The Demon Hunter by Lori Brighton Read Free Book Online Page B

footsteps slow and unhurried.
    Their breathing was harsh in the small closet, so harsh, surely the maid would hear them. “What the hell was that for?” she hissed, as if she hadn’t been kissing him in return.
    “A lapse in good judgment.”
    Ellie was silent for a moment, as if his comment had actually hurt her. “Screw you,” she whispered.
    “Just listen to me,” he said, pressing his lips to her ear.
    He could hear her grinding her teeth again. Even though it was dark, he swore he could see her eyes flashing with anger. He waited for one long moment as the footsteps faded. Finally, he stepped away from the woman as much as the small closet would allow.
    “I lived here… a long while ago. I left something behind. As soon as I find it, I’ll leave. Do you want to help me locate the object, or do you want me to search on my own?”
    She shoved her hands into his chest, but not strong enough to move him. Where was that strength she’d had only moments ago? “Where is it?”
    “I have no idea.”
    “Just wonderful.” She reached out and opened the door a mere crack. “Fine, let’s go.”
    She stood aside, allowing him to leave first. He should have known better. With his back to her, he was unprotected. He sensed her attack right before she kicked him behind the knee. He folded, falling to the ground with a thud that shook the house. He had just enough time to roll over before she was atop him, straddling his waist. Her large skirts settled around them like a deflated hot air balloon. Shocked and slightly thrilled, he merely allowed her to believe she had the upper hand.
    “Now you listen here.” Her hair fell around her face like a velvet curtain as she latched onto his shirt. “You’re going to leave and you’re going to leave now.”
    “Hello? Is anyone there?” the maid yelled from the back of the house.
    Ellie jerked her head toward the kitchen. “Hell,” she whispered, her hands tightening in his t-shirt. “Now you’ve done it.”

    Chapter 4

    Ellie scrambled from Devon’s hard body. Her heart slammed wildly in her chest, but she wasn’t quite sure if it was because of their kiss or the fear that Lord Templeton would find them.
    Their kiss .
    She resisted the urge to groan as she stared down at Devon in horror, her resolve completely shaken. A lock of blond hair had fallen across his forehead. His chest rose and fell with each sharp intake of his breath. He seemed just as stunned as she, or perhaps it was his injuries giving him that pained expression.
    Ellie curled her fingers, resisting the urge to touch her lips. Her mouth still tingled from the pressure of his lips. What the hell had he been thinking to kiss her? What the hell had she been thinking to kiss him back? Miranda was right; she needed to get laid if this insane man was capable of heating her insides. Talk about desperate.
    The floorboards overhead squeaked once more. For one brief moment their gazes locked. Finally, fear pushed its way to the forefront of her mind and she stumbled back, as if distance would make her forget his touch. At the moment she had more important things to worry about than their kiss. Devon jumped to his feet, with an ease that belied his injured state.
    “Come on.” Ellie grabbed his hand and jerked him into the dining room. The long table that had been left behind by the previous owners was covered with a dust cloth. The thick, velvet curtains were threadbare, smelling of age. The few times she’d been in the room, she’d felt rather sad. A dining area devoid of life. Lord Templeton was too crabby and bitter to have guests to dinner. And so it sat with only memories of another life, another family.
    Ellie closed the door behind them. “I swear, if you get me fired, I’ll kill you.” Sliding her hand along the papered wall, she flipped up a switch. A small lamp in the corner of the room glowed weakly, adding some warmth to the area.
    “That threat has lost its meaning,” he said