WICKED
The Pack of St. James
Chapter One
Light hems swirled over dancing slippers and polished boots
stepped in measured time over the ballroom floor. Semyon
Taruskin saw nothing else-he had to look down as he made
his way through the crush to avoid the yearning gaze of a certain
young lady who had pleaded with him just last night to
ravish her, so in love was she.
He had refused her-gallantly, of course, telling her that
she was too innocent and too sweet for him. But the truth of
that statement had only aroused her more. He'd had to untwine
her soft arms and unclasp the lovely hands that caressed
whatever she could reach of him, before bidding her a soft
adieu and beating a hasty retreat past the dozing aunt in the
corner.
He straightened as he came in to the next room, a smaller
chamber where male guests swilled punch from crystal cups
and joshed each other in loud voices.
Semyon gave an inaudible sigh, hoping to find more interesting
company.
Female, of course. Witty and pretty. There had to be one or
two in attendance. Without thinking overmuch about where
he wa ... read full excerpt from: Wicked: The Pack Of St. James ebook