Free Too Dangerous to Desire by Cara Elliott Page B

Absolutely not.”
    A draft stirred through the draperies as her sister shifted and drew her knees to her chest.
    “Cameron Fanning—or rather Daggett—was a youthful infatuation,” Sophie continued. “But I came to realize that he was too wild, too impetuous for us to ever suit.” And now I know that I was right—so why does my heart refuse to listen to my head?
    “Is that why he went away?”
    Sophie stared at her fogged reflection, wishing her breath had blurred the look of longing in her eyes. Blinking back the sting of salt, she picked up the brush and resumed combing out her hair.
    “You would have to ask him the reason,” she answered. “We quarreled and exchanged some harsh words. Then he…he simply disappeared.”
    Wood creaked as her sister shifted again.
    “It was all for the best,” went on Sophie, echoing Cameron’s assertion. Perhaps saying it enough times would make it feel true. “We would only have hurt each other. He was too passionate and I was too practical.”
    Silence, and then suddenly Georgiana’s arms were around her, enfolding her in a fierce hug. “You’re an awful liar, Sophie. Not to mention an overprotective mother hen at times.” A sniff. “But I love you so very dearly.”
    “Oh, Georgie.” Sophie felt her throat grow too tight for further speech.
    “You don’t need to hide your feelings from us,” went on Georgiana. “Pen and I have seen you staring out at Highborn Hill when you think we aren’t watching. We both recognize true love when we see it.”
    She choked back a watery laugh. “Good heavens, Penelope is only thirteen—what does she know of true love?”
    “More than you think,” answered Georgiana. “She’s been secretly reading your collection of novels—including the naughty ones like Tom Jones .”
    “Oh, dear.” Sophie grimaced. “Remind me to take a birch to her backside when we get home.”
    Her sister grinned. “We shall put the new ones under lock and key. I can’t wait to start Lady Avery’s Awful Secret .”
    “When did you purchase that ?”
    “While you were kissing Cameron Daggett in Green Park,” replied her sister. “And speaking of the Devil, what are you going to do about Him?”
    “Nothing,” said Sophie. “He offered to help me, but I refused. So he left.” She forced a smile. “At least this time he said good-bye.”
    “Is there a reason you refused him? It seemed to me that the two of you were getting along rather well.”
    “Too well. I can’t deny that there is an attraction between us. But it’s all wrong—he is too dangerous to desire,” whispered Sophie. “My brain doesn’t function properly when he is near. Like a magnet, he seems to exert some strange force that pulls my inner Compass of Reason all helter-pelter.”
    “Perhaps your compass needs to alter its course,” said Georgiana quietly.
    Sophie twined the sash of her wrapper around her fingers. “Anthony is like a bright, shining star in the Heavens, a steady guiding light that makes it easy for you to steer a straight line through turbulent seas. Cameron is far more mercurial.” She drew in a ragged breath, thinking of his dark, sea-green eyes. “He is more like the flashes of lightning that flare in a raging storm.”
    “Storms can be dangerous,” agreed her sister. A glimmer of mischief hung on her lashes. “But also exciting.”
    A laugh slipped from her lips. “Good Lord, do I have to curtail your reading habits, too? One wild romantic in the family is frightening enough.”
    Georgiana quirked a smile but then her mouth pursed in concern. “In all seriousness, Sophie, Anthony and I have discussed the future and, well, we both agree that you should not bear all of the burden of caring for the family, once we are married. Papa and Pen can come live with us, allowing you the freedom—”
    “Let us discuss such momentous decisions after you are married,” interrupted Sophie. If you are married . “At the moment, we must concentrate