Ravenous (Siren Publishing Classic) by Aubrey Brown Read Free Book Online

room. The children became deathly quiet in his presence. Emma could understand. He was very foreboding.
    “Good evening, children. How fare your lessons for today?”
    And so it went. The children answered his questions with fervor. Rose looked upon Gabriel as if he was God himself as James showed quiet respect.
    “So are you happy with Miss Goodwin?” he asked.
    Emma slowed her eating for she was ravenous as well as thirsty. She waited in quiet desperation as Rose and James sat completely still.
    “Aye, Uncle, she is the best governess I have ever had,” James inserted with pure adoration written on his face.
    Gabriel looked to the boy and felt a moment of jealousy. James was clearly infatuated with Mercy. He shook his head at the ridiculous thought. He had nothing to fear from his adoptive son. The boy was experiencing his first brush with finding a woman attractive.
    “Very good, children, I am pleased to report that Miss Goodwin has had nothing but fantastic things to say about you as well. However, you must mind your manners and continue with your studies.”
    “Miss Goodwin said if we were to continue with our work as completely as we have been, you will dine with us each night. Is this true?” Rose asked, hope shining in her eyes.
    Gabriel looked to Emma, who colored under his gaze. The governess had been making bargains with the children.
    “Indeed, Rose, certainly. Be mindful of that fact every day while you are in the schoolroom,” he stated.
    “We shall, Uncle Gabriel. We shall,” James inserted.
    And so the supper passed with no incident. The children were gay with glee that their reclusive uncle was dining with them. Emma was quiet during the meal, only stating quick yes-and-no answers. She could feel the heat of her employer’s gaze upon her body. Her betraying spine sent shivers of tiny pleasure through her system. Her dreams did not compare to his hot and lusty mouth. He was a masterful lover, who knew how to please his lady. Her body still slightly ached. She knew she was still a pure woman for she felt no pain, and she did not bleed after their encounter. She was a gently bred lady of a marriageable age.
    As her mind wandered, supper had come to a halt; it was time for the children to retire to bed.
    “Miss Goodwin, Uncle Gabriel has been trying to claim your attention for a while,” James stated.
    “Oh dear, I apologize. I was lost in thought,” she replied.
    “I wonder of what you were thinking?” Gabriel asked.
    Emma refused to make eye contact with the devilish earl, lest she gave away her true feelings. She stated that they were to act in the capacity of employer and employee. She did not want to entice the earl with ideas, to the contrary. She needed the sanctuary of this position. She could not risk her father or the duke coming here.
    The group stood and began the journey to the nursery. The children were immediately placed into sleepwear as the adults waited. When they retired to their beds and were given wishes of good sleep, the earl walked out of the room with Emma.

Chapter Six
     
    Emma’s fast-paced walk was easily kept by Gabriel. It was as if the man floated on the very air. Feeling strange with extreme desire, she ignored the charming rogue.
    “That was quite an evening, Mercy. I believe you may have the children well in hand even though you have them behaving by way of a slight manipulation,” he teased.
    Sighing inwardly, Emma said, “I did not manipulate them. I explained that if they were to do good work you would dine with them. The arrangement was and still is if they are to behave, they may eat with you, if they misbehave, they will be sent to bed early without supper, is that not correct?” she asked.
    Enlightenment came to the earl’s eyes at her words. “You are very clever, Mercy.”
    “Please, address me by Miss Goodwin. As I stated last evening, we are employer and employee. No more intimacy shall pass between us while I am in your hire. It is best