Read Online Embrace of the Enemy (Winds of Betrayal) by Jerri Hines - Free Book Online Page B

to me well upon my leave the last time. For once, listen. I have thought long and hard about your situation. There is only one possible conclusion on why you came to New York. Someone has convinced you that you can play the game, or maybe, knowing you, you came upon it yourself.”
    Hannah’s anger spurted forth. “Arrogance! A game? I don’t consider my life a game.”
    “Hannah, I watched you tonight. Gannon appeared on the scene and the whole of your body shook. You have to know,” he whispered. He cupped her face with his eyes gazing straight into hers. “Tell me you don’t know.”
    “What if I do know? What of it? Why wouldn’t I have a right to feel thus?” she vehemently responded. “Because I live within these boundaries, I can’t hear news from beyond. Others do.”
    “Others don’t live with your grandfather who has attempted to withhold news from you. Don’t even try, Hannah. I know you too well. If you didn’t want to live within those walls, you would well have gone…if it didn’t suit your needs.”
    She tried to wench herself free. “Let go of me. I wish to go to my room. Leave me alone.”
    “It has gone further than that now, Hannah.” His tone changed. “I had time to think while I was gone. Thinking of what you were doing. Don’t think I don’t admire your bold attempt. I know of no other who would have attempted such, but to accomplish acquiring information!”
    She took a breath and glared at him. “And, pray, what do you think I accomplished?”
    “Why you would have come here after the raid? Revenge. The only link I’m sure came from your uncle’s appearance. Looking back, it would seem logical to you. Why anyone would have let you attempt such an operation is questionable to me to say the least,” he said, releasing his hold. “But with Gannon’s appearance here in New York. He’s screaming for your arrest, you know, Hannah.”
    “Why?” She drew back. A fear came over her. “What have I done?”
    “Nothing Gannon can prove at the moment. He says you are a spy within our social ranks. Gathering information. Of course, General Howe feels it’s preposterous, not from a young woman.”
    “What do you think?” she asked in almost a whisper.
    “Do you really want to know?” he asked. “Do you want to know I had already gone to the General with concerns about you?”
    She said nothing but started to back away from him. His arm took hold. “Don’t run from me, Hannah. I have found an acceptable solution. Taking you from harming yourself and from your grandfather’s house. And of course, from you doing more damage that you have probably already inflicted.”
    “You have no proof of any of these speculations. Let go of me,” she demanded. “If you felt that way you probably would have had me watched. What have you found? Nothing! Why? Because I’ve done nothing. I appreciate your admiration of work I wish I could take credit for.”
    He studied her for a moment. An amused expression appeared upon his face. He dragged her back within his arms. “You’re right, but I do feel my solution is for the better of all.”
    “What do you speak?” she whispered for his hold upon was so tight she could barely breath.
    “I’ll set you up. I’m going back to England in the early summer. I’ll take you with me,” he said simply.
    As if she had been slapped, she drew back, “And you think I would accept that?”
    “I don’t believe many would refuse such an offer, Hannah.”
    “I have a fiancé.”
    “And I hear he’s to marry another,” he said bluntly. “It’s not up for discussion.”
    This time he took her prisoner in his arms. She gave little protest until his hands moved from her waist over her body. She uttered a small, terrified moan. Loosening s hold, he cupped her face in his hand. “Hannah, don’t fear me. I’m not going to harm you.”
    “You talk nonsense. You’re married. So you look at me as someone you want to bed. Then go off leaving me