Blood Lust by T. Lynne Tolles Read Free Book Online Page A

that.
    Telling me I was inappropriate is not being scolded?
    He said u were being inappropriate?
    Yes. I offered to take breakfast up to Anton, who was not joining us.
    That explains that, Blake texted.
    How? Aren’t we here because we are supposed to get Anton to confide in us about what is wrong? How can we do that if no one actually sees the man?
    I told you Devon has some issues with Anton. Apparently he doesn’t want you around him.
    So he insults me in front of your uncle?
    I don’t think it was an insult as much as a request.
    U weren’t there, that was no request.
    Maybe. But I got a text from Devon saying he was out shopping 4 u.
    Yeah, w/o me, without a word & 4 some boots, jammies & sweaters – it’s snowing here.
    Without you?
    Please, Blake. Why am I here? He hasn’t said anything except that I was inappropriate 2 offer taking breakfast 2 your cousin. He hasn’t once kissed me since Dominic showed.
    Give it some more time. It’s only been 2 days.
    The last time you told me not to worry about his reaction, he wouldn’t speak to me for weeks. Please tell me you are not giving me that same advice?
    Touché, but this is a completely different situation.
    True, but I’ve never been more alone in my life Blake. Never.
    I’ll talk to him again, but I’m not making any promises. So how do you like the place anyways?
    It’s the most beautiful cold lonely house I’ve ever been in. Say goodnight to Rowan for me.
    Hang in there, Darby.
    About an hour later there was a quiet tapping on Darby’s door. “Come in, Bernard,” she said.
    “We are having a formal dress dinner this evening. Master Devon has bought you a most lovely dress. It’s there in the wardrobe along with some shoes. I must admit, I’ve been impatiently waiting to see how lovely it looks on you.”
    “That’s very sweet, Bernard, and how very nice of Devon.”
    “Master Anton will be attending, as he is feeling better today. Dinner will be served in the dining room in forty-five minutes, Miss, unless you would like more time, I could stretch it out a bit. It is a woman’s prerogative to make the gentlemen wait.”
    “No. Forty-five minutes should be okay. Thank you for the heads-up, Bernard.”
    “My pleasure, Miss.” With that, he exited.
    Darby hadn’t gotten this dressed up in ages. It was kind of a treat. She hadn’t brought any jewelry but she did redo her eye makeup and added a bit of blush. After the nap and her crying this afternoon, her makeup had all but disappeared. Now she looked at least presentable. What to do with her hair? She swept it up in a makeshift French twist and applied a ton of bobby pins to keep it in place.
    She went to the large antique wardrobe to find a stunning black silk sheath and a pair of black satin pumps waiting for her. Devon had done a pretty good approximation in her sizing, although the dress was a bit on the tight side. The dress had sleeves but they were sheer so there was no way to wear a bra with it. It was simple and elegant all the same. She thought she would have picked the very same dress if she had gone shopping; very astute of Devon. She put on an extra dose of deodorant for she knew she’d be nervous. She guessed that the tension at the table could be thick, with all three men there. Last touch was a little color for her lips and she was done. She slipped on the shoes and headed for the door.
    She heard a knock and smiled. She had hoped that Devon would escort her to dinner. She ran to the door best she could in the high heels. She opened it to find Bernard looking distinguished in a high-collared shirt that looked starched to the point of being painful. Her smile faded, but seeing Bernard’s smile and his eyes sparkle at seeing her, she couldn’t help but be happy.
    “I felt a lady such as yourself, all dressed up, should have an escort down to the dining room. When I saw that Master Devon hadn’t done so, I thought I would step in.”
    “And I am thrilled that you did,