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

dear.”
    She gave him a brief semblance of a smile and turn to leave. Damien conscientiously started to excuse himself to Toria and go with her but Debby waved him off with an attempt at a smile.
    “Stay with Toria, Damien. She loves dessert almost as much as you do.”
    He watched his sister go, powerless to do anything for her except send a slight sleep spell with her. Otherwise he knew she’d find little rest this night.
    That he expected little relaxation himself didn’t bother him.
    He sat down again at the table and found Toria looking at him, her big eyes worried.
    “I don’t know your friend,” she said, “but I know well he couldn’t be in better hands than yours. I wish I could do something to help.”
    The sincerity in her simple words touched his already susceptible heart.
    He reached his hand across the table and she took it, snuggling her small fingers into his like a baby bird finding its nest. When she did not withdraw, Damien drew a deep breath, turning her palm upward and lifting it to his lips.
    “Thank you, there’s nothing anyone can do right now. Maybe later.”
    He murmured low to her as she let her hand rest in his for a long moment. Not long enough for him but after a length of time that caused a woman at the neighboring table to cock her eyebrows, she withdrew her fingers.
    He was greatly encouraged she didn’t blush or seemed annoyed but looked at him with trust and a smile.
    “Finish your ice cream, Toria,” he said gently. “And then tell me what you’d like to do. Walk a bit, perhaps? It’s late but this is a safe part of London.”
    Again her brilliant smile lit up the room.
    “I’d love to walk just a little, Damien,” she said, shoveling the last bit of ice cream into her mouth in a most unladylike fashion.
    He grinned as he pulled back her chair.
    “It’s still warm enough we can go without extra wraps. We’ll only walk a few blocks, as I don’t intend to take any chances with your safety by going far from this area. But I think we both need to stretch our legs a bit.”
    As he escorted her from the dining room to the lobby he wondered what on heaven or earth he was doing. Walking alone on a dark and beautiful night, with the love of his life by his side. She might not know it but she was indeed in danger. And from the very man sworn to protect her.
    When they’d gone a few blocks they reached a section of the pavement shadowed by tall buildings and relatively deserted, Toria suddenly turned to him.
    “I must thank you properly, Damien. You’ve given my life new meaning. I feel safe with you as I never have before and I’m grateful.”
    He tried to shut down his emotions but found himself overcome by his love for her. He grabbed her in his arms, running his hands down her luscious body and molding her to him.
    “You’ve made a mistake, Toria. I’ll keep you safe from others but I’m not sure I can keep you safe from me.”
    He framed her beloved face in his hands, his voice low and husky.
    She looked up at him with a very female smile.
    “I’m not sure I want complete safety from you, Damien.”
    He groaned and swooped down, capturing her lips with his, exulting when he felt her instant and warm reaction as she tried to inch somehow closer to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck, going with him even when he opened his lips and nudged hers slightly apart. She drew back quickly when his tongue invaded her softness and he withdrew. It was enough to know she was beginning to respond to him. At least for now. She still needed reassurance he’d not force her.
    He ached from the pleasurable pain of the small taste he’d taken from the warm recesses of her mouth. Although he’d best go no further tonight. Well, hell, he could barely keep himself in control with even the little they’d done.
    He raised his head, looking into her dazed eyes.
    “You’ll always be safe with me, my love, in any way that truly matters.”
    She backed away from him, just one step