Without Saying a Word by Amanda Ward Read Free Book Online Page A

she blurted out wildly, pre-empting his speech.
    “I had a feeling this was coming. How could you do this to me now? Well, this is going to make life incredibly awkward for us.” She wrung her hands in despair and humiliation.
    Rhean pulled her back into his arms, holding her tight despite her struggles
    “What on earth are you talking about? I’m not gay—far, far from it. Would I kiss you like this if I was interested in men?” His mouth crushed hers, claiming her as his own, branding her.
    So what is it you have to tell me then?” she asked, still reeling from the dominance of his kiss.
    “That I have never made love to anyone.” His voice was calm, his gaze steady as his cheeks flushed crimson.
    “Let me get this straight. You mean you have never had sex? That you are a...?” Laura’s voice trailed off and she was at a loss for words. It was rather a bizarre statement to have made—especially in the gallery with its echoing atmosphere. Anyone could have heard, and especially the staff.
    That he trusted her enough to tell her a very intimate secret was flattering, but Laura now regarded Rhean in a whole new light.
    “Not at all, and yes, I am a virgin; a 34-year-old virgin.”
    Laura opened her mouth, closing it again as she didn’t know what to say. A question popped into her mind, but this really was not the time or place to ask him. Instead, she turned to look at the painting again in an attempt to regain some measure of control.
    “There is a very good reason why, and I will tell you when the time is right, but the only person I will ever make love with will be my wife,” Rhean told her sincerely.
    He leaned down, brushing her cheek with his lips and whispered in her ear
    “So don’t keep me waiting too long then...”
    Laura looked incredulously at Rhean as if she couldn’t believe what he just said.
    Rhean winked at her as they turned to gaze at the portrait again,
    “I think we had better call the troops together and head off home before I scare you off even more.” He pressed a bell near the fireplace. “Did you know that Archie and Clarissa were married for over fifty years, had ten children and died within days of each other?”
    “Sad and yet romantic at the same time,” Laura agreed with a hint of wistfulness. “Fifty years was a long time in those days, as I recall,” she mused.
    “Indeed it was. Turns out us Leightons are blessed with long lives—especially when we have the person we love to spend it with.”
    Rhean’s speech was romantic and sincere. He seemed so much younger than her. Laura wondered if they could begin a relationship or if they were destined to be just friends.
    Yet again, Laura was taken aback by the intensity of his words.
    “Please don’t look so scared,” he pleaded. “I will try and take things slow so that you can get used to this, but I can’t help how I feel, Laura.” He hugged her, kissing the top of her head.”Please don’t be scared Laura,” he begged her again.
    Laura’s mind swirled with desires long since repressed and they flowed through her body making it sensitive to Rhean’s touch. She was aflame with desire for this man, yet it shamed her and confused her. Part of her was desperate to return their relationship back to the way it was, before their kiss. Well. Damn the man . Laura thought, gritting her teeth in frustration. Why did he have to be such a nice guy? Why oh why did things have to change ?
    Lost in her own thoughts, as Rhean appeared to be lost in his, she turned when she heard the sound of someone clearing his throat. Graham stood at the door.
    “You rang, sir?” he inquired politely.
    “Yes I did. Graham, could you round up the children please? It’s getting late and I think we’d better get them home.”
    Graham inclined his head. “Of course, sir,” he replied and left, his shoes clicking on the wooden floor.
    As Rhean and Laura came into the large entrance hall, Mrs. Stevens hurried in, carrying a large