Pride & Pleasure (The KNIGHT Brothers Book 1) by Rhonda Lee Carver Read Free Book Online

he?”
    “Just keep in mind Mr. Knight, it was you, and your sister, who invited me here, not the other way around. So if you’re suspicious of my intentions—”
    He held up a hand as if to shush her. “That’s not what I’m saying.”
    “Really. Sure sounded like that’s what you were saying.” She needed the job, but she could do without his attitude.
    “I read what happened. A mugger attacked you outside of the theater where you played. What I couldn’t understand was why you quit playing after that. Two years, right? An artist never stops doing what they love to do.”
    She sat straighter in the chair. “It wasn’t a choice, Mr. Knight!” Feeling her blood pressure rise, she concentrated on her breathing. The last thing she needed was to have a panic attack right here. “Have you brought me here to play or to interrogate me on my past?”
    “I wasn’t aware that a few simple questions could be construed as an interrogation.”
    “Depends on which side of the fence you’re on, Mr. Knight. The seat is pretty hot on this side. Yet, I have a feeling you enjoy tossing your authority around.” She didn’t dare turn her gaze away from him, not giving him the satisfaction of knowing that he made her skin prickly all over.
    “Then accept my apology, Miss Pine. You can tell me in your own comfortable time.” He picked up his glass and took a drink.
    “Then you’ll be waiting for a while,” she murmured.  Her fingers were growing cold holding the glass and she darted a quick glance around her. There was nowhere to set it down. She’d have to get up, walk across the room to the bar, which meant that he’d be watching her. Her fingers trembled and the water splashed over the rim.
    He stood and came around the desk. “Here. Let me take that before it lands in your lap.” He took the water and their fingers brushed again. An electric current swept up her arm, this time stronger, sparking her heart beat into a racing tempo.
    She didn’t dare look at him for fear that he would see straight through her. Was he afraid she’d ruin his expensive rug with spilled water? A man like him probably never spilled anything. She could add snob to his list of unappealing characteristics. If it wasn’t for the fact that she needed the money, and didn’t want to let her sister down, Avary would have already ran out of the door far away from his pensive gaze. Maybe if she ran, she’d continue driving all of the way into Mexico. Or become a gypsy. She couldn’t face her sister and explain that Mr. Knight scared her off. Her options were thin.
    After placing the water on the bar, he sat on the corner of the desk instead of going back behind it to his chair. Was this his attempt to look taller, more intimidating? Damn, why did it work? He liked being in a powerful position, and she refused to melt under his arrogance. Even though she didn’t come from money and didn’t wear expensive fashion or graduate from the best college with honors, doesn’t mean she would sink under his stare. She sat straighter, squared her shoulders, and lifted her chin, finding confidence she didn’t know she had.
    “Such a wasted gift.” He sighed.
    “Mr. Knight, didn’t you say that only your sister is a fan of mine? So therefore why are you commenting on my talent when apparently you haven’t partaken?” She kept her gaze steady.
    He chuckled. The sound ripped through her. “Do you drive?”
    The question threw her off guard, but she recovered quickly. “I-I…yes, of course. I drove here, didn’t I?”
    “But if I offered you a spin in my Mercedes, you would. Correct?”
    “Probably not, Mr. Knight.”
    “Humor me. Let’s say you would. After taking the car for a drive, if I asked you your opinion, you’d have every right to give me your view. You do have an opinion, as we’ve seen.”
    Oh, she saw where this was going. “Yes, I’ve been known to have a few.”
    “Just as I have an opinion about your talent.”
    She