A Ghost of a Chance by Evelyn Klebert

that you have chosen to take with this creature?”
    Gabriella’s frightened eyes widened. “No, my father does not know of my engagement to Monsieur Delacroix.”
    “ Engagement? Have things progressed that far?”
    “ Surely you can not expect me to share such private details of my life with a virtual stranger.”
    Jacob turned away momentarily, as if to calm himself, then returned his steady and unflinching gaze to Gabriella. “My Lady, you are correct in that we are indeed strangers. Yet, I must tell you with the deepest conviction that I am well acquainted with the true nature of Monsieur Delacroix.”
    Her heart chilled at his declaration. “True nature? What can you mean by that?” Abruptly, and most forcefully he grasped both of her delicate hands with his large, strong, manly . . .
    Hallie paused for a moment and leaned back in the chair. This was beginning to get a little out of hand. She took a sip of her peppermint tea but could feel her own heart racing. Beside her Jack smiled and bent to kiss the top of her head. “Go on Hallie. Her small delicate hands were grasped in large powerful ones whose strength she could feel course through her at the moment of contact.”
    “ Gabriella,” he used her first name as though it was his right to do so, although she had not given him permission. “I have traveled across the world hunting your fiancé with every ounce of relentless spirit that I could muster.”
    “ Why?” she whispered. She tried to break free of his powerful grasp, but it was clear that he was not yet ready to release her.
    “ I will tell you why. Only five years ago that monster took the innocence and then the life of my sister Margaret.”
    “ No,” the word flew out of her mouth in a gasp.
    He pulled her closer, so close that she could feel the vibrant and compelling warmth of his body. He was not cold like Samory but alive, oh so alive. “It’s true Gabriella, and he will do the same to you, if I allow it to happen.”
    Summoning all of her delicate strength she finally wrenched herself free from his embrace. “No you’re wrong. Samory loves me. He would never hurt me.”
    “ He might not mean to hurt you, but his murderous nature will win out.”
    “ Jacob you’re wrong. I can save him. I know I can.” His warm blue eyes hardened at her pronouncement. “Margaret thought the same. And I was too late to save her.”
    She turned away from him caught up in her own despair. But once again she felt his powerful hands on her. This time they slipped around her waist and then gently but deliberately pulled her back against him. He whispered in her ear, “Gabriella, I can be a ruthless man also. I am determined to save you with or without your cooperation. Inform your father that there will be a guest for dinner tonight. Do so mademoiselle or I will promptly inform him of all your most recent activities.”
    And then he bent his head even closer and lightly brushed his lips against her cheek.
    A loud crash resounded throughout the room, shattering the quiet. A standing lamp that was across the room had abruptly fallen to the floor for no apparent reason. Hallie stared at it in shock. She had nearly jumped out of her seat at the computer desk. Still trembling from the jolt, she stood up shakily. “Damn it, that scared the crap out of me.”
    Reluctantly, she gingerly tiptoed over to the sight of the catastrophe. The damage was substantial considering that the light apparently had crashed with some force onto the hardwood floor. Jack watched sternly as Hallie headed down the hall to get a broom and dustpan to clean up the debris.
    He stood alone staring at the broken lamp. He could actually still feel the irritating rush of negative energy that it had taken to bring the lamp down. “Don’t like where things are going pal?” he said smugly. “Well, I’ve got to tell you this is just the beginning.”
     
    Hallie stalked around the house straightening up with a degree of contempt. She