Read Online A Hint of Rapture by Miriam Minger - Free Book Online Page A

throat, the enticing outline of
her breasts straining against her bodice, and her narrow waist. Heat raced
through his body.
    What had Colonel Wolfe said to him the morning he first
heard about Black Jack? Something about finding a lass to aid his quest, and
secrets betrayed at the height of passion?
    Garrett smiled thoughtfully. Perhaps this tempting
wench might very well lead him to Black Jack.
    If she worked as a maid in this house, he would see her
often. Perhaps after a tender wooing—a few soft words, well-chosen compliments,
and gentle caresses—she might prove willing and eager to warm his bed. Once he
gained her trust, she might even share with him any knowledge she had about
Black Jack. He was not one to wantonly mislead a woman's affections, but time
was of the essence in this mission. It was worth a—
    He exhaled sharply, grunting in pain as a stinging jab
in the ribs caught him by surprise. The next thing he knew the woman pushed
against him and wrenched free of his arms, kicking his shin and stamping on his
toes as she found her footing. Her startling blue eyes blazed as she wheeled to
face him.
    "H-how dare ye!" she sputtered, confusion and
rage reflected in her eyes. When she stepped back and began to stagger, Garrett
feared she might fall. He reached out to steady her, but she darted away.
    "Easy, lassie," he said softly. "I'm
only trying to help you."
    "Dinna lassie me, ye swine! Ye filthy
redcoat!"
    Garrett chuckled at her heated outburst. He walked
slowly toward her, his eyes raking her from head to foot.
    She was truly the comeliest woman he had ever seen,
with a fiery spirit to match. Yet he still feared she might collapse. Her knees
appeared wobbly, and she was massaging her left temple. He had better subdue
her before she brought herself to more harm.
    "Tell me your name," he insisted gently,
moving closer. The woman shook her head fiercely. "Your horse ran into
mine on the road. Do you remember? You took a hard fall, lass, and I think it's
best you lie down for a while."
    "Aye, I remember well enough, and I dinna need yer
reminding," she spat, retreating another few steps. "Had ye not been
riding where ye're not welcome, 'twould not have happened." A flicker of
pain crossed her face, but she raised her chin stubbornly. "I'm fine now,
as ye can see, though 'tis no business of yers. Now get off my la—"
    "Oh, but it is my business, as is everything in
this valley," Garrett interrupted, growing impatient. He looked beyond her
shoulder at the first supply wagon turning into the drive. It gave him an idea.
"My soldiers are arriving, lass. Come on now, I've no more time to argue
with you."
    At these words she whirled around, and Garrett seized
his opportunity. In two steps he had her in his arms. She screamed, twisting
and struggling, but he held her tightly. Tossing her over his shoulder, he
gritted his teeth as her doubled fists rained blows upon his neck and broad
back.
    For a wench who had suffered a hard fall, she was
certainly putting up a good fight, he thought wryly, holding her legs away so
she couldn't kick him. Suddenly her body went limp, and she began to mumble
incoherently. The strain of her recent injury had obviously proved too much for
her, as he thought it might.
    Garrett strode to the door and pounded on it. After a
few moments he heard shuffling footsteps, then the door was opened by a
frail-looking old woman. She gaped up at him, her hands flying to her throat.
    "Maddie!"
    "So that's the spitfire's name," he said
under his breath, walking into the dim hallway. He turned to face the woman.
"And what is your name, dear lady?"
    "Gl-Glenis," she stammered, her dark eyes
wide with shock. "Glenis Simpson."
    "Well, Glenis, this young woman had quite a nasty
fall from her horse. She should be put to bed immediately, until she's feeling
more like herself. Where are the servants' quarters?"
    "Servants' quarters?"
    "Yes. If you'll only show me the way, I'll explain
what happened. And you might