Capturing the Silken Thief by Jeannie Lin

Author:Jeannie Lin
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Romance, Historical, Fiction
ISBN: 9781408980873
Publisher: Mills & Boon
Published: 2012-03-01T22:00:00+00:00

What was this heaviness in her chest that wouldn’t leave her? The weight only increased as she looked at Cheng. She could pretend that he thought of her as something more than a song girl and a servant to rich patrons.

“Then we both have reasons to celebrate,” he said.

“You seem in good spirits.”

He couldn’t hold back. “I presented my writings to the head examiner today. He invited me to sit down for tea and we had a good discussion.”

“You presented the essay today?”

“The imperial exams begin tomorrow, after all.”

She’d entirely forgotten. She looked to the satchel that contained the precious essay she’d held hostage. “What trouble I must have caused you.”

He shrugged, in too good spirits to be cross. “I rewrote every word and every word was better, bolder. Something must have inspired me.” He gave her a pointed look and her skin flushed.

“So you didn’t need your books back after all,” she said.

“Of course I did. How else would I see you again?”

He held no ill will toward her. For every taunt and attack she flung at him, Cheng deflected and smiled. She couldn’t wound him or push him away. He was impervious.

Fear took hold of her. They were more than opposite. Cheng was generous, industrious, and sincere. He was meant for greater things.

“Take care then, Luo Cheng,” she said. “I know you’ll do well tomorrow.”

“Wait.”

He blocked her in one smooth motion as she turned to the door. It wasn’t difficult considering the size of the chamber.

“I bought wine,” he said. “To celebrate. Xifeng wine. I had to haggle with the merchant for nearly an hour so you have to drink it with me.”

She laughed. It had been a long time since she laughed. What did she have to fear? For the first time in her life she could choose what she’d do next. Cheng watched her intently. She reached out her hand and rested it against him. Only her fingertips grazed his chest.

Like all of the scholars that streamed in and out of the city, Cheng would be gone soon from the shifting world of the North Hamlet. The same world she wanted to leave behind. They were walking the same path for this one moment in time only. She didn’t want to be grey and withered, holding on to a remnant of a memory she’d never pursued.

Her fingers curled into the front of Cheng’s tunic to draw him closer. She hadn’t really thought him handsome at first. His features were unrefined and rugged, yet in his eyes she could see a depth of humor and a sincerity that compelled her.

“How much did you pay for that wine?” she asked.

His mouth was close. Heated breath caressed her lips when he spoke. “Three coppers. All I had left.”

His gaze darkened with the same hunger she’d seen the night before. The same hunger had plagued her all day.

“You made a good bargain,” she murmured.

Cheng took her mouth. She let him.

Xue Lin was mistaken about the signs of desire in her pillow book.

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