Too Dangerous to Desire by Cara Elliott Read Free Book Online

never forgot you. Even though we parted with harsh words that long-ago night. Even though you disappeared with nary a word of good-bye.”
    “I was angry, Sophie.”
    “I know.” She sighed. “I know. I hurt you.” And you hurt me.
    He turned, and in the dappling of moonlight his sculptured features appeared cold and unyielding as polished marble.
    Sophie pressed a palm to his cheek, needing to feel his warmth again. “I’m sorry.”
    His mouth quirked to a sardonic smile. “Don’t be. It was all for the best. The blaze of youthful passion burned too hot. We would have destroyed each other.”
    As if echoing his words, a deep bang reverberated through the trees and a rocket shot skyward, painting the black velvet heavens with a luminous burst of color.
    The sound reminded her that she dare not tarry here any longer. “Oh, Lord, I must be going.” Sophie began tugging her disheveled clothing into place. “My uncle and aunt will be frantic with worry.”
    “Wait.” Cameron took a small chamois pouch from his pocket. “You asked why I was following you—the reason is this.” He unknotted the strings. “Give me your hand.”
    She hesitated and then did as he asked. “Cam—” Her breath caught in her throat as he gave a small shake and her heirloom pearl earrings dropped onto her palm.
    Bang. The sky filled with a shower of brilliant green sparks. Feeling dazed, Sophie carefully closed her fingers around the jewels. A myriad of questions were exploding in her head.
    Bang, bang, bang.
    “Go now, before they send out a search party.” He stepped back and turned up his collar.
    “Please, you can’t simply disappear!” she cried. “I must see you again. There are too many unanswered questions.”
    A tiny muscle twitched on his jaw. “Very well. Meet me in Green Park tomorrow afternoon.” He described the location. “At three.”
    She looked down at her fisted hand. “At three,” she repeated. But when she looked up he was already gone.
    “Oh, Cameron,” she whispered, blinking back tears as she stared at the shifting shadows. Another bang rent the air, finally rousing her to action. Carefully tucking her treasure away, she pushed her way through the tangled branches and stumbled back to the main pathway.
    “My dear Sophie! Thank God you are safe!” cried Edward. “We were so worried!”
    “I’m so sorry,” she apologized. “I didn’t mean to alarm you. I wandered off the path, and lost my way.”
    Hermione clucked in sympathy. “It’s my fault. I should have warned you that the maze of twisting pathways can be confusing. Many people become disoriented.”
    “No harm done,” murmured Sophie, evading Georgiana’s gimlet gaze. “Come, let us forget the matter, and not let it spoil our enjoyment of the fireworks.”
    “This way,” said her uncle, offering his arm. “We shall have a better view from the South Promenade.”
    Bang, bang, bang. Sophie wasn’t sure whether the thumping noise was the pyrotechnics overhead or her own pounding heart. Pasting on a dutiful smile, she looked up at the heavens and added her voice to the chorus of oohs and ahhs. But in truth, all she saw was the image etched in her mind’s eye. A lean, chiseled face. Harder, the features far more defined than she remembered. Cameron had left Terrington a rebellious adolescent.
    And now?
    There were so many questions. If only some answers would start coming to light. Beginning with how Cameron had come to have possession of her pearls.
      
    More unsettled by the encounter with Sophie than he cared to admit, Cameron made his way to The Wolf’s Lair, rather than return to his own solitary abode. Sara’s friendly chatter—not to speak of her aged brandy—would be a welcome balm for the spirit.
    In truth, he was badly in need of a drink.
    Her company was undemanding, her private office a refuge, a place where his nerves could unwind. Quickening his steps he traversed the murky alleyway and slipped in through the