Heart of the Dragon by Deborah Smith Read Free Book Online

Even her vivid imagination failed her. She struggled to picture what might happen next between her and Santelli. Probably full-scale war.
    But when she stepped into her room and flicked on the light, he was the one who cursed softly on her behalf, expressing the shock that left her speechless. Dresser drawers hung open. A chair was overturned. There was no sign of the clothes or other belongings she’d left scattered around the room.
    The absurdity of the day’s bad luck made her give a short, anguished laugh. “Pardon me for asking, Mr. Santelli,” she said finally, “but did you have me robbed?” Kash looked heavenward and simply shook his head. She nodded. “I’m going to take a big leap of faith and believe you.”
    Kash put a hand over his heart. “The world just stopped turning,” he said, deadpan. “Oh, how can I ever thank you for this honor?”
    “Do you believe in fate?” she asked, staring up at him glumly.
    “Yes.”
    “Then I think you’re stuck with me. I’m not budging until I find out who did this.”
    He sighed grandly. “You’ve sealed your destiny.” The words rang true to him, more than he’d admit.

Three
    Kash fought a strong desire to put his arm around her. Whatever her deceptions, right now she was undeniably forlorn as she walked to the center of her room. Turning in a slow circle, she pointed to the neatly made bed. “I left my satchel there with the pictures of my father inside.” Then she gestured at the top of the sleek, contemporary dresser. “My green scarf was there. And a little jade Buddha I bought from a street vendor.”
    With his shirt hanging on her slender body like a tent, and her glossy brunette hair raggedly pushed back from her ashen face, Kash could believe she was a harmless, helpless tourist, and a very innocent one. He subdued the sentimental idea and reminded himself that he had a lot to learn about her before he’d consider giving up his suspicions. Her story about being Mayura Vatan’s half sister had no supporting evidence, plus Mayura’s five aunts and uncles had provided Kash with photos and letters of the British officer who had been Mayura’s father.
    “Ms. Brown?” he called softly. She was so distracted that she didn’t hear. “Rebecca?” he amended, liking the gentle sound of it.
    She lifted surprised eyes to him. “Yes?”
    “If the men who kidnapped you and did this to your room work for the Nalinat family, it’s a point in your favor. You’re obviously not spying for them.”
    “Oh? So instead of accusing me of spying on Mayura Vatan, you’re now just accusing me of being a con artist who wants to wrangle money from her?”
    “We’re making progress, at least.”
    Kash frowned as he watched Rebecca walk woodenly toward the bathroom. He stopped her and went in first. It was empty. When he waved her in, his discovery must have shown in his face, because she mumbled, “Don’t tell me they took everything in there too.” He could see her distressed blue eyes focus blankly on the marble vanity top.
    Kash took her gently by one arm. “Come and sit down. I’ll order something from room service. A stiff glass of milk, or whatever an Iowa minister’s daughter claims to like.”
    Emotion brought a flush to her cheeks and made her eyes glitter. Her expression shifted with the myriad feelings passing through her. He couldn’t read them, but was fascinated. Looking down at her with increasing appreciation, he caught his breath. And for the first time since he’d met her—had it only been earlier that day?—he couldn’t ignore the desire that coursed through him, tightening him even now.
    Suddenly he realized that she was searching his eyes, probably trying to find out about
his
emotions. “You really didn’t have anything to do with this?” she asked grimly. “I mean, what would be the point of stealing my toothbrush? Or cartoons and old photos?”
    “Perhaps you’re less ordinary than you think. But no, I didn’t rob