The Scandalous Son by Unknown Page B

me.”
                  Alice was lost in his green eyes, it was a cross between dark emerald and deep sea blue. The result was stunning. As she spoke he smiled, and she almost lost her wits.
                  “That seems like a tough predicament indeed. Maybe you aren’t hiding in the right spots,” he laughingly said.
                  “It really is not a laughing matter Mr…”
                  “Albright. Gage Albright. And who might you be Miss?”
                  “Alice Rutledge.”
                  “It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Rutledge.”
                  “Likewise, Mr. Albright.”
                  The footsteps coming down the hall were so loud they could most likely be heard downstairs.
                  “Oh that must be Percy. Please we have to hide me. Please help.”
                  Alice looked around the room for a spot to hide. Gage pointed to a small alcove that had a drape hanging, grabbing her hand they went over to it. The space was smaller than planned and Alice was quickly sandwiched between the wall and Gage so that there was barely room for the curtain to fall closed.
                  “You could have chosen a better spot than this tiny space,” Alice complained.
                  “I think the space is wonderfully cozy,” Gage replied smugly.
    The footsteps in the hallway stopped just outside of the gallery door.
    The door slowly opened and Percy walked in. “Miss Rutledge? Are you in here?” Nothing but silence responded. He slowly started to search the room for a sign of her.
    Alice wondered if Percy could hear her heart beating. It felt like a herd of elephants. Her senses were on fire, first with the adrenaline from hiding, and secondly, her body was tingling from being so close to Albright. His body was so solid. She could feel the tight muscle in his chest and thighs. His hair smelled of sandalwood, strong and masculine. His breath falling on her neck made her knees weak. Thank goodness he was rock solid to support her.
    The alcove was pitch black but she could feel his eyes on her. She wondered what his eyes looked like up this close. Would they be lighter or change to a shade darker when he was angry or aroused? The thought of him being aroused excited her. What would this man look like when he wasn’t wearing anything at all? Would he have curls upon his chest or would it be bare?
    Percy passed on the other side of the drape, reminding her of her purpose. Oblivious to them being there, he kept walking and exited the room. After a minute or two, Gage opened the drape.
    “You shouldn’t look at me like that, Miss Rutledge.”
    “And pray how would that be?”
    “Like you want to eat me.”
    What a wonderful idea that would be, Alice thought. “I most certainly do not.”
    “As you say, Miss. But a person’s eyes never lie.”
    “This situation is most improper and I must ask you to move.”
    “I will gladly move on one condition.”
    “This isn’t an exchange, Mr. Albright.” Alice tried to push past him but to no avail. “What is the condition you insist on?”
    “One kiss.”
    Alice’s mind reeled. A kiss! Surely this man was insane. But why did it have to be such a tempting offer? “One kiss?”
    “Yes.”
    “Alright then but I want let out of here after. Is that a deal?”
    “Deal,” Gage agreed.
    He put his hand on Alice’s cheek and slowly ran his finger down over her lips and chin. The feel of her skin was driving him crazy.
    He most certainly hadn’t planned on kissing her, but she was looking at him like he was naked in front of her and he couldn’t help himself. He bent his head down and lightly brushed his lips over hers. So soft and heavenly it was.

Chapter Three
     
                  Alice was lost, literally. Trying to find her way back down stains was proving to be too much for her already