The Lady's Scandalous Night by Jeannie Lin Read Free Book Online

above her. It was cruel of her to demand it now, but how could she not? Her eyes flooded with tears.
    He kissed her tenderly, but wouldn’t answer. His body resumed its rhythm after a pause. Slower now, with purpose. His mouth closed around her breast. He wanted her release, willed it. She cleared her mind of everything but the feel of him, and soon she was shuddering in his arms. He followed closely behind. They found each other in climax.
    They stayed awake in each other’s arms, refusing sleep, fighting the coming of morning. But it came nonetheless.
    “You need to go quickly, River. Don’t tell me where.”
    They stood on the path along the bank. The same one they had walked down together only two days ago. The residence was abandoned behind them.
    Chen had scaled the stone wall and broken the chain over the gate. At first he was afraid River wouldn’t leave, but she went to him as the doors opened. A single travel pack was slung over her shoulder. Her look was sullen, with a storm cloud around her that wouldn’t lift. He wanted to draw her into his arms and hold on.
    He needed to make sure River was protected before he left. She was in more trouble than her brother now. He cursed Ru Shan for putting his sister in so much danger. There was no way to shield her against a charge of conspiracy and treason. Li Tao did not tolerate disloyalty on any level.
    “Is there someone you can go to?” he asked.
    She nodded and started to speak a name before stopping herself. “There’s a friend in town that will help me.”
    He smiled ruefully. “Your brother always knew how to gain allies.”
    Ru Shan was out there, building up the rebellion. The situation had become dangerous for all of them: Ru Shan, River and himself as well.
    “Chen, I apologize for asking that of you…last night.” She hesitated, but went on. “I don’t want you to face my brother.”
    There was nothing left in her, but raw and naked honesty. He loved her for it. He would always love her.
    “Nothing is certain,” he replied. “Ru Shan might end up killing me should we meet.”
    “I don’t want that either.” Her resolve broke. She pressed a hand to her mouth as if she could hold back the tears.
    Chen crushed her to him so she could bury her face against his chest. He couldn’t go with her, and it destroyed him. He wanted to defy country and honor to stay by her side, but if he didn’t report back, Li Tao would send the others. Two or four or forty of their brethren from the Rising Guard, all of them fervently dedicated to bringing Ru Shan’s death.
    “It won’t come to that if I can stop it,” he said, his lips brushing her hair. He didn’t know if she believed him, but it was all he could promise.
    He and River were meant to walk different paths. The only way to keep her safe was to continue to serve Li Tao. The warlord had to believe he was hunting for Ru Shan.
    River broke away and pulled out a paper hidden in her sash. “Don’t open this until I’m far away. Swear you won’t.”
    Before he could answer, she raised onto her toes to kiss him. She slipped the letter into the fold of his robe. Her fingers brushed the spot over his heart. This was farewell.
    “I swear,” he said as she stepped back.
    She turned and hurried down the path, never looking back. He watched her long after she disappeared around the river bend.
    He never should have made that promise. It was a damn, stupid oath. She’d looked so vulnerable, face tilted to him; his lips warm as they held onto the memory of her touch. He was certain that the message contained something irrevocable. It would destroy her father and her brother. It might destroy him as well. When he read it, he’d have no choice but to act.
    So he waited a day with the folded paper tucked inside his robe. Burning against his breast. First thing the next morning, in a cold bed at the inn, he’d opened it.
    The brushstrokes bled on the page and he finally had the answer she wouldn’t give