Read Online Mischief and Magnolias by Marie Patrick - Free Book Online

next to her, picked up his napkin and placed it on his lap, then folded his hands and watched her. And waited. He could be patient when the moment demanded it and as he gazed into her lovely face, he felt like he had all the time in the world.
    “You’re not eating,” he said after a while.
    “I’m not hungry.”
    “You must eat, if for no other reason than to keep up your strength. You have a lot of work to do.”
    The hatred in her eyes almost singed him. He watched her gaze sweep the table. All eyes were focused on them, including Brenna’s. Amusement made the corners of his mouth twitch as her gaze slid back to him. She raised an eyebrow. “Afraid the food is poisoned, Major?”
    All motion ceased. Cups stopped halfway to lips. Forks, full of food, hovered in mid-air.
    “The thought had crossed my mind.” His lips parted in a generous grin. “Have some coffee.”
    Her eyes still filled with defiance, Shaelyn did as she was told and brought the cup to her lips. She took a sip.
    “More.”
    He touched the bottom of her cup with his index finger, easing it to her lips. Obediently, Shaelyn swallowed, but her gaze remained on him over the rim. She put the cup down.
    “Happy?”
    “Not quite.” He lowered his voice and leaned forward. His smile widened. “Eat.”
    “As you wish.” She picked up her fork, speared a mound of fluffy eggs, and took a bite.
    “Swallow.”
    Obediently, Shaelyn swallowed.
    Remy nodded, glanced at Brenna briefly, then brought his attention back to Shaelyn. “You and your mother will continue to eat all meals with me and my men.” Feeling mischievous, he added for her ears only, “Coffee tastes much better without the vinegar. And I don’t appreciate cold baths, either. Don’t do it again, Shae. I can guarantee you won’t like the consequences.”
    Shaelyn’s eyes widened. She almost choked on her eggs. Remy watched in fascination as she blushed becomingly and ate the rest of her meal in silence.
    Perhaps I am up to the challenge
, Remy mused as he watched a vein pulse in her neck. His gaze drifted to her eyes and he bit the inside of his cheek to keep from grinning. He’d angered her. He could tell because the color of her eyes had changed from vibrant cobalt blue to nearly violet.
    Amused, he dug into his meal.
    Between bites of scrambled eggs and ham, he addressed his officers. “Today, gentlemen, we’ll inspect the Cavanaugh steamboats. I don’t know when our first shipment of supplies will be here, but I’d like to be prepared. I expect everyone to be ready by eight thirty.”
    “I’d like to go with you.” She spoke so quietly, he wasn’t certain he’d heard her. He turned slightly and gave her his full attention. Again, her face colored, the flush rising up from her neck to stain her lovely features. Her beautiful eyes were wide, glowing with…what? Warmth? Determination? Her small pink tongue darted out to lick her lips.
    Remy’s inclination was to deny her request outright, but what better way to keep an eye on her? What better way to make sure she didn’t put nettles in his bed? Or do something else to him?
    Aware his officers watched him, he nodded slightly. “You may join us, but I will not wait for you. We leave at eight thirty sharp, whether you’re with us or not.”
    Shaelyn gave a slight nod then pushed her empty plate away. She rose from the table and started collecting the dirty dishes. He saw her glance at the clock against the wall, perhaps judging her time, and move a little faster.
    • • •
    He didn’t have to wait for her. Shae was already standing on the porch, her hands resting lightly on the wrought-iron railing, when he stepped through the front door and closed it behind him. A slight smile crossed his lips. She had changed from the serviceable skirt and blouse to a day gown in vibrant colors of gold, green, and red stripes. Still, she wore no hoops, but he could see the frothy lace of her petticoats beneath the hem of her