Read Online Cursed by Diamonds (A Dance with Destiny Book 1) by JK Ensley, Jennifer Ensley - Free Book Online Page A

The ones you share your dreams with. What about the special one you share your heart with? Where are those friends, Princess?”
    “I know not.” She looked away. “I cannot remember if ever I had someone such as that in my life. But I’m certain if I have managed to survive up until this point by myself—”
    “It’s not about surviving,” he interrupted her, his voice barely above a whisper. “It’s about living.”
    Dante moved behind her as he spoke, taking the soap from off the shelf. He began to gently wash her hair, taking special care around the now diminishing bump.
    She wanted to lash out at him not to touch her. But his hands felt sooo good in her hair. She closed her eyes, never wanted him to stop.
    “I’m sorry I made you cry,” he whispered.
    “I’m not crying,” she lied.
    He smiled down at the back of her head. “Regardless… I am sorry if I hurt your feelings in any way. I guess you could say I am curious by nature. And nothing is more fascinating to me than human nature.”
    She sort of grunted, rolled her eyes where he couldn’t see.
    “But mostly… I was wondering if there was room in your life for me . I would very much like the opportunity to get to know you.”
    A sardonic laugh escaped as she brushed away the tears, but salted her words with sarcasm. “And be my friend, my human friend?”
    “Yes… at first.”
    He poured clean water over her hair, making sure all the bubbles were gone before picking up her arm and gently washing it as well.
    His touch left her as weak as a babe and his voice lovingly rocked her heart in its arms.
    “I find you not only breathtakingly beautiful, but extraordinarily interesting as well. I am also keenly intrigued by your intelligence and sharp wit. I want to understand where it comes from. I wish to know you, Jenevier. Every hidden secret, every wandering thought—I want to know them all. What is your favorite flower? Your favorite food? Which type of wine do you prefer in the evening, sweet or dry? I wish to be able to see to your every need… before they even become needs.”
    “Why? Why do you care?”
    Now it was his turn to laugh. He picked up her other arm and continued bathing her. She had to demand her eyelids not to flutter.
    “Well, in truth, I have traveled to many places in this world. And… I have known many intriguing people, many women.”
    He lifted her foot and squeezed bubbles between her toes. She almost giggled.
    “Do that again.”
    He smiled as he obeyed her adorable request.
    “Yet never have I met one with such raw innocence… coupled with such fierce independence. And devotion—the unconditional love you show to your friends out there—never have I seen the like.”
    He placed her foot back in the water and gently picked up the other one, squeezing the bubbles between her toes again. She fought off her mounting giggles.
    “Wait… Dante, are you mocking me?”
    “No. I would never mock you. I do not yet trust your patience in my regard.” He smiled, but didn’t look up to meet her gaze. “I was referring to Raven. You love him ferociously, do you not?”
    “Yes. That’s a rather odd way of putting it. But yes. I love him truly.”
    “It’s as if you have been locked away from the world and all its influences. Yet you thrive—blissful and content.” He met her questioning gaze then. “Surely you can understand how amazing that is. How amazing you are. Jenevier, you are the rarest creature I have ever met. With but a look, I was enchanted. I know not if you charmed me, or if Fate decided to finally bless me. But I do know this. I never want to leave. You have piqued my curiosity, tiny lady. Does that scare you?”
    “So… I am a merely a curiosity to you, am I? An enigma? A quest, perhaps?”
    “Not in the least. In truth, you are the very opposite. You’re not the challenge, my dear. You are the reward.”
    “Reward?”
    “Yes, reward. After my many years of searching, it is nearly impossible