Talent For Trouble Read Online Free Page B

gruff words. “Do you know horses? Do you ride?”
    “Not well. Though it is something I’ve always wanted to learn.”
    She was amazed that he’d give such information to her so freely. This was not a man used to exposing any sort of weakness, and she doubted he failed at any endeavor he tried, but then, perhaps he had another motive in revealing so much. Perhaps he was making a sort of peace offering, letting her feel superior in some small way while she was so completely within his control.
    “Maybe I can teach you a thing or two about riding. That is, if I remember how myself.” She chuckled as the horses left her line of sight and the craft descended. “It’s been too long.”
    He landed the craft skillfully, reinforcing her impression of his capabilities. Darak seemed to excel at just about anything he tried. No doubt he would prove an able rider, as well, for all his protestations. But riding would have to wait. She was still pretty weak and unable to get very far on her own. Darak, in fact, had to help her stand and support her on one side.
    He hit the control that would open the ship and lower the ramp, and then, he walked her out, helping her with each careful step down the incline. She was watching her feet intently, hoping to avoid a fall. She didn’t see the undignified ball of energy that was her sister come hurtling up the steep ramp to engulf her in a hug until it was nearly too late to avoid a spill.
    But Darak was there, supporting them both, his strong arms surrounding Jana from behind while Jeri gripped her from the front.
    “Jana!” Jeri’s voice came to her through tears and tight squeezes. Jana was not altogether surprised to feel an answering wetness on her own cheeks.
    “Little Jeri-berry. Thank the stars.” Jana couldn’t say more then, completely overcome by emotion as she hugged Jeri close.
    She felt Darak leave her, secure enough on her feet now with Jeri’s tight embrace. She missed his warm presence, but she needed this time with her little sister. Goddess, how she’d missed her!
    They hugged and cried, each overwhelmed by the other’s presence. It was a low male voice that finally broke through their joyful tears. A voice Jana did not recognize.
    “You two should probably come inside where we can sit. There is much to discuss.” The voice was gentle, concerned, and she could tell it wasn’t just concern for Jeri, but for Jana as well. She knew her legs were trembling, and the man, whoever he was, could probably see it plainly. Suddenly, she realized who the tall man must be.
    “You’re Micah?”
    Jeri pulled back and reached out one hand to the man, bringing him closer. There were stars in her eyes when she looked at him. Jana almost envied the love she read in her sister’s gaze; for it was obvious these two were very much in love with each other, even to her.
    “Jana, this is my husband.”
    “Darak has told me much about you, Lord Micah.”
    “All of it bad, I’m sure.” He winked at her, his smile disarming as he led them indoors. Instantly, Darak was at her side, his strong arm ready to support her as she took slow steps toward the nearby doorway.
    “I only spoke the truth, Micah. Can I help it if you’re a troublemaker?” Darak joked easily with his cousin, a twinkle in his eye that was enchanting.
    Jeri laughed. “I think you have that the other way around, Dar. Micah’s a saint compared to you.”
    “Now that, I believe.” Jana spoke before she even realized she would, surprising herself as they all laughed. Darak’s arm squeezed her as he helped her inside, but she could tell he was enjoying her joke, not upset at all by her words.
    They sat together for over an hour, sipping cool drinks brought by quiet and efficient servants, catching up on all that had happened. At times, Jeri and Jana were nearly overwhelmed by emotion, but Micah would pull Jeri into his arms and she would find comfort there, much as Darak’s strong presence at her side did for