Free [Victoria Alexander] The Virgin's Secret (Harringt(BookZZ.org) by Mom

past few days of house breaking and attending parties you have not been invited to were an aberration?”
    “I believe I have already said that.” Her jaw clenched. “My actions were necessary.”
    “No, in truth they weren‟t. You could have come to my mother or Sterling. You could have come to me. I would have listened to you.”
    “You didn‟t listen in Egypt.”
    “Perhaps not. And when I next see your brother, he shall have my apologies.” He paused. “I‟m sure you will hear from him soon.”
    “Yes, well, he‟s never been very good about that sort of thing.” She shrugged as if her brother‟s lack of communication didn‟t worry her.
    “Miss Montini, if we are to work together, it‟s not too soon to develop a certain level of trust between us. I suggest, in the morning, you tell me all of your older brother‟s suspicions as well as everything regarding his search for the seal.” He thought for moment. “It might also be wise if I took a look at the letters you received from him. In spite of their questionable nature, there might be something you have overlooked.”
    “Very sensible.” She stared at him thoughtfully. “I must confess, I had the same thought. I requested his letters be sent along with my things.”
    He waved the sealed note in his hand. “I shall have this delivered at once.”
    “Thank you. Mr. Harrington?”
    “Yes?
    She pulled the door closed and leaned her back against it, as if concerned that he might be overcome by the mere sight of a bed and ravish her on the spot. With a little encouragement he would be more than willing to try. He brushed the intriguing thought from his mind. “Might I ask you a question?”
    “Go on.”
    “Why are you doing this?”
    He shrugged. “It is an exceptionally large house, and as I assume you did not explore the entire building—”
    “No, I didn‟t mean escort me to my rooms.” She huffed in disdain. “I understand why your
    mother might wish to help me. She wishes to avoid even a hint of scandal, and I suspect that her tentative connection to my mother plays a part as well. But you.” She shook her head. “Why would you want to help me?”
    “A number of reasons.” At least one of which had to do with her blue eyes and the curve of her shoulder in an apricot dress. “To begin with, I have worked far too hard to improve my own brother‟s reputation to have speculation damage it now. Nor do I wish to have my own honesty in question. Secondly, we are talking about a discovery of immense importance. I should like to play a role in that.” He rested his shoulder against the door frame and gazed down at her. “And because I wish to know you better.”
    She studied him suspiciously. “Do you?”
    “I do indeed.”
    “Why?”
    “Because I have thought of nothing but you since we first met. You see, Miss Montini, you made a rather serious error the other night.”
    “Did I?” Her eyes widened.
    “You did. You made me think, however briefly, that we had shared a kiss. The thought that I couldn‟t recall such a kiss was driving me mad. However,” he leaned closer, “even before you vanished from the ball, I realized we had never met because I would never have forgotten kissing you.”
    “Nonsense,” she said weakly.
    “And I cannot get the idea of kissing you out of my head.”
    She swallowed hard. “Are you thinking of kissing me now?”
    “I can think of little else.”
    “Why?”
    “Surely, Miss Montini, you have looked in a mirror. You are quite lovely. The delicate curve of your cheek is only emphasized by the defiant tilt of your chin. I appreciate defiance almost as much as intelligence in a woman. Your eyes flash with fire, Miss Montini, when you‟re angry or indignant or trapped. And your lips…” His gaze dropped to her mouth, then back to her eyes.
    “…beg to be kissed. Often and quite thoroughly. In short, Miss Montini, you are entirely…” He lowered his mouth to hers. “…irresistible.” His