Read Online Once Upon a Romance 02 - As The Last Petal Falls by Jessica Woodard - Free Book Online Page A

and she was one of my favorite teachers.” She toyed with the blankets a moment, then went on. “I frequently got punished for taking my temper out on others.”
    Fain spoke wryly. “It hasn’t made much of an impact on you.”
    She bristled, but kept herself in check. “It made quite an impact, thank you. I still tend to have a hard time when I’m provoked, however.”
    “I suppose our lack of luxury is highly provoking.” He didn’t bother to try and hide the disdain in his voice.
    “I was speaking of your constant assaults on my character.” She was forcing the words through gritted teeth, but she hadn’t started shrieking yet. That was an improvement.
    “Oh, you mean when I called you spoiled and self-centered?”
    “And thoughtless and flighty.”
    “Well, as long as we’re making a list, I’ve also called you shrewish, petulant, and bratty under my breath.”
    “Shrewish.
Petulant.
And
bratty?
” She got louder with each word. “I… you…
you…
” She cut off. Her features smoothed out and when next she spoke it was with calm, cultured tones. “You are trying to bait me.”
    “I am doing no such thing.” Fain’s voice lowered a register.
    “I’ve done it often enough myself, I think I’d recognize it in someone else.” She remained calm, eyeing him. Fain thought about what she said.
    “Fine. Have it your way. My deepest apologies.” He wasn’t very sincere, but the lass nodded graciously.
    “And now I must apologize. I’ve not been a… model patient.”
    “I thought you were just playing the part of a spoiled heiress.”
    Her mouth tightened. “I am
not
a spoiled heiress. I simply have a very creative way of punishing people who displease me.” She clearly meant to be quelling, but he snickered. Lifting her chin she fixed him with a lofty and dignified stare. “Your amusement is vastly out of proportion, Master MacTíre.”
    “And your apology, lass, is much lacking in sincerity.” He was still chuckling as he spoke, but she blushed as though terribly embarrassed.
    “You’re right, I’m sorry, I—” Suddenly she stopped, and struggled out of the bed, carefully keeping his shirt pulled down to her knees. When she’d gained her feet she gathered one side of the shirt up into her left hand, and then executed a profoundly graceful curtsey.
    “I beg your forgiveness for my behavior this past day. It was conduct unworthy of my station, and utterly lacking in the gratitude I owe you for assisting me. I most sincerely apologize, and hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive my terrible lapse of comportment.”
    Fain realized he should acknowledge her apology, but he couldn’t find the words. He was astounded by her obvious sincerity. It was like a different lass stood before him, totally changed from the sharp-tongued complainer he’d been with all day. She had to be cold and uncomfortable, not to mention weak from the fever. But she stood there, sincerely begging his forgiveness for her behavior, despite, he admitted to himself, at least a certain justification for it.
    Who was this changeable creature?
    She peeked up at him, humor in her eyes. “It is traditional to essay some sort of friendly overture, in response to my self-abasement.”
    Fain had to force his brain to work. There was danger, here. Her anger had been unpleasant, but this… this was fascinating. And he couldn’t afford to be fascinated. He tried to goad her again.
    “Sorry, I got distracted by all that expanse of bare leg.”
    She didn’t react the way he anticipated, though. Instead of getting irritated and retreating, she gave him what could only be described as a sultry look, and then she straightened up and examined her long, shapely legs.
    “I admit I haven’t seen the legs of many other ladies; are mine worth getting distracted over?” Her tone was innocent, but her violet eyes flashed heat at him before she demurely swept those thick lashes down to brush her cheeks and hide her