Hierarchy by Madelaine Montague Read Free Book Online Page A

She was vastly disappointed when Constantine broke the kiss, however reluctant he seemed, and drew away to look down at her.
    She stared back at him with reproach, or tried. It was all she could do to peel her eyelids up to look at him.
    His face went taut at her expression. For a moment, he seemed undecided.
    Finally, though, he smoothed her hair with his hands and led her out of the elevator.
    “Where are we going?” Bronwyn asked in bemusement when he’d escorted her outside and helped her into the back seat of the limo.
    He studied her speculatively for a moment. “Have you eaten?”
    Bronwyn thought it over. “A few French fries,” she admitted. “That’s one of the perks of working at the restaurant—free food, but I didn’t have much time to eat.”
    His expression turned sardonic. “That … establishment where you work barely qualifies as a restaurant and I can’t imagine why you would consider greasy French fries a perk.”
    Bronwyn smiled at him wryly. “Because they were very good French fries while they were hot and I was starving.”
    Constantine lowered the window between the front seat and the back decisively.
    “Take us to the Fontainebleau.”
    Bronwyn looked at him curiously when he sat back again and closed the partition.
    “It’s a restaurant.” He smiled faintly. “We can’t have you wasting away from hunger.”
    Bronwyn snorted. “Not much danger of that! We don’t need a reservation?”
    “No. I own it.”
    Still warm from his kisses, Bronwyn settled back against the plush seat, closing her eyes.
    “You aren’t going to sleep on me, are you?”
    Bronwyn grinned. “Not before you’ve fed me,” she murmured. “I’ve heard the food at the Fontainebleau is out of this world.”
    “Then you must give me your honest opinion once you’ve tried it.”
    She lifted her eyebrows. “I’m always honest … unless it’s impolite.”
    When he didn’t comment, she finally opened her eyes. She was surprised to 25
    discover that he was studying her intently. “What?”
    He shook his head. “I noticed that about you right off. And, yet, you’re amazing difficult to read.”
    “Am I?” Bronwyn asked, pleased at the notion that he thought she was mysterious. That was particularly gratifying coming from a man as mysterious as Constantine. “Nanna always said I was an open book.”
    He grunted. “Not to me.”
    Bronwyn frowned curiously. “You’re used to being able to read people very easily, then?”
    “Very easily.”
    “And you don’t like it that you can’t read me?”
    He lifted his brows. “Did I say that? As it happens, I find you a fascinating novelty.”
    “Oh,” Bronwyn said, turning her head to look out the window as the limo climbed an onramp to the freeway.
    “Uh oh,” Constantine murmured. “What dire thoughts are running through your mind now?”
    Bronwyn smiled faintly at his tone despite the plummet of her spirits. “I was just wondering if that was why you decided to ask me out.”
    He leaned toward her, hooking a finger on her chin and forcing her to look at him.
    “Who hurt you, Bronwyn? Tell me.”
    Bronwyn reddened, but she found she couldn’t hold his gaze. “What makes you think that?” she asked as lightly as she could manage.
    He expelled an impatient breath, releasing his hold on her chin. “As divorced as I’ve become from the human race, there are some things that are self evident. I can see the hurt in your eyes even when you try to hide it. I understand if you don’t want to confide in me. You don’t know me well enough … yet. But … can you at least accept that nothing I say to you is intended to wound you?”
    “Of course! I didn’t think you did. Really!”
    He flicked a finger lightly across her cheek. “I meant it a good way.”
    Bronwyn smiled at him more easily, chiding herself for thinking he’d meant it any other way. She was too used to the snide remarks she’d grown up with. She needed to put the past behind her