Free Red Wolfe by B.L. Herndon Page B

me to ask you something?”
    “Of course.”
    Ellena asked him to sit down and join her which he did with some reluctance. He was probably not accustomed to being treated in such a gracious way. Ellena retrieved her pen and paper.
    “I’m doing a little research and just wanted to ask you some questions. Didn’t you say that Lord Wolfe comes from a long line of royalty?”
    “ Oui .”
    “Did he happen to inherit that red cloak?”
    “Why would you ask?”
    Ellena showed him the red book. “There’s a story about a prince with red cloak in here. I was hoping that he was somehow related to Monsieur Wolfe. I want to know what happened since the story just abruptly ends.”
    “It is possible,” he replied. “But I’m not sure. Perhaps you should ask my lord.”
    “I was afraid you’d say that.”
    The butler stood and bowed. “I will be off. Please enjoy your drink.”
    He began to shuffle toward s the door when Ellena stopped him. “Gregor, one more question? Why all of these odd pictures?”
    “Of the servants?”
    “I mean it is a little strange. Does he not have any family?” she gently asked.
    “It’s very complicated,” Gregor slowly answered.
    “Ah, I understand. I appreciate the tea.”
    Ellena could certainly relate to him in that manner. Her own childhood had not been a pleasant one, but she didn’t want to think about it. Right now, she had to prepare herself. If she was going to get any answers from Lord Wolfe about what she wanted to know there would be only one way of doing it.
    Even Ellena had to admit how lovely she looked. It had not been easy trying to doll herself up to Lord Wolfe’s standard of beauty, but she believed that she had gotten some what close. Light makeup graced her features with a sprinkle of pink blush and her blonde hair was pulled to the side in a lose bun, gently flowing down her neck and back.
    The dress she picked was a color that suited her well, a brilliant sea foam color with a scooping neck line. It fell off of her shoulders, displaying her pale skin. The bodice was tight, very tight, showing off her curves nicely.
    “Maybe this isn’t such a good idea,” she mumbled suddenly feeling very self-conscious. Besides the fact that she had never been one to dress in such a seductive manner, she knew Lord Wolfe would nitpick at her far from flawless skin. She had scars and small freckles, just like any normal girl would have, but normal didn’t seem to ever sway the prideful man. The darkness would hide them, she reasoned. They would be eating by the soft glow of candlelight. Slipping on her white slippers, she gathered her courage and headed out to find her prey.
    He was no longer in his study she quickly discovered, or the gardens. Perhaps he was in his bedroom waiting for Gregor to call them for dinner? Or was he possibly out with his bow? She was aimlessly wandering when a sweet melody floated down the hall. She followed it, coming across the same music room she had during her last visit, only now it was not empty.
    Lord Wolfe sat at the piano, his eyes closed as she gently touched the keys. It was a sad tune, one that Ellena had never heard before, but was still painfully beautiful. She watched him play, surprised by how enraptured he seemed as he let the music pulse through him. He looked handsome in his blue shirt tucked neatly under his black hunting coat.
    He smirked. His eyes were still closed, but Ellena knew he was aware of her presence. “Are you enjoying my performance?”
    “I am,” she replied. “I didn’t even know that you played.”
    “Why else would I have such a thing?”
    “For the same reason you have a library,” she retorted.
    He was about to r espond, no doubt in some conceited manner, but he opened his eyes. He caught sight of her and slowly closed his mouth, but his experienced hands never faltered as they continued to flow across the keys. He studied her, examined her, racking his eyes up and down her form several times before