Read Give Me All Of You for Free Online

liquor wasn’t the only thing on the menu. Her lawn which broadened and grew into towering trees and a huge vegetable garden at the back went on for nearly a mile.
    More than enough room for privacy.
    At least some people were enjoying themselves. Disappearing might not be a bad idea. She shot a look over her shoulder. Hermile was lost among the crowd. He’d never know she’d slipped off for a little while.
    Minutes later, s he was safely enclosed behind a wall of plants. Pausing she breathed deeply of the rich earth.
    A troupe of ants marched at her feet, she wished she’d carried a piece of food for them.
    She stopped after a few yards. She really should get back. Hermile would notice her missing by now.
    Doing a 360 she contemplated the several routes which led back to Bronswort mansion. Choosing the closest one she lengthened her strides.
    A hug e mahogany tree loomed up ahead. The flutter of a yellow hem caught her eye.
    She stopped short. A couple was tucked behind the tree and the narrow, grass rimmed path went past them.
    She searched for an alternate route back. Tangles of impenetrable shrub stared menacingly back at her.
    Perhaps if she tiptoed past they wouldn’t notice. With light steps she drew alongside, face carefully averted.
    Something strange, a sharp contraction in the pit of her stomach drew a startled breath from her.
    She turned, resenting herself, but unable to fight the urge.
    Mina froze. Hunter stared back at her. His dark eyes impenetrable.
    He didn’t mov e from his position beside the tree.
    On the ground in front of him was a delicately beautiful blond. The hem of her short yellow dress tucked demurely around shapely legs.
    Her tiny rosebud mouth formed an o as she caught sight of Mina suspended on the path.
    S he giggled like a naughty little girl, and swung gracefully to her feet.
    A sharp stab of hurt sliced Mina from nowhere, she blinked. Fought against the overwhelming instinct to turn away from the approaching, smiling girl … and Hunter.
    The girl looked up at her, held out a pale, almost translucent looking hand, an impish grin highlighted perfect teeth. “Hi Miss Bronswort, I’m Desiree Thurnbull.”
    The accent was upper crust English, polished and effortless.
    Mina dropped her gaze to the offered hand, grasped it, praying her knees didn’t buckle and drag goldilocks down with her.
    Desiree’s hand was excruciatingly delicate just like the rest of her. Unreasonably stung, Mina released it.
    “Hunter has been telling me all about you,” Desiree gushed, bright eyes trusting.
    With an effort, Mina gathered her wandering wits, refused to glance at Hunter who remained silent in the background. “Has he?” she asked pleasantly.
    “Yes. It’s so empowering, isn’t it , to do what you want without anyone being able to stop you?” Desiree’s soft brown eyes emitted hero worship.
    Mina nodded weakly, her mouth dry with th e sense of her own failure.
    Since she’ d taken over Bronswort despite all she’d tried, cutting workers hours, streamlining their customer process, nothing had worked. Bronswort was slowing slipping even further downhill.
    “ That’s one way to look at it,” She managed.
    Desiree batted her arm playfully, Mina tried not to flinch at the unexpected contact. “Don’t be modest, controlling the men in your life must be such a thrill,” she breathed.
    Confused, Mina forced an empty smile to her lips. She looked away and took a small, noticeable step back. “I’ll leave you two alone.”
    “Mina!” Hunter’s voice shook the leaves on the trees.
    Desiree jerked and shivered, her small mouth forming into an irresistible curve … of excitement?
    Mina couldn’t spare the fuel to figure that out. She glared beyond Desiree at Hunter. “What is it Mr. Roades?” She asked pointedly.
    He sauntered forward, his strides sure.  He didn’t answer instead he tore his eyes away from her and looked at Desiree. “I’d love to join your dinner party. Give me a