Read Online The Saint by Madeline Hunter - Free Book Online

one in her life had ever looked at her so … specifically. At least not from this close. That gaze seemed to penetrate right into her mind and explore at will.
    She did not feel protected and secure anymore. Rather the opposite. The flutters multiplied and beat a frantic, humming rhythm, taking over her body and limbs. Wings of warning. And excitement.
    His tight expression made him astonishingly handsome. He pushed away from the ground and knelt to offer his hand, to help her to a sitting position. “Did the fall hurt you?”
    She moved her limbs gingerly. “It just knocked the breath out of me. I was not really thrown, but I will be a little sore in the morning.” She scrambled to rise. “As guardians go, you are superior, Uncle Vergil. Not many men would throw their bodies between a musket ball and a woman whom they barely know.”
    â€œAll honorable Englishmen would do so, Miss Kenwood.”
    They walked the horses for a while to get them calm, then rode the last miles back to the house. His silent company unsettled her and that strange excitement still hummed. At the stables, he swung down and walked over to help her dismount. She paused when his arms reached up to guide her.
    He noticed her hesitation. His blue eyes met hers in a most startling manner. She became breathless and incapable of looking away.
    Strong fingers closed around her waist and lifted her down. It seemed to take a long time for him to release her, a stretched moment when he held her mere inches from himself. The subtle pressure of his hands and the closeness of his tall body shook her.
    â€œThank you. I enjoyed the ride very much.” She collected her composure and turned away.
    â€œI am glad that you did, especially since it will be your last one.”
    She whirled around to face him. “Are you saying I can never ride while I am here?”
    â€œOf course you can, with company and later in the day. However, I will inform the grooms that you are not to be given a horse this early again, nor any time when you plan to go alone.” He acted as imperious and calm as ever, but a tense power surged across the ground at her. “Nor are you to arrange any more morning assignations with your cousin Nigel. You may see him when he calls here, or if Penelope decides to call on him.”
    Assignations? His imagination had explored those ambiguities more thoroughly than she had intended.
    She walked away without correcting him.
    Let him think the worst.

    Vergil pulled a chair next to the bed, sat in it, and raised his boot to give his brother’s hip a good nudge.
    Dante groaned and threw an arm over his eyes. He peered out below it, saw Vergil, and groaned again in resignation. With an irritated sigh, he pushed himself up against the headboard. “Morning, Vergil.”
    Vergil took in his brother’s naked chest and noted the two glasses and empty wine bottle on a nearby table. “Up most the night with Marian, I gather. I have told you to leave the servants alone, Dante. I will not have them molested.”
    â€œA man does not molest Marian; he fights for his life. But then, you wouldn’t know, even though she fancies you. Not discreet enough.”
    â€œNot discreet enough for you, either. Your intended is in the house.”
    Dante rested his head against the board and smiled. “Ah, yes, the fair Bianca. Your description did her a disservice. She is really a sweet young thing, just a bit naive is all. It is charming to watch her grapple with our ways.”
    A bit naive?
“I just took a long ride with your sweet young thing.”
    â€œFrom the condition of your coat, it looks more as if you took a crawl with her.”
    â€œSome poachers were shooting and we ended up unhorsed.” Not exactly how it had happened, but there was no point in inviting detailed queries about it. “I am glad to hear that Miss Kenwood suits you. However, I should warn you that you have