dragon archives 02 - pursued by a dragon by linda k hopkins Read Free Book Online

trends in cloth sales. She also spent time with Felix plotting the route she would take with her entourage, and oversaw the planning of the supplies that would be necessary for six weeks on the road. In addition to Felix, she would also be accompanied by Hannah and a dozen wagoners and wagons.
    The days slipped by, and Favian did not come to call. Cathryn pushed away the disappointment she felt, trying to convince herself that she was relieved. After all, what man asked if he could call and then did not come?
    But when Hannah knocked on her door one morning and informed her that a gentleman was awaiting her in the parlor, she could not help smiling. She smoothed down her gown, pushed her hairpin more securely in place, and made her way down the stairs. She paused at the threshold, taking in the sight of Favian as he slowly turned to face her.
    “Mistress Cathryn,” he said with a bow. Cathryn stepped into the room, inclining her head in acknowledgement.
    “Master Drake,” she responded.
    “My apologies for not calling on you sooner,” he said, “but something came up that needed my attention.”
    Cathryn sank down into a chair and gestured for him to take a seat on the other side of the room.
    “No need to concern yourself, Master Drake,” she said. “I had quite forgotten that you had intended to call.” She dropped her eyes to her lap as she spoke. Favian eyed her narrowly for a moment before nodding.
    “In that case I won’t trouble you any further, Mistress,” he said. “Please forgive the intrusion.” Cathryn bit her lip as he stood up, determined not to delay his leaving. This was, after all, what she wanted. But as he got to the door, he turned back to her once more.
    “Tell me, Cathryn,” he said, “ten years hence, when you are staring at a husband for whom you feel nothing but contempt, will you still feel that passing up the chance of love was the right choice?”
    Cathryn rose to her feet, stung. “How dare you?” she demanded. “What makes you think I will feel contempt for my husband?”
    “You will,” he said.
    “What are you suggesting? That I will find love with you?”
    “You will never know now, will you?”
    “You are quite out of line,” she said. “This is no way for a gentleman to act.”
    “I never said I was a gentleman, Cathryn. But whatever I am, we both know that you have feelings for me.”
    “You are so … so arrogant,” she fumed. “And I most certainly do not have feelings for you.” She turned around, presenting her back to him. He stepped up behind her, and she could feel the warmth of his presence.
    “Do you not, Cathryn?” he said softly. “Because I most certainly have feelings for you.”
    She shivered slightly at his words, determined not to look around at him, but when he took her by the shoulders and turned her around, she was unable to resist. Bending down, he caught her lips with his, and she opened her mouth in response as his warm breath swept over her. All rational thought flew from her mind as she felt her body respond to his touch. His hands slipped around to her back, pulling her closer, and she leaned into him, lifting her hands to touch him. The lapse was momentary, and she pulled away, aghast at her reaction. Placing her hands on his chest she pushed him away, but before she removed them, he caught them in his own and held them captured.
    “Let me go,” she whispered.
    “Not until you admit you have feelings for me,” he said.
    “No! No!” Cathryn twisted herself loose and turned away, dropping her head into her hands. She drew in a deep breath before lifting her face to stare out the window.
    “No,” she repeated. “It doesn’t matter whether or not I have feelings for you. I am betrothed to another of my own free will, and I will not dishonor that commitment.”
    “Ah, yes, that business arrangement,” said Favian dryly. “Tell me, Cathryn, will that business arrangement keep you warm at night when your husband is out