Read Online Hart's Passion (Pirates & Petticoats Book 2) by Chloe Flowers - Free Book Online

He stood and grasped her hands again. “A…a silly slip. Come, we have to go.”
    There was no way she would consent to go anywhere with him. She shook her head and tried to keep the panic from her voice, “Uncle Jared and Aunt Sarah—”
    “Will not be a concern,” Everett finished. “There will be no one to displace our claim to Twin Pines or any of your father’s other properties. You and I will live out our lives surrounded by wealth. We can even live at Wind Briar, if you’d like.”  
    “Wealth?” He went from calling her “Rachel” to this? “I told you earlier, my father left nothing—”
    “Shhhh. Enough, my love. We must go now . There will be time enough to discuss our plans later when we are safely away.” He pulled her toward the door.
    It was as if he hadn’t her her at all. Not one word. In his mind, she was acquiescent and willing. His mind…was no longer functioning as it once did. Her heart thrashed in her chest like a small fish jerked out of the water. Something was terribly wrong with him.  
    How could she dissuade him? She furiously worked through her options. She could go, and hope to make an escape later, or refuse the man and then alert the household, which would likely make it impossible for her and Daniel to slip away tonight. Would Uncle Jared even believe her? She’d already accused Garrison of being an assassin. Her uncle would probably think she was being melodramatic to distract him.  
    “I cannot go with you.” The words fell out of her mouth before she could stop them.
    Everett clenched his jaw and hissed hoarsely, “What…what did you say?”
    Her knees were trembling, and she hoped her voice wouldn’t tremble too. Perhaps if she simply refused him, he’d leave. She spoke again, slower this time. “I can’t go with you," she repeated. “My life travels along a different path now. I cannot do it. I will not do it," she stated firmly.  
    Everett stared at her. His breathing was quick and shallow, as if his lungs quivered instead of expanded and emptied his breath. He stood quietly for a long time, studying her, before he responded.  
    “I can see that you’re suffering from exhaustion. The events of the past few days have put a tremendous strain upon your ability to think clearly. Don’t fret, it’s normal for a woman’s mind to become a bit maladjusted when dealing with a tragedy or loss.” He reached out and gripped her shoulders. “I’ll help you through this. We love each other, my dear. Imagine all we could do with that wealth. You will be well cared for, as your father wanted. We’ll be happy, as we’ve always wanted. We’ll have the children you’ve always wanted.”  
    She almost laughed at the irony of Dr. Garrison diagnosing her with a maladjusted mind while his fractured to the point of changing his entire personality. He stepped closer and traced his fingers along her jaw, and she barely suppressed a shudder.  
    His next words sent icy tremors down her spine. “I will not let you execute this rash decision. You must think about what I’ve said. When you do, you’ll understand it as I do. I think you only need time to let my words sink in. Time and rest.” He caught her hand and raised it to his lips. “Get dressed. I shall return soon.”
    He slipped out the door.
    Weak-kneed, she sank back to the chair. It was a moment before her breathing slowed to a normal pace and her brain jumped into action. Did he lock the door? She jumped up and tried the handle but it wouldn’t budge. She needed to change into her boy’s clothes and search for Daniel. First, she would pen a letter to Uncle Jared, explaining where Garrison took Doreen. Pulling the quill and parchment from her desk, she sat down and frantically began to write another note.  
      After completing it, she knelt on the floor and opened her trunk to change. Keelan paused at a small scratching sound outside the door. Just as she stood, the door swung open.
    Two cloaked