Redeeming-Love-By-Francine-Rivers

F R A N C I N E R I V E R S
and never knew it. Maybe it was fate that she be with him.
“You’re very beautiful,” Cherry said.
Angel looked at the girl bleakly. “So are you.” Such a pale, pretty girl with
frightened blue eyes. She was filled with compassion.
“Would you like me to wash your hair for you?” Cherry said.
“What I would like is to find a way out of here.” Cherry froze in surprise,
and Angel smiled in self-mockery. “But then, that’s impossible, isn’t it?” She
took the sponge and bar of lavender-scented soap from the girl and said
nothing more.
Duke came in without knocking. Cherry jumped, her face paling. Angel
put her hand on the girl’s and felt how cold she was. Several satin gowns
were draped over Duke’s arm, and he laid them with great ceremony on the
end of the bed. “Leave us, Cherry.” The girl scurried out of the room.
Angry, Angel steeled all her defenses and continued with her bath as
though he weren’t there. He was staring at her. Uncomfortable beneath
that dark scrutiny, she rose and wrapped a large towel around herself. He
handed her another smaller one for her hair. She wrapped it about her
head like a turban. He held a blue satin dressing gown open for her.
Donning it, she tied it snugly. He put his hand on her shoulder, turning
her toward him.
“You’re no longer my little Angel, are you?”
“I couldn’t stay a child forever,” she said, chilled by his touch.
“A pity.” He held a chair out for her. Breathing slowly, she forced herself
to remain calm as she sat.
“You must be famished,” he said and pulled the bell cord. The Chinese
servant entered with a tray. As soon as it was placed on the table before her,
Duke waved him out. Removing the silver covers himself, he smiled. “All
your favorites, my dear.”
It was a feast: a thick rare beefsteak, creamed potatoes, and mixed vegetables
dripping with butter. There was even a thick slice of chocolate cake.
She hadn’t eaten a meal like this since leaving the New York brothel. Her
mouth watered, and her stomach tightened.
Duke lifted a silver pitcher, filled a crystal glass with milk, and handed it
to her. “You always did prefer it to champagne, didn’t you?”
393