Forbidden Kiss Read Online Free

weapon, a style designed by many swordsmiths in Italy.” Extending a hand to the open doorway, Rom waited for her to follow his silent request. “Please, Ms. Casale, I have an appointment for which I am late.”
    Faced with his formal dismissal, Jule had no choice but to leave. “You can call me day or night should you learn anything new, Mr. Montgomery. I keep a home office and often work from there.”
    He watched her march through the open doorway and back through the empty kitchen, anger heavy in each purposeful step. She didn’t stop at the entry, but swung through the door and headed back downstairs to the gallery, her boots slapping the concrete as she went.
    He did have a meeting with his attorney, although Ben would content himself at Carl’s Bar with a scotch at the ready. Their business was old business and could wait a few minutes longer.
    Rom hung back several seconds staring at the fateful rose in the painting, allowing Jule to burn off her frustration. Chances were, if he tried to convince her the pursuit was a waste of time, she would react in a less than favorable manner. No positive result would come at forcing her back against the wall.
    Manipulative? Perhaps. Smart? Definitely.
    When he reached the lower level, she was bundled back under her raincoat. The beautiful, slender neck he’d admired moments ago hidden beneath a dull colored scarf wrapped double and knotted tightly.
    Just as well.
    “I’ll be in touch Mr. Montgomery, to see if you remember anything else that might help.” She tried to mask how futile she thought the effort, but then shrugged in resignation.
    What a shame to douse such vitality and interest. He could well imagine her passion both in private and at work.
    She flipped her hood up to protect her head from the wind.
    “With your permission, I would like to come back by next week and examine your painting further. Compare the two for more clues.”
    “Fine. Call before you drop by,” it came out harsh and final and Jule recoiled from his reproach. He denied the regret tightening his chest.
    She nodded stiffly and reached for the door, but for some reason he later couldn’t fathom, he grabbed her hand.
    A fine tremor of anger vibrated along her skin.
    He’d done his job well.
    Pulling back the cuff of her coat, he bent and pressed his lips to her pulse point. Her scent consumed him: achingly sweet and full of life. He drank in the steady throb, the lulling hub-bub of blood pumping in her veins, at last lifting his lips from a final kiss.
    She stood still, a look between arousal and surprise filling her face. He broke the spell.
    “I truly hope you find what you are looking for, Jule.” Releasing her hand, he caught the knob and opened the room to the night. Rain fell soft and steady outside his front door, the street nearly deserted at the dinner hour.
    There wasn’t another car or a taxi in sight.
    “Would you like me to call a cab?” The thought of her walking any distance alone had him feeling remarkably protective.
    With her breath visible in the cold, Jule left the doorway, pulling her hood tight. “I’ll, ah, walk for a while and then catch a cab. I’m in no hurry to get home,” she said, her voice floating back to him.
    Maybe he’d been too effective at dismissing her. Banning her from his presence. She didn’t seem excited about the concept of going home. He wondered why.
    Shutting the door behind him, Rom stepped onto the sidewalk. “I’ll walk with you then, until you hail a cab.”
    He waited for her to lead the way, but she just stopped and stared at him like he’d lost his mind.
    “Don’t you need a coat?”
    Rom looked down. He stood in the wind, on the open street in his shirtsleeves, and he hadn’t even noticed the weather.
    He heard a faint voice inside his head. A voice from long ago.
    She’s got you, friend. A great distraction to your constant inner turmoil. See what the night brings.
    He was afraid she was her father’s daughter and