Read Love's Abyss (St. John Series) for Free Online Page B

would like that. He turned quickly and headed up the hill towards the St. John’s house.
    The St. John’s house was unlike anything the Andrew had ever seen. It even outshone the Governor’s Mansion. It was a massive, three-story red brick house. The covered porch’s roof was suspended by massive white marble columns. The windows of each room ran from floor to ceiling, allowing for the ocean breeze to cool the home during the hot summer months. The large chimney in the back of the house produced enough heat during the winter months to warm the house, if needed. The house was surrounded by large oak and palm trees. It was a picturesque image.
    As he reached the front door, he could hear the melodious sounds of a piano coming from the house. He gave a gentle knock on the door and a thin man opened the door. “Yes, may I help you?” asked the butler.
    “Yes. Please inform Lady Madison that Commodore McClain has come to call.”
    The butler opened the door the rest of the way, allowing the Commodore to enter. He asked the Commodore to wait in the foyer and disappeared.  Andrew’s eyes scanned the foyer.  The emerald curtains were pulled back from the large windows, allowing the sunlight to filter in and its rays reflected off the large crystal chandelier causing the light to dance like diamonds on the pristine white marble floor.  In the center of the foyer the St. John coat of arms was proudly displayed in small intricately placed tiles.  His eyes turned to the grand staircase.  Unlike most homes where the stair railing was wooden, this home had a dark iron stair railing that matched the décor surprisingly well.  The railing flared outward at the bottom so the ladies’ dresses would not be pressed inward upon their descent.
    Andrew heard the piano playing stop. There was the sound of footsteps walking hurriedly towards the foyer and then suddenly slowing down.  He could hear the rustling of her gown and then a quick collective sigh.  He smiled inwardly to himself. It was time to turn on his charm.
    “Commodore McClain,” Madison stated trying to hide the excitement in her voice. “What brings you by today? I thought your ship wasn’t due at port until later on today.”
    “We made excellent time, the winds were good,” he answered as he gazed at the beautiful auburn-haired lady in front of him. Her lavender day gown fit her perfectly. It sat slightly off the shoulder. The waist was high pushing her breasts upward until the rounded mounds pushed up though the top of the dress. He could feel himself becoming hard from wanting her. He shook the image of her from his head and smiled, “I had the lieutenant take command once we docked.” He walked towards her and slowly picked up her hand and kissed the top of it gently. “It has been several weeks since we last spoke, and I couldn’t wait until the Governor’s Ball tomorrow evening. I had to see you.”
    Madison blushed. “Oh, Commodore, you flatter me.” A look of concern came over her as she spotted the scratches on his face. “Oh, Commodore McClain, whatever happened?” she declared as she ran her long delicate fingers over the marks on his face.
    McClain managed to make a sorrowful expression on his face. He took a deep breath and let the lie he conjured up cross his lips. “A distraught mother. I. . .I had to arrest her son for piracy. She was upset and couldn’t believe that her child could be a pirate. She insisted I had the wrong man. But when I provided her with the evidence, her emotions got the best of her,” he pretended to be concerned. “I couldn’t hold it against her, though. He was her only child, and she knew the punishment for his crimes.”
    “Oh, the poor woman.”
    “But, I have not come by to talk about the duties of my position.”
    “Then, as I asked earlier, what brings you by, Commodore McClain?” she asked coyly.
    “I have something for you, and I just couldn’t wait to give it to you,” replied McClain. He