Read Online Christmas At Thorncliff Towers by Marina Myles - Free Book Online

rushed Isabella Winthrop. “Grace Ann!” The noblewoman rushed to the girl and wrapped her in her arms. “Are you all right?”
    The little girl gulped. “Yes. Karina saved me.” She paused. “I’m sorry for being so curious, Lady Winthrop. I wanted to know where Karina was going.”
    “It’s no matter,” Isabella said gently. “You’re safe now.”
    Lord Winthrop placed a hand on his wife’s arm. “How did you arrive here?”
    “Rogers brought me in the coach,” Isabella replied. “Apparently, he’s known where the Gypsy camp is for some time.”
    Grace Ann pulled away from Isabella Winthrop. “Lord Winthrop isn’t going to let Constantin stay here and be with Karina. But they love each other desperately!”
    Lady Winthrop flung her husband a wide-eyed look. “Is this true? You’re forbidding Constantin from being with the woman he loves?”
    After the earl hemmed and hawed a bit, he pulled himself up darkly. “I don’t appreciate this situation, Bella. Constantin’s brother stole food from my home. That’s why Constantin agreed to take Viktor’s place as a stable hand.”
    Karina stepped forward. “No, my lord. I was the one who stole from you.”
    Constantin gasped. “Don’t, Karina!”
    “Lord Winthrop deserves to know the truth. The members of my tribe were incredibly hungry that night, but I had no excuse for letting Viktor take the blame. I’m ashamed of my actions.”
    Winthrop growled.
    Isabella went to her husband. “You have no idea what it’s like to be hungry, my lord. But I do.” Her eyes were dark, golden spheres. “Regardless, what’s past is past. Tomorrow is Christmas. A time for forgiveness and fresh starts.”
    “But this Gypsy woman defied me,” the earl bellowed.
    “Look at me.” Isabella cupped his face in her hands. Winthrop was forced to pry his flaming eyes from Karina to his wife.
    “All I want for Christmas is peace,” Isabella murmured. “Give these people your blessing. Now. ”
    Time seemed to stand still. Then, as if it were the most difficult thing he’d ever done, the earl offered Constantin and Karina a curt nod. Sweeping Grace Ann into his arms, blanket and all, he tromped out of the wagon—his wife right behind him.
    Before she disappeared, Lady Winthrop turned around with a warm smile. “I expect both of you at the manor tomorrow afternoon. We’re having a delicious Christmas feast. And there will be more than enough food to share.”

7
    T he wagon door closed. Karina’s heart skipped a beat. As Constantin pulled her into his arms, a plethora of emotions washed over her.
    “Lady Winthrop’s invitation was generous,” he said, sensuality coating his voice. “But who’s thinking about tomorrow?”
    When Constantin had changed into the wolf and disappeared into the forest, it’d been the worst moment in Karina’s life. She worried that she would never see him again.
    Even now, the possibility sent her stomach into a flurry strong enough to rival the blizzard outside.
    “I love you with all my heart,” Constantin said. Taking her face in his hands, he kissed Karina hotly, deeply. Her senses sang with desire. And while his tongue rolled with hers, she felt his muscles relax. His apparent happiness sent elation spiraling through her. It also multiplied her attraction to him tenfold.
    Constantin held her tightly enough to make their bodies melt into one. But then he drew back and gave her a contrite smile. “I’d love to stand here and kiss you all night. But I must go to Papa Stoica.”
    Now that Constantin was back at camp, optimism rose within Karina like a giant wave. “I can heal your grandfather. But I need your permission.”
    “You have it!” he said excitedly. “After you turned me into a wolf, I have every faith in you.”
    Karina blew out the candle and they left the wagon. Limping through the snow, Constantin held her hand. With a hushed and reverent silence, they entered Papa Stoica’s wagon. Viktor jumped off a stool