Read Online A Dangerous Arrangement by Lee Christine - Free Book Online Page B

ladies’ pistols to rapid-fire AK47s and rocket launchers. There were a variety of snakes too, everything from wide-mouthed pythons to a grass snake sliding through the centre of an apple. Then the hairs on her arms and the back of her neck stood on end. The image was a snake emerging from the eye of a skull.
    Marina shuddered.
    To her surprise his arm came around her, and he rubbed her shoulder, whether to warm her or comfort her she wasn’t sure. She only knew she had to fight some basic instinct that was urging her to move closer.
    â€˜Does this one look familiar?’ he asked.
    She forced herself to keep her eyes on the iPad. This man needs your help.
    â€˜Not really. It’s just so hideous.’
    She didn’t want him to shift, didn’t want him to stop stroking her arm so she continued to look through the artwork. ‘Many of these are similar to what I saw. The guns were definitely the size of rocket launchers not smaller handguns, and they were aimed directly at the user.’
    â€˜I remember you mentioning that, so I didn’t get my hopes up.’ He blew out a breath. ‘At least it’s a start.’
    Marina pointed with her index finger. ‘It’s more the centre part of the image that’s not right. The snake bit.’
    To her disappointment, he removed his arm and slid the iPad closed. ‘I apologise for making you look at those on such a beautiful day and in such a magical place.’
    She wanted to add ‘and with the perfect companion’. But she reminded herself he wasn’t. They were from different worlds.
    â€˜What happens now?’ she asked as they stood up.
    â€˜I’ll leave you to enjoy the rest of your morning with your companion.’
    His words were like a fast stab wound, and Marina’s stomach contracted. ‘That wasn’t what I meant.’
    â€˜I know. I deliberately misunderstood you.’
    â€˜Why?’
    He smiled a little. ‘Because I want to know about the guy with the beard.’
    â€˜Vlad?’
    â€˜Is that his name? He’s very protective of you.’
    To her surprise he held out his hand, just as he had in the gondola. Again, she slipped her hand into his, warm ripples of pleasure pulsing through her body as his fingers closed around hers.
    Marina glanced sideways at him as they began descending the steep stairs. She wanted to believe he was probing because he was interested.
    â€˜We’ve been friends for many years.’ She’d led him to believe she had a love interest on board, a decision she regretted now.
    He stopped and looked at her, brows pulled together in a frown. ‘Friends?’
    Marina’s spirits lifted and her heart began to race. ‘Yes. He and Elena are my best friends.’
    â€˜And Elena is …?’
    Dean Logan wanted clarification!
    She smiled. ‘His wife.’
    â€˜ Oh .’ He nodded, as if she’d told him the most enlightening piece of information he’d heard in weeks.
    Marina laughed, and her heart skipped two beats when he raised his eyes heavenwards and gave her a rueful smile.
    â€˜Subtle, huh?’
    She nodded. ‘Really subtle.’
    Heart pounding, she watched him put the iPad on the nearest seat, then one strong arm circled her waist and drew her towards him. She went slowly, allowing her eyes to drift closed as his other hand came up and slipped beneath her ponytail.
    â€˜Is this alright?’ His beard shadow grazed her cheek as he massaged her neck. ‘Or should I go about it in a more indirect way, and sign up for violin lessons?’
    A delicious shiver sensitised Marina’s skin and a hungry fire stirred deep within her body. It was all she could do not to turn her head and crush her lips against his. But he was taking his time, building the kind of sweet anticipation that weakened a woman’s legs along with her resolve.
    The difference between man and boy.
    Wanting more, she opened her