Read Online Moonspun Magic by Catherine Coulter - Free Book Online

Unfortunately, my ship is in Falmouth under repair, so I couldn’t sail there.”
    London.
    â€œI have business in London,” he added.
    She met his eyes. “So have I.”
    Rafael cracked a walnut between his long fingers. “Oh? Were you planning to walk there?”
    â€œNo, I have twenty pounds. Rather, I have eighteen pounds now. I didn’t realize the cost of things. I shall have to be careful.”
    â€œDid you steal the twenty pounds?”
    Her eyes flew to his face, but his concentration was seemingly on the walnut meat.
    â€œNot that I blame you, of course. I wonder whatDamien will do. I wonder what he has done already. I assume he would know you’re long gone.”
    He looked up at that moment and saw her go perfectly white. He felt like a bounder, scaring her like that.
    â€œYou didn’t stop at Drago Hall?”
    â€œNo, I didn’t. Look, Victoria, I can’t leave you here. Do you have relatives in London? Anyone who could take you in? Were you going to someone?”
    She shook her head and at the same time said quickly, “Yes.”
    â€œAh.”
    â€œI will pay you for this room and for the meal. How much was it?”
    â€œEighteen pounds,” he said mildly. He poured himself some thick black coffee, warmed his hands on the mug, and sat back in his chair, at his ease.
    â€œYou’re not a gentleman.”
    â€œIt appears to me that you haven’t experienced many gentlemen in your life thus far. Actually, I suppose I am, but I also understand that it would be difficult for you to judge. Now, what am I going to do with you?”
    â€œI’ll leave tomorrow. Alone.”
    â€œWith your eighteen pounds?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œThe devil you will,” he said. He rose and stretched, then turned toward her, his features softening.
    She felt herself go rigid with fear.

4

    Comparisons are odorous.
    â€”S HAKESPEARE
    â€œM y God,” Rafael said, coming to an abrupt stop. “Did he frighten you so much, then? You believe I am like him? You’re afraid of me?”
    â€œNo. Yes. Go away.”
    â€œVery clear. Thank you.”
    â€œIt is just that you look so very alike and . . .” She stopped and drew a deep breath. “I’m sorry, it’s not your fault.”
    â€œBut you’re wondering if blood runs the same in twins? Bad blood or good blood?”
    She raised her face at his serious tone. “No, really not. Indeed, I’ve never known twins before.”
    â€œNor have I, for that matter. Suffice it to say I am not Damien. I would appreciate it if you would cease comparisons. Now, does your ankle still pain you?”
    â€œNo,” she said sharply, wishing he would simply drop the subject. “Really, I’m fine now. I want to go to bed.”
    That, he thought, careful to keep his features expressionless, was an excellent idea. He was frankly surprised at his reaction to her. He’d certainly met and bedded more beautiful women. Not that she wasn’t lovely, of course. It was just that . . . Oh, the devil. He didn’t know what it was about her. Lordknew he wasn’t in the market for a damned wife. Wife? He was losing his mind, that was it. He shook his head at himself, saying as he did so, “Shall I order up a bath for you?”
    Victoria felt sweaty and dusty. She knew that warm water would soothe the muscles in her leg. She nodded gratefully. “I must look a skelter-patty.”
    â€œNo, just something of an urchin.”
    She was still sitting in the chair when he returned some five minutes later. “It will be up soon,” he said, sitting across from her. “Did you eat enough?”
    â€œYes. The lamb was delicious, the carrots not overcooked, the potatoes—”
    â€œAll right, I’m not your nanny. Now, tell me about the baron.”
    â€œThere’s really not all that much to tell. I simply