Everlasting Desire Read Online Free Page A

pale. You, too, buddy.”
    Mr. Parker looked offended at being called “buddy,” but he didn’t argue. Sitting down in one of the store’s padded chairs, he folded his arms over his chest, then, shoulders slumped, he cradled his head in his hands.
    Megan looked up at Rhys. “I should call the police.” She started to touch his arm, then drew back. “And an ambulance.”
    â€œI’m fine. Sit down before you faint.”
    â€œI’m not going to faint!” she exclaimed. Her knees were as weak as a newborn kitten’s, and she felt light-headed. “I’m not going to faint,” she repeated, and hoped it was true.
    â€œUh-huh.” Taking her lightly by the forearm, Rhys guided her to a chair and gently pushed her down. “Just rest a minute. These guys aren’t going anywhere.”
    Megan took several deep breaths. Had she been alone, she would have put her head between her knees and sobbed, but she wasn’t alone. She could feel Rhys Costain watching her, knew he was just waiting for her to faint or go into hysterics like some spineless female.
    â€œHey.” His voice was soft and low as he laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Are you sure you’re all right?”
    His voice, his touch, went through her like an electric shock. Startled, she looked up, her earlier fear momentarily forgotten. Who was this man, that he should affect her so profoundly?
    â€œI’m…I’m fine.” She glanced at the two hoodlums who had come in to rob the store. They were still sprawled on the floor. Were they dead? She was vaguely aware that Mr. Parker was on the phone.
    A short time later, two police officers arrived. Polite, but all business, they took her statement, then Mr. Parker’s, then Costain’s. One of the officers offered to drive Rhys to the hospital, but he refused, insisting he wasn’t badly hurt. Megan didn’t believe him. Neither did the police, but when Rhys removed his coat and shirt, there was little more than a shallow gash on his arm.
    â€œBut there was so much blood…” Megan murmured, frowning.
    â€œJust a flesh wound,” Rhys said with a grin.
    When the police were satisfied that they had all the information they needed, they handcuffed the two suspects, who had regained consciousness as soon as the police finished interrogating Rhys.
    â€œWe’ll be in touch, Mr. Parker,” one of the officers said, and then they marched the suspects out of the store.
    Mr. Parker locked the front door behind the police, then walked back to where Rhys was standing. “Mr. Costain, I don’t know how we can ever repay you.”
    â€œNo need.”
    â€œPlease,” Mr. Parker said, pulling his checkbook from the inside pocket of his suit coat. “I’d be happy to give you a reward.”
    â€œIf you insist,” Rhys said. “How about a new shirt?”
    Mr. Parker blinked at him. “A new shirt? That’s all you want?”
    â€œThat’s it.”
    Shaking his head, Mr. Parker fetched the most expensive shirt the store had to offer. Handing it to Rhys, he said, “How about a new coat? That one’s ruined.”
    Rhys shrugged. “Sure.” He didn’t really need another coat, but what the hell? It would give him an excuse to see Megan again. “I’ll stop in and look around next time I’m in the neighborhood.”
    â€œVery well,” Mr. Parker said. “Megan, if you’re ready, I’ll take you home.”
    â€œI’ll see her home,” Rhys said.
    Mr. Parker looked doubtful, but there was no arguing with Costain’s expression or the implacable tone of his voice.
    Taking Megan by the hand, Rhys lifted her to her feet. “Ready?”
    â€œYes, but…”
    Before she quite knew how it happened, they were in her car, with Rhys behind the wheel.
    â€œI can drive,” she protested.
    â€œNot tonight.” He