Read Without Saying a Word for Free Online

Large windows at ground level were framed with heavy cream curtains. Around the house were large gray ornamental containers filled with fragrant herbs. The stairs to the front door held pots of shrubs turning varying hues of green, red and brown. Rhean parked the car at the front and everyone piled out. Theo and James followed Rhean and their mother up the stoop to the front door. When they entered the large hall, the boys disappeared, Theo to the den and James to the kitchen in search of food, leaving Laura and Rhean alone together in the cavernous hallway.
    “Make yourselves at home kids.” Rhean laughed. “You never said why Maisie didn’t come.”
    Laura’s face turned red. “I said she could have some friends round.”
    Rhean made an O with his mouth. “Boys?”
    She wrinkled her nose. “Not sure, but I think so. I won’t badger her about it.”
    Rhean nodded. “While there is no one around...” He leaned  toward her, and pulled Laura close to him. His lips met hers, and he held her close. Surely she could feel the effect she had on him through the long purple tunic that clung to her curves.
    ****
    Laura lost herself in the kiss, feeling his strength and passion. He took her mouth hungrily, sending spirals of ecstasy through her. She felt his arousal against her body and felt somewhat conflicted about why Rhean decided to make his move, and why she responded to his attentions. Up until now, she’d thought herself devoid of all romantic feelings toward a man, and maybe even dead inside.
    Laura attempted to pull away, aware that they were still in the entrance hall, but Rhean rested his head on hers and murmured, “Not bad for a novice.”
    “Who?” Laura looked up at him. Her hazel eyes flashed with passion, savoring the feelings he awoke within her.
    “Me,” Rhean stated. Laura’s eyes widened at his unexpected comment. Taking her hand he led her down a wood paneled picture gallery, and opened a heavy oak door.
    Inside the room, on one expansive mahogany desk, piles of paper were strewn in varying sizes of heaps in a complete contradiction to the way the study had been decorated. The opposite desk—that Laura guessed was Lady Leighton’s—had a similar amount of papers but in a more orderly fashion. Rhean sat on the leather chair behind the desk and quoted ruefully,”One day my son, all this will be yours.”
    “When did he say that to you Rhean?” Laura inquired.
    “Last night when he rang to update me on what was happening and when they would be back home.” Rhean reached over to the mantel and pulled on a long cream-colored silken rope. “Can you help?”
    “With what?” Laura asked in bewilderment.
    “Organizing the Fayre and Ball,” he explained. “Look, I know it’s going to be hard work, but I think if we work together, we can pull it off.” There was hope in Rhean’s voice.
    “Okay, but we will need tea and lots of it if we are going to tackle it,” Laura announced looking at the papers on the desk. She had something to focus on, and take her mind off her problems. The Fayre and Ball were the major Kirkleigh events that brought the community together. The door to the study opened and Graham, the butler, walked in.
    “You rang Master Rhean?” he asked in a very formal voice, ready to carry out his master’s instructions. In his late fifties, the butler stood erect with his graying blond hair cut military short. Six feet tall in height, Graham was devoted to the family and kept Kirkleigh Grange running smoothly and with strict protocol. He always dressed formally in his butler’s uniform of black tails and a pristine white shirt.
    Rhean glared at him. “Cut the formal rubbish, Graham. Can you bring us some tea and lots of it please?” he asked, winking at Laura.
    Graham inclined his head. “Of course, sir,” he replied.
    “Would you also find out what the boys are up to please?” Laura requested.
    The butler nodded again.
    “Mrs. Stevens wishes to know if lunch is