Read Online Sunset Embrace by Sandra Brown - Free Book Online Page B

snugly around his head. He was dressed in a white suit and blue vest with a gold watch chain dangling from its slit pockets. His eyes were sad, wistful, and kindly blue. His skin was pale save for his cheeks. They were stained with high color.
    Lydia didn't say anything. She was surprised to find open curiosity, perhaps friendliness in his face, but no censure. "Allow me to present myself, Miss Lydia. Winston Hill at your service. And this is Moses."
    He referred to a tall, stately black man standing at his side. He had on a somber black suit with a white shirt and black string tie. There were threads of white in his hair and eyebrows. But his face was unlined and eternally youthful.
    Lydia was so taken by the pair and their courtly manners that she said the first thing that popped into her head. "You know my name."
    Winston Hill smiled. "I apologize for the gossip that sweeps through the train, but yes, everyone has heard of you and your remarkable beauty. I'm glad to say that this time the rumors weren't exaggerated."
    She blushed, never having heard such a compliment on her appearance. "Pleased to meet you," she said.
    "And you. You're looking after Mr. Colemans new son. A commendable and charitable occupation in light of your own recent loss."
    She had never heard talk quite like his. It was pretty. The words dripped off his well-shaped lips slowly, like honey. "Thank you. But he isn't any trouble. He's a wonderful baby."
    "I've no doubt. I admired the beauty and courage of his mother. Not to mention his fathers prowess." He lifted a linen handkerchief to his mouth and coughed several times. He seemed embarrassed by it, frustrated. "Moses and I will bid you a pleasant evenin' now. If we can ever be of service, please ask."
    Confused by his mannerisms, Lydia stammered, "Thank you. I will."
    "I hope so." His smile was white and straight. "Oh, evenin', Mr. Coleman."
    Lydia turned to see Ross standing behind her at the end of the wagon. He looked as hard and indomitable as Mr. Hill looked soft and guileless. His chin lifted a notch in greeting as he said tersely, "Mr. Hill, Moses."
    "We're keepin' you from your supper. Miss Lydia." Before she knew what he was about, he leaned forward, grasped her hand, and brought it to his mouth. His lips brushed the back of it. She stared transfixed as he replaced his hat, nodded to her, and then strolled away, Moses beside him.
    She looked down at the hand that had been kissed. Discomfited by the gesture, she wiped it with her opposite sleeve as she glanced over her shoulder at Mr. Coleman. His face was as dark and ominous as a thundercloud. When he wore that angry look, his bottom lip barely showed beneath his moustache.
    "Suppers ready," she said with nervous huskiness. She turned bade to the fire, picked up one of the china plates Ma Had laid out for them, and spooned a hearty helping of the stew onto it. She was holding the plate out to him when she faced him again.
    He didn't reach for it. Instead he held his arms rigid at his sides, his hands balling and stretching like he was dying to hit something. The bones in his jaw bunched up as he ground his teeth together. The sun had set and twilight had fallen. The purplish light made his fece look even darker, meaner.
    His green eyes shone through the dimness, Lydia saw them slide from her face to the flowers secured between her breasts. Because she was agitated and not a tittle afraid of him, she was breathing irregularly. Her breasts trembled beneath the cloth and the flowers against her flesh vibrated as though they were alive. He looked at them a long, silent time, while she wished he wouldn't. If she hadnt been holding the plate, she would have covered herself from those smoldering, condemning eyes.
    "You little tart," he hissed across the gathering darkness. "I don't give a good goddamn what you were or where you came from, but as long as you're under my roof and nursing my son, you'll not be drumming up customers."
    Victoria would