Hawk's Prize by Elaine Barbieri Read Free Book Online

just told you is true, too. She doesn’t work here, but your room is waiting for you. I’m sure Angie will be only too happy to accommodate you there as usual.”
    “Of course, Chantalle.” Turning back toward the stunning young woman, he said graciously, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, my dear. I hope to see you again under different circumstances.”
    Simon turned toward his designated room. As he closed the door behind him, he heard Chantalle say, “Stay away from that man, Tricia.”
    The young woman had the grace not to reply, and Simon sneered as he sat down on the bed. Chantalle had warned her daughter to stay away from him, but it had taken only one look for him to see that her precious Tricia was an independent young woman with a mind of her own.
    The apple didn’t fall far from the tree.
    Simon’s sneer became a smile. He had the feeling that if he played his cards right, he would be able to convince the dear girl to visit his special room—possibly before the week was out.
    Simon’s expression turned suddenly dark. When that sweet young thing lay beneath him, he’d teach her a thing or two that she wouldn’t easily forget, and Chantalle wouldn’t be able to do a thing about it. That would put the madam in her place!
    He could hardly wait.
    A sound at the doorway put a halt to Simon’s mental meandering. He glanced up as Angie slipped into the room and closed the door behind her. He felt his groin tighten as the sultry brunette said, “Welcome back, Simon. You may be a bastard, and if I don’t miss my guess, you’re drunk, but I’ll be damned if I’m not hot for you.” Opening her bodice with a practiced hand, she stood with her breasts boldly bared as she whispered, “Come and get it . . . and I promise you won’t get the best of me this time.”
    He needed no further invitation.
    Tricia looked up at Chantalle as the older woman followed her into the delirious stranger’s room. Dr. Wesley had left almost an hour earlier. In the time since, the stranger’s fever appeared to have escalated, firming up the decision she had reached earlier. Dr. Wesley had said she’d be wasting her time with cold-water baths, that her efforts would have no long-term effect on the stranger’s fevered state, but she had known she needed to try or forever suffer regret. She had seen somany valiant soldiers leave the hospital with the loss of limbs because of infected wounds. She hadn’t been in charge of their treatment, but despite the fact that she had first met him only a few hours earlier, she appeared to be in charge of this fellow’s recovery.
    He tossed restlessly in bed as Chantalle said softly, “Simon Gault is dangerous, Tricia. I had hoped to spare you from contact with that kind of man. It’s imperative that you keep your distance from him.”
    “You needn’t worry about that.” Tricia placed the bucket of cold water on the nightstand as she continued, “It was quite obvious what he had in mind when he first saw me, even though he’s old enough to be my father. Besides, he was drunk.”
    “Drunk or sober, Simon Gault is not a man to be trifled with.”
    Tricia took a patient breath. “I’m not entirely without experience or common sense, Chantalle. I’ve been on my own too long not to realize when a man’s intentions are less than honorable. Besides . . .
he was drunk.”
    “Simon consumes only the best liquor available.” Halting Tricia when she was about to respond, Chantalle continued, “I know, a drunk is a drunk no matter how he gets that way, but this man sees a difference. He sees
everything
differently from the way a principled man does. He has his own agenda, and to hell with anyone who’s in his way.”
    Tricia glanced at her patient. His face had started to flush an even darker color, and slow panic began invading her senses. She said impatiently, “I understand that Simon Gault is a dangerous man and you want meto stay away from him. I accept what you say, Chantalle,