Read Online Dangerous Magic by Stephanie James, Jayne Ann Krentz - Free Book Online Page B

unknown reason Elissa felt as if some part of her had been violated, invaded. “You took it upon yourself to do a thing like that? Haven’t you ever heard of private property? What kind of person are you?”
    “You’ve already decided I’m a predator. We wolves set our own boundaries.” He grinned, clearly enjoying her shock and anger.
    “I’m glad you’re so damned pleased with yourself,” she ripped at him violently.
    “Calm down, Elissa,” he ordered, the grin fading as he felt her tremble with the force of her anger. “I already knew there were mysteries about you. It was natural for me to go looking for them.”
    “And what are your secrets, Wade Taggert?” she asked fiercely, sea eyes narrowing with menace even though it would have been clear to any observer that she was in no position to threaten Wade. All the menace was plainly on his side.
    “Secrets?” he repeated softly. “I don’t have any secrets. Not from you.
    Only a need to be charmed. A need for you to want me, really want me, not just find me comfortable for a while. Is that so much to ask?”
    Elissa couldn’t believe the near wistfulness of his tone. His most dangerous tactic yet, she told herself grimly. She must not allow herself to be seduced by the depth of his desire and need. Who would have realized that she, of all people, would be in such danger from this aspect of the man? It didn’t bear contemplation! Her head moved restlessly, negatingly, on the cushion as she continued to focus on the soundless gray pools of his eyes. He must have known of her chaotic thoughts, because his smile suddenly gentled in a way which was altogether new. And every bit as dangerous as his strength.
    “Elissa, Elissa,” he whispered, “I tried to work my way into your spells through normal routes; I tried to bribe my way in with promises of advancing your career, the one thing I thought might be important to you; I’ve demanded admission on my own terms. And now I’m asking very politely. I want to know your magic, little witch. Come be my woman and find out what it’s like to put yourself in someone else’s power for once. I promise you won’t regret it, my sweet. I’ll take good care of you…”
    “The way you already took good care of my promotion?” she snapped, trying to fight the weakness in herself and fearing failure.
    “I had to do something to show you that you couldn’t use Randolph to get what you want,” he explained, as if to a small child to whom he had denied candy. “I’m the one who can make life difficult or pleasant for you, Elissa. And I might prove more complicated to manage than men like Randolph or Norwood. But think of the challenge!” he urged goadingly.
    “You still think I tried to sleep my way into that position, don’t you?”
    she muttered forlornly, not understanding how anyone could think that of her. No one ever thought the worst of Elissa Sheldon. Everyone who knew her would realize she wouldn’t have dreamed of using sex to get that job.

    “It doesn’t matter now,” he soothed, stroking her cheekbones with his fingers. “That lesson is over, and I won’t allow you to stray again…” The cold rain in his eyes turned a deeper shade for an instant. “Except with me!”
    “You want me in spite of what you think is my history of sneaky, underhanded, conniving behaviour, is that it?” she murmured disbelievingly. No one had ever thought the worst of her, but if someone had she certainly wouldn’t expect him to pursue her so intently after learning the awful truth. What manner of man was Wade Taggert?
    “I think you’re salvageable,” he informed her bluntly. “You’ve always worked your charms so easily that you’ve grown accustomed to using them to smooth your path through life. But I don’t believe you’re really bad. You require a firm hand and some guidance from a man who sees through your magic even while he’s availing himself of it. And you need to find out what it’s