Immanuel's Veins by Ted Dekker Read Free Book Online Page A

“There is that, yes. Because of your hunk of a man.”
    â€œPlease . . .” She turned away.
    â€œDon’t think I haven’t seen the way you look at him,” Natasha teased. “And I don’t blame you. The hero stepped in and saved us from the nasty wolves. He’s a beautiful man. I don’t blame you at all.” Her eyes shot to the garden behind Lucine. “Speak of the devils.”
    Lucine looked over her shoulder. Toma and Alek were walking abreast past the hedges, deep in discussion. If they’d seen the sisters, there was no sign.
    â€œLet’s find out, shall we?” Natasha said. She brushed past Lucine, headed for the pair.
    â€œFind out what?”
    â€œWho loves whom, of course.”
    â€œNatasha . . .”
    Toma must have heard, because he turned and saw them. Alek stepped around his partner and watched as Natasha glided toward them like a snake.
    Toma was dressed in gentlemen’s pants and boots to his knees, with a white shirt unbuttoned about his neck. His wavy dark hair fell to his shoulders, framing a strong, smooth jaw.
    The cavalryman had remained somewhat busy these last two days, retiring early and staying out of sight except at dinner. Making his arrangements, riding the perimeter, posting several guards—for what purpose, only heaven could know.
    His general demeanor did not fit her image of a ruthless warrior. For that matter, neither did Alek’s. Out of uniform they were two handsome specimens, clean cut, directly out of Her Majesty’s court.
    His savagery must hide behind those eyes, she thought.
    â€œIf it isn’t our two dashing heroes, keeping guard,” Natasha said, slowing as she approached.
    They both dipped their heads. “Ladies,” said Toma.
    â€œNow our day is made,” said Alek.
    Lucine acknowledged them. “Alek. Toma.”
    â€œLucine was wondering which of you loves which one of us,” Natasha said without the slightest pause.
    Lucine felt herself begin to blush. Any denial would likely give credence to the question. So she allowed it.
    Toma looked at them both, face blank.
    Alek, on the other hand, looked delighted. “Well, that’s simple enough. I love you both.”
    â€œRubbish,” Natasha said. “Well, so be it, fine.” She walked behind Alek, picking a piece of lint off his shoulder, then smoothing the jacket. “So you love us both, and who wouldn’t want to be loved by two strapping war heroes? Is that how you feel, Toma? You love each of us equally?”
    The poor man was caught unaware by the predator in Natasha. But now that she’d so boldly thrown down the gauntlet, Lucine wanted to know his answer.
    â€œHow could I disagree with Alek? He’s not exactly a slouch in these matters.”
    â€œThat’s why you’re blushing? Because you are a slouch? In these matters , I mean.”
    If he wasn’t blushing before, he was now. “No, that wasn’t—”
    â€œBecause I was telling Lucine that I had noticed your eye for her, and she called it nonsense.”
    Lucine wanted to disappear into the ground. She had said no such thing, not really, not while meaning it. Of course she liked Toma, who wouldn’t? But that didn’t mean she was infatuated with the man. With Natasha it was always all or nothing. Love with abandon, or nonsense.
    â€œNow see, that’s what I like,” Alek said, beaming. “There’s nothing as alluring as a woman who fears nothing.”
    â€œIncluding being chewed on, you mean,” Toma said. Lucine immediately wished he hadn’t, because nothing good could come from taking on Natasha directly. He would only be humiliated, and the thought of it sickened her.
    â€œHave you tried it, Toma?” Natasha said. “Having your lips nibbled on by a tender woman?”
    â€œHa!” Alek cried. “You see, Toma? What did I tell you? She’s priceless.” His