The Guardian Mist by Susan Stoker Read Free Book Online Page B

“Varinia.”
    “Varinia? That’s unusual.”
    Rin took a deep breath as Roman shook her hand. Goosebumps raced up her arm and down her spine at his touch. She could smell him even better now that they were standing so close and she did feel safe in his presence. A little flustered by how strongly she was attracted to the stranger, she told him, “Yeah, it’s Latin. Means ‘versatile.’ My sister’s name is actually Augustina, which means ‘great.’ She goes by Tina for short.
    “Interesting names.”
    Rin nodded and reluctantly dropped the man’s hand. But it did nothing to break her from the oh-my-God-is-this-man-beautiful-and-I-just-want-to-bury-my-nose-in-his-neck-and-never-leave haze she was in. “My mom’s name is Cassia, Grandma’s name was Juno, Great-Grandma was Maxima and Great-Great-Grandma’s name was Marcellina.”
    She closed her eyes for a moment in embarrassment, realizing she’d just given him a mini Velt genealogy lesson that he in no way asked for.
    “They’re great names. And interestingly enough, my mom also had a thing for ancient-sounding names.”
    “Yeah?”
    “Yup. You know I’m Roman. My brothers are Augustus and Maximus.”
    “Wow. That’s so weird. Not your names, but the coincidence.”
    “We’ve got something in common, that’s for sure. How long is your party going on tonight?” Roman asked.
    Rin shrugged. “Until it’s over. Knowing my sister and mom, probably late.”
    “Any chance, if I find presents for you and your sister, that I can be invited?”
    “Are you single?”
    “Uh, yeah…?” he said, as if wondering what that had to do with anything.
    Rin’s tummy did a summersault at the confirmation of his bachelorhood. “You’re more than welcome to attend,” she told him immediately, but quickly held up her hand to forestall him, and continued when it looked like he was going to say something. “Here’s the thing: It’s a really long story, one that you probably don’t want to know, but my sister is looking for a husband. So you being single is present enough. The party’s in the ballroom. No need to buy anything.”
    Roman opened his mouth to respond—or maybe it just dropped open in shock—but Rin continued on quickly again. “I know, it’s ridiculous and crazy, but there it is. Most of the people at the party are men, that’s why I thought you might have known Tina in the first place and you were here for the party. My dear twin is checking them all out in the hopes that she’ll have an immediate connection with one and they’ll live happily ever after, forever and ever. I’m kinda scared to sic her on you. You seem like a decent guy.” She smiled to let him know she was teasing. “I’d hate for you to get sucked into her web. I love her, she’s my sister, but she’s…” Rin trailed off, searching for the right word.
    “Not you,” Roman finished for her with a straight face.
    A full-blown shiver from her head down to her toes washed over Rin as she looked into Roman’s eyes and saw his sincerity.
    “You haven’t seen Tina.”
    “But I’ve seen you…and I like what I see.”
    “Yeah, well, even though we’re twins, she’s much prettier than I am. She has long hair and always wears clothes that make her look fabulous,” Rin explained, figuring she might as well be honest.
    She remained still, hypnotized, as Roman’s hand came up to her face and tucked an errant curl behind her right ear. “There’s no way she’s prettier than you.” His gaze traveled down her body then came back up to hers. “And what you’re wearing is perfect. You look comfortable in your own skin. Classy. I like it.”
    “Oh.” Rin wasn’t sure what to say.
    Roman dropped his hand but didn’t move out of her space. “I’ve worked a long day. I walked into this hotel wanting nothing more than to get a room, take a shower, and relax on the bed while watching a football game and ordering room service. But suddenly, after meeting a wonderful