Read Online Pure Desire [Pure 3] (Siren Publishing Allure) by Carolina Barbour - Free Book Online Page A

beautiful, handsome devil, she thought, staring at Noor shamelessly before he shifted his attention to her direction and his gaze locked on her for a small heated moment, leaving Allura to blush.
    Since when did she blush like a schoolgirl?
    Why couldn’t she keep her eyes off Noor?
    As if Channing could break the spell of Noor, she hurried to his side. Okay, she also must placate Channing for her earlier misconduct, as well. Her brother’s intention was positive. An inherent need to protect her drove his actions. Channing loved her, although, if questioned, he would rather be castrated than admit such aloud. The days she felt impish, she pestered him endlessly until he confessed his love, and then she would spend the entire day goading him about the confession. It was something siblings did to each other.
    She loved Channing, too, even during his most impossible moments, because she knew why he acted overly protective of her.
    “You needn’t give me a testy look as if you are scolding a child,” she said, silkily aware she was the cause for his mood.
    “You, young lady, behave, or mother will get a report her diligent efforts to rear a lady were wasted on you,” Channing said. “I mean it, Allura, no kidding around.”
    Allura put her hands on her hips and lifted her chin higher. “For the love of god, sometimes I think you have more maternal instincts than a chaperone. By the way, you are not, at least not of me, so please do settle down.”
    Channing gave her a gimlet-eyed scowl.
    She couldn’t help but smile. She touched his arm delicately and leaned into him closer. “I’m still a virgin and intend to stay innocent until I’m married or an interesting opportunity presents itself.”
    He actually groaned and turned an unusual shade of red.
    Allura laughed to let Channing know she teased…maybe not, she halted abruptly when Noor moved and she focused on his attendance. How could she forget he was standing there? She watched beneath shuttered lids as he walked with a purposeful stride, his agility and leanness reminding her of a cougar.
    For her gawking, she received a none-too-gentle nudge in the side. “Do you want your name involved in a scandal…again?” he said, briskly.
    “Ouch, that hurt.”
    She could tell Channing immediately regretted his statement, but she did not intend to allow him to apologize. In fact, she would have left him where he stood and walked out of the room if she could have gotten past Noor. He stood between her and a dignified exit. She had no idea if he overheard Channing’s comment or not. Cowardly, she refused to face him.
    “I profusely apologize, sis.” Channing tried.
    She shot eye-daggers at him.
    “Oh, my god, it’s true you are alive and well.” Allura turned as her mother entered the room in a whirl of action and hurried to Channing. She stepped aside as she hugged him tightly, before stepping back and examining him from head to toe. Her personal inspection to ensure not a hair on Channing’s head was ruffled.
    “Mother, you look radiant as ever,” Channing said. He kissed her on the cheek.
    “Don’t you dare try to pacify me with your sweet words as if I’m one of the women in your entourage who is easily persuaded by your smooth talk and charm,” she said, smiling. “I will warn you your father is in a fit, as he should be. You, young man, worried us needlessly. We heard about Harland Graham as soon as we rode into town. It’s a sad situation for all. However, I can’t act as if I’m displeased, to see you alive,” Fawn said, sighing in relief.
    “Mother—”
    She raised her hand and commanded silence with the single action the way only mothers could do. Channing politely went mute, pinching his lips together.
    “My darling, how do you fare?” she asked Allura. “You were greatly missed as well.” They exchanged hugs, and then she turned, as if noticing Noor in the room for the first time. Her mother’s etiquette was unquestionable, and Allura