Read Online A Daring Sacrifice by Jody Hedlund - Free Book Online

my neckline and then to the tiny dangle of curls next to my ear. “Is something wrong?”
    Collin closed his mouth and then swallowed hard.
    â€œI can’t ever remember a time when Lord Collin was speechless,” Mistress Higgins said with a knowing smile.
    â€œPerhaps I should have chanced a glance in the mirror.” I took a step back. “I can only imagine how utterly silly I must look—”
    â€œNo,” Collin cut in, finally finding his voice. “You don’t look silly at all. Far from it . . .” His attention shifted downward, taking in every inch from the neckline to the way the gown hugged my waist and then flared into a bell shape as it cascaded into a glossy river on the floor behind me. When his gaze lifted and met mine, awe rounded his eyes and revealed stark admiration shining in their depths.
    I clasped my hands to hold back a tremble. I needed to stop acting like a spooked mare.
    Collin started toward me, the rushes muting his steps. My heart thudded louder until I was sure he could hear it. He didn’t stop until he stood directly in front of me. “You are stunning, my lady.”
    Warmth pulsed through me, sending tingles to my toes, which were squeezed into long-pointed poulaines. I didn’t know why his words should delight me so much, but they did. More than I wanted to admit.
    He leaned closer until his mouth was near my ear. “You’re so beautiful, Juliana,” he whispered, his breath brushing against the sensitive skin at the pulse in my neck.
    At his nearness, the air caught in my lungs.
    When he pulled back, the green of his eyes held none of the usual mirth.
    I didn’t know what to do. My own body betrayed me by reacting to him, by noticing how handsome he was too, enjoying his compliments, and wishing he’d whisper in my ear again.
    â€œSo I’m acceptable then?” I stepped away from him and tried to harden my voice. “Do I pass your test?” I had to stay in control. I couldn’t let him sway me with his dazzling eyes and sweet words.
    He reached for one of my hands, not letting me escape. A slow smile spread and the light in his eyes told me he could see past my gruffness. “You passed my test even when you wore a man’s tunic.”
    He brought his other hand out from behind his back and held out a necklace. It was simple but elegant, a single strand of diamonds with a larger teardrop diamond at the center. “For you.”
    I held back a gasp. “I refuse to wear anything so extravagant—”
    â€œI want you to have it,” he said softly.
    I shook my head. “I can’t.”
    â€œPlease.” His eyes pleaded with me.
    I couldn’t make myself look at the necklace again. It was pretty, prettier than anything I’d worn since—since the days when I’d dressed up for parties with my father. He’d always delighted in showering me with jewels and gifts, surprising me with tokens of his affection.
    At the memory, an ache lodged in my chest. Those had been peaceful days, filled with such joy. My father and I had always had such fun together, just the two of us. Until the day Uncle had ridden into our lives . . .
    Collin leaned in and lowered his voice so that Mistress Higgins, near the door, couldn’t hear him. “At the end of the week, you can keep all the jewels I give you.”
    How could I resist? Not only would I walk away with a purse of gold, but I’d have the necklace too. “Very well,” I said, holding out my hand. “I’ll wear it, but only because of what it will provide to those in need at the week’s end.”
    He didn’t place it into my hand, but instead held it up to my neck. “May I?” He indicated that I should turn around and allow him to put it on me.
    My stomach quivered and I rotated quickly, not wanting him to see my reaction.
    He draped the necklace around my throat. The silver was cold and