Free Bitten Too by Violet Heart Page A

approached the seating area. "Jorge, what a pleasure to see you." Her eyes held a sadness he despised.
    How dare she feel sorry for him? "Aunt Charlotta. Forgive me for intruding."
    "It's no intrusion, dear. You're always welcome in my home." She offered him a broad smile and extended her hand.
    He took it and kissed her knuckles. "Thank you." If you knew my purpose, you wouldn't be so accommodating.
    "I haven't seen you since you were a wee boy. You've grown so handsome and tall. Are you in need of rest?" she asked. "I can have Steiner show you to a guestroom."
    "I'm fine. I won't be staying."
    She frowned. "Just passing through? It's getting late. Have you even had luncheon? Why don't you plan to stay the night? Join my party and have some refreshment."
    He hesitated. Staying with her would lend him credibility and be far more comfortable than hunting his enemies from the woods. Especially if he took longer than a day to get close to the werewolf king. Also, taking a room at an inn might appear suspicious with family so close.
    "Fine , " he said. How close was her estate to the Malveaux castle?
    A servant handed him a glass of punch with a bit of slush floating on top. He took a sip, glad for the iciness to cut through the heat building from sun on his black jacket and slacks.
    "Let me introduce you. We have some delightful nobles here in Rift." She waved.
    He didn't bother to look. A body moved, stirring a human scent on the breeze. He had no interest in meeting anyone of the lesser order. Then a mixture of orchid and Queen Anne's la ce swirled in the moving air. Their perfume wrapped about his head and filled his senses. Breathing deeply, he faced the source.
    Large brown eyes surrounded by long, black lashes and set against porcelain skin blinked beguilingly. A lush, reddish-pink mouth smiled without artifice. Black curls piled atop her head shined in the sunlight, and a few tendrils escaped to brush delicate cheeks and a long, slender throat.
    He followed the line of her neck to a swell of ample breasts covered by a gathered bodice of lavender organza trimmed in white lace. A broad white ribbon hugged her ribs beneath the low-cut squared bodice, emphasizing the perfect, high mounds. Organza continued to her slipper-clad toes and sprouted a tiny bit of lace at the hem.
    Lady Grauwolf offered a kind smile. "Jorge, please let me introduce you to our lovely Lady Yasmine Hanswald, daughter of Viscount Walden. Yasmine, this is my nephew, Lord Jorge Grauwolf, Marquis of Austral. Youel was his younger brother."
    Her smiled faded. "I'm pleased to meet you, Lord Grauwolf. I'm truly sorry for your loss." Her dark eyes held concern.
    He swallowed. Why didn't her consolation bother him? Her words actually comforted , which astounded him . She was a mere human. Hardly worth his notice.
    "Thank you," he managed after too long a pause, equally astounded that he actually meant it. "I'm delighted to make your acquaintance, Miss Hanswald."
    Lady Grauwolf gave a satisfied nod and moved to rejoin the gentleman she'd left standing.
    Jorge paid her no mind. He couldn't take his eyes from Yasmine Hanswald. S unlight danced in her dark curls and shining eyes. It kissed her skin, bringing out a tinge of pink. She licked her lips, and light glinted in the momentary sheen.
    "I know you from somewhere," she said quietly, her lids forming slits. "Have we met?"
    He shook his head. " Perhaps you met Youel?"
    "Yes." Her gaze turned soulful.
    "Perhaps the family resemblance stirs a familiarity. He and I were only a year apart and similar in appearance." He let his eyes travel from her face to her throat. Her collarbone took his gaze to her shoulders where cap sleeves provided practically no cover. As if he slipped into a dream, those sleeves slid down her arms. Her bodice lowered, baring gorgeous breasts with hard nipples. The ribbon untied itself, and her gown slid lower over a cinched but slightly rounded waist and off flaring hips. Silk pooled at her