“I was wondering why you didn’t seek the help of your brothers when you suspected you were cursed. Your father had three sons. Surely, one of them took some interest in his work.”

Taking a sip of his coffee, he watched her over the rim of his cup, his brow arched while waiting for her reply. What was she supposed to say, that they despised her, that they despised their father? She would make a pact with Satan before asking for their help.

“They are not my brothers, Mr. Stone,” she corrected stiffly. “They are my fath

er’s sons.”

He stared at her with those hungry eyes of his, and she became conscious of the way she was eating, sitting and breathing — each one of the simple tasks feeling awkward and new.

“Is there a difference?” he asked.

She put down her cutlery and dabbed her lips with a napkin. “Do you honestly need me to answer that?” When he shrugged, she said, “They were not happy about their father’s relationship with my mother. They are not happy I have this house and are not happy I exist at all.”

The answer seemed to unsettle him, and he was lost in his own thoughts for a moment, his eyes glazed as though recalling a distant memory, one painful and unwelcome.

“Well, that explains a great deal,” he finally said. “I did wonder why you chose to seek me out.”

The reason had nothing to do with the inadequacy of her half-brothers and everything to do with his ability to accomplish the task.

“When it comes to the study of the ancient world, I could think of no man better qualified.”

He inclined his head to acknowledge the compliment.

“Talking of which,” Rebecca continued, “perhaps we should make our way downstairs. It would not be prudent to let Mrs. James discover us eating breakfast together.”

“Or discover that I slept the night.” He gave a devilish grin as he walked around the table to hold out her chair. “Do you have the list I asked for?”

“Yes. It’s on my desk.”

“Come, let us hurry downstairs to your office,” he said picking up his plate. “I shall hide this in the kitchen. It would not do to have someone stumble upon our secret rendezvous.”

Standing in her office, Mr. Stone scanned the list, his lips moving as he read her notes. Rebecca stood and watched, remembering the way they’d moved so expertly over her mouth.

“So, the only person with a key to the premises is Mr. Pearce. Is it wise to give him unrestricted access? After all, your private apartments are in this house.”

“He is the curator, Mr. Stone. Of course he needs access.”

In truth, his words of caution left her feeling a little cold. She had never even considered the possibility that one of her staff would enter the house without warrant.

“Then perhaps you should look for somewhere else to live.”

Oh, this gentleman knew how to aggravate her temper. “I cannot afford to live anywhere else,” she said thrusting her hands on her hips, “and I cannot leave the museum unattended.”

“If money is the issue, have you considered marriage?”

Had his words not presented a perfect opportunity to tease him, she would have stamped on his toe. “Mr. Stone, how wonderful of you to offer,” she said fluttering her lashes. “Rebecca Stone has a certain elegance about it, don’t you think?”

“I was not referring to myself,” he said, glancing back at the notes. “Although now that I have witnessed you performing your daily ablutions, perhaps it is only right I do make you an offer.”

With wide eyes and a trembling lip, her gaze met his. “Well … well, I do not want a husband. I could not tolerate any man telling me what to do.” When she noticed he was pursing his lips to suppress a chuckle, she batted him on the arm. “You’re teasing me, aren’t you?”

He did laugh then, his eyes sparkling with genuine amusement. “I am, Miss Linwood, but only because you saw fit to do the same.”

His laughter was infectious, and she laughed, too. “So, I take it you don’t like the sound of Rebecca Stone?”

“I think Rebecca is a fine name. Indeed, as the Bible reminds us, Rebecca was known for her kind and generous nature.” His gaze fell to her mouth before drifting up to her hair. “She was also known for being extremely beautiful.”

He was teasing her again.

Tags: Adele Clee Romance
Source: readsnovelonline.net