ? “Will wonders never cease?”
    Emily’s mouth tightened visibly at his reaction. “You needn’t look so incredulous. I do know how to admit when I’m in the wrong. Regardless of our…differences, I know you would never deliberately set out to hurt Benji, and I had no right to accuse you of it. It’s just—” She paused for a moment, glancing down at her hands clasped in front of her. “You were right this morning. Your presence here has made things a bit…awkward.”
    â€œIt was never my intention—”
    She halted him with a shake of her head. “I’m aware of that. The fact remains, however, that we’ve been placed in a rather uncomfortable situation, and we need to learn to deal with it—and each other—in a civilized manner. To that end, I have decided to lend you my assistance in your investigation.”
    What the bloody hell? “Your assistance?”
    â€œYes. I plan on visiting the Tuttlestons tomorrow, and Iknow you’ll need to interview them regarding the break-in. Deirdre thought they might be more comfortable if I was there when you questioned them, since I know them so well. And I might be able to ease your way with some of the other people you’ll need to speak with.”
    It took a second for Peter to register what she was saying, for her words to finally come together to make some sort of sense in his mind. Emily help him ? When they couldn’t even be in the same room for more than five minutes without striking sparks off each other?
    â€œI don’t think that would be a good idea—” he began, but she cut him off before he could finish his protest, her tone firm.
    â€œI do. This thief needs to be caught, and if I can help you in some way, then I would like to do so.”
    She took another step in his direction, and her scent wafted to him on the night air, a hint of roses that sent his blood racing through his veins in response. “Unless…” She drew the word out slowly, her prim expression changing to one of speculation as she looked up at him from under lowered lashes.