Free The Whisper Of Wings by Cassandra Ormand

warmth flood her body, a sense of total and complete safety. His hands were large and warm, the fingers long, finely tapered, yet strong. Her pulse quickened in response. Something about his touch, something altogether wonderful made her senses take flight. Perhaps it was the very nature of his being, the fact that he was so fascinating. Whatever the case, she'd never felt anything like what she was feeling now. It was powerful, much too powerful to ever hope to fathom.
    "You needn't rush yourself. It's enough that we know what to call you now. Does Mrs. Avery know?"
    Michaela shook her head.
    "Then you must find her and tell her at once. She will be so pleased. She likes you, you know."
    Michaela felt her lips twitch upwards in a semblance of a smile. It was nice to know someone liked her.
    Somehow, she found the courage to make her feet move again, to turn her back on him and walk toward the door. Just the act of walking seemed an intimidating process under his watchful eye. It felt awkward to her, as if she was just learning to do so. She could literally feel his gaze on her as she quietly padded across the floor, and she became painfully aware of her bare feet, of how ridiculous she must look in the over-sized dress. He was so prepossessing, so dignified, while she looked like a farmhand.
    Why was she so intimidated by him? Why must she quake at his glance, tremble at his touch? What gave him such power over her senses? No one had ever made her feel the way he did. She felt useless and small in his presence, but at the same time alive and beautiful. It was an odd mix of feelings.
    Only her father had ever had such a strong emotional impact on her. He had been daunting as well, but not especially in a good way. He'd had the power to make her dissolve into tears in seconds. Whenever he became angry, he shouted abuses, resorted to pounding his fist against the table, even threatened at times. Christopher Standeven didn't have to do any of those things. One was awed simply by his disciplined demeanor, by his sheer, unspoken will. But there was a kindness about him that her father had been missing.
    An involuntary tremor passed down her spine. She didn't want to think of her father just now. The memories were far too painful. It was best to forget them, to forget everything about her past, to forget her entire family if it would make a difference.
    She was almost at the door when he stopped her.
    "Michaela."
    His voice was soft, an irresistibly sensual brush of sound that reached out and touched her like the barest of caresses. She had no choice but to stop. Her body seemed to do so of its own volition, as if deep down she had wanted him to call her back.
    "There is something I'd like to ask you."
    She turned back, half-fearful again. There was no animosity in his gaze, only curiosity. But it was the curiosity that frightened her. He had questions. Questions she couldn't possibly answer for him, else he send her back. And she couldn't bear it if she had to go back.
    He stepped closer, close enough to make her tremble. "When you came to us, you mentioned a Mrs. Smythe. Might I inquire as to who she is?"
    She sucked in a breath, rooted to the spot. Dare she tell him? Dare she explain? Would it incriminate her? How much was too much?
    She shook her head, a little confused. In truth, she didn't remember asking for Mrs. Smythe, and she told him so.
    "Hmm. Curious. You seemed quite clear about it. In fact, that was the only point you seemed clear on. I thought sure you would remember her, although the doctor seems to think your amnesia came well before your fall in the driveway."
    His eyes were piercing, as if he could see all that lay hidden behind her curtain of lies. Whether it was guilt or the fear that he could read her thoughts that pulled the admission from her was uncertain. She only knew that she felt compelled to give him at least this one answer.
    "Y-yes. I remember her. She was the housekeeper here. When I arrived and saw