Read Online Damien's Destiny by Jean Hart Stewart - Free Book Online Page A

surprise?”
    She thoughtfully examined his face.
    “Oh,” she said. “I guess you’re right. We are very good friends. But that doesn’t change the fact I still want to go with you.”
    She stepped back, setting her chin so stubbornly he almost laughed.
    “And I want you to go, my dear. You and Debora both. I’ve decided I simply can’t leave you two alone here for that long a time. Stephens suspects our traitor was a new gardener who’s suddenly disappeared but there might be another servant the baron could tempt. We’ll go by train and stay at the recently opened Savoy Hotel. Jason recommends it, even though it’s quite new.”
    “You win too many arguments, my lord. I can’t refute this one however.” Her beaming face made the slight loss of time by not traveling alone well worth it.
    “I like winning,” Damien said silkily. “And my name is Damien. Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten already.”
    This time she grinned. “No, Damien.”
    Her words were delivered with a look from under her heavy lashes that Damien would have called flirtatious in another girl. Cheered beyond measure, Damien beamed down at her. The intense longing that was always with him subsided for just a moment, as he savored her pleasure in being allowed to go with him. Surely she was beginning to accept his love and would let him soon into her heart.
    “I’ve already called for my coach to be ready within the hour. Go tell Debby both of you must pack as lightly as you can. We won’t be in London long. Now I must send a footman ahead to purchase three tickets on the late morning train.”
    He set her from him, cheered tremendously by her reactions. Jason was on his way and now he must do his part, while keeping the women safe. This trip would be no problem since he’d have them with him. When they all returned he’d deal with the treacherous baron.
    And may Merlin’s mercy keep Rafe alive until Jason could reach him.

Chapter Six
     
    As anticipated, once in London Damien easily made an appointment to see the Prime Minister the next day. Then he could do nothing but wait for the morning, so Damien reserved a prime table in the elegant dining room of the Savoy.
    He insisted both women looked lovely even though they were not conventionally dressed for dinner. Each had packed only a fresh blouse and nightclothes in keeping with Damien’s instructions. Although the ladies did not feel as stylish as they might like, neither Debora or Toria said a word of reproach.
    Actually Toria thought Damien handsome enough to turn every eye his way. Who would notice the women at his side with anything but envy? Surely there never existed another such wonderfully striking man. Strong and tall, his dark hair was shining and his light scent of sandalwood creeping into her senses. She thought of how virile he looked and then blushed and closed her mind to such an unladylike thought.
    She definitely didn’t want to consider him as exuding masculinity. She just wanted him to be her good friend.
    Still Toria looked at him with shining eyes, her joy at being allowed to come and her feeling of safety plain to see.
    When Damien pulled out her chair she beamed up at him and he could hardly resist leaning over and kissing her fragrant hair. He frowned as he looked around the room. More than one male eyed them both, with admiration and a large touch of envy. He shut down his irritation. Her beauty naturally drew everyone who saw her, a fact he must learn to appreciate, not resent.
    Debora had been unusually quiet the whole trip and during dinner was no exception. Damien knew she was consumed with worry for Rafe and he could do nothing yet to reassure her. He’d been granted no vision, at least none he wanted to share. He wasn’t too surprised when she refused dessert and excused herself go to her room. Nor did he object.
    He kissed her cheek and whispered so low no one at the surrounding tables could hear him.
    “I’ll do my best for Rafe tomorrow, my