Read Online Seduced by the Night by Robin T. Popp - Free Book Online Page A

"Please, come in. Can I interest anyone in breakfast or a cup of coffee?" He showed them into the kitchen. Bethany wasn't hungry, so she politely refused—as did Miles—but the coffee sounded good and after she took a seat at the table, she gratefully accepted the cup offered her.
    Bethany noticed that Dirk, silent and sullen as he leaned against the counter, refused the coffee and she found it odd, considering how tired he looked.
    As if he felt her gaze on him, Dirk turned and she saw a flash of something cross his eyes, but it was gone too quickly for her to know what it was.
    "How are you?" Lanie asked, drawing Bethany 's attention by the warmth in her voice. "It must have been horrible."
    "It was frightening," she admitted, not wanting to relive the whole thing again so soon.
    Lanie must have sensed her reluctance because she didn't push. "I'm glad you've come to stay with us," she said. "We have plenty of room and it will be nice to have another woman staying here."
    "T hank you." Bethany took a sip of the coffee and let its warmth seep through her. Beside her, Miles had struck up a conversation with the admiral. Both of them men of wealth and means, it turned out they had many of the same acquaintances. For fifteen minutes, while they talked, Bethany remained quiet and did her best to keep her attention focused on their conversation. The entire time, however, she felt Dirk watching her and couldn't resist sneaking a peek at him every now and then.
    The intensity of his gaze was unsettling. She didn't  know how to react, so she turned her attention back to the conversation, but high society had never interested her much and it wasn't long before the night's events caught up to her. Placing her cup on the table, she fought to keep her eyes open.
    Suddenly a warm hand was at her elbow, pulling her to her feet.
    "If you all will excuse us," Dirk's voice filled the room, interrupting the conversation, "Beth is exhausted. Lanie , if you'll lead the way, we can show Beth to her room."
    "Of course." Lanie jumped to her feet.
    Miles and the admiral also stood up. Bethany saw the irritation return to Miles's eyes as he looked to where Dirk's hand supported her elbow and rather than watch the two men get into another round of adolescent posturing, she politely pulled her elbow free from Dirk's grip. Almost immediately, she wished she hadn't because she was apparently more tired than she thought and for a moment the room swayed before her.
    "I think I'd better help you." Instantly Dirk's hand was back and this time she let it stay.
    "T hank you."
    Miles, maybe sensing that any effort on his part to help her would draw undue attention to the situation, let it go and followed along quietly.
    Feeling like a VIP surrounded by her entourage, Bethany was led up the main stairs and down a long corridor. When Lanie finally stopped and opened the door, Bethany was sure there'd been some mistake. The room was huge and luxurious.
    "Oh, this is beautiful," she exclaimed breathlessly, looking around. "Really, this is much too nice."
     
    Lanie laughed. "Nonsense. We have more than enough room and, as I said before, it will be nice to have another woman staying here. I get lonely sometimes. Now, do you have everything you need?"
    "I think so." Bethany eyed the large queen-sized bed. It looked like heaven and she wanted nothing more than to collapse across it and fall fast asleep.
    "Well, I guess it's time for me to leave." Miles sounded reluctant. He took her hands in his and gave her a warm smile. "What time do you want me to pick you up tonight? I assume you'll want to sleep, but we have that gallery reception at eight."
    "She'll have to pass," Dirk said. "Going to a public function is too dangerous."
    Miles started to protest, but Bethany put a hand on his arm to quiet him.
    "He's right," she said. "Besides, I have plenty of work to do at the lab. All those tests have to be rerun."
    Miles sighed, but didn't push her. "All right. I'll pick