Read Online His Captive by Diana J. Cosby - Free Book Online Page A

Alexander’s unexpected compassion had lured her to accept his comfort. He’d held her so close, his heart beating so strong.
    For the first time in many years, she’d felt safe. Protected. And when he’d looked into her eyes, desired. She’d wanted him as well.
    How easily she recalled touching his muscled body as she’d treated him back at the inn. The power he kept leashed, that of a warrior, a man confident in his abilities. A shudder swept through her.
    “You are cold?” Alexander’s deep burr whispered across her neck.
    Nichola closed her eyes against the pleasant sensation. “No.” Not cold, but so lonely that she ached. He could never know that. Or the fact his presence brought the promise of contentment to her life, which she’d not experienced before.
    A promise that was never to be.
    The rich fragrance of damp earth and dew-laden grass filled each breath as she glanced toward the clearing sky. Early-morning sun slipped through the thick canopy of leaves slick with rain, the rays warm upon her face. Within the dense forest, the fog clinging near the earth since dawn was beginning to fade.
    At any other time, she would have appreciated the serene setting. But the beauty of the land unfolding before her served a potent reminder that they traveled deeper into Scotland. With a man who stirred emotions in her heart.
    A man who was her enemy.
    Overhead, a raven cried a sad, mournful sound. Nichola scanned the boggy land, cradled by the forest. They were alone. Even if they came upon someone, now within Scotland, she doubted they’d help her escape. So what could she do to gain her freedom?
    If she slipped his dagger free, she could hold Alexander at bay until she rode away on his horse. She frowned. After watching him fend off the drunk, he’d easily recover his blade. When he slept she could steal his horse. No, with his warrior instincts, she would never be able to slip past him without alerting him.
    Short of being dead or ill, ’twould seem she’d never find a way . . . wait. That was it! If he believed her unwell, he would lower his guard.
    Guilt rose at her deception, especially considering his compassion toward her yesterday. Nichola refused to allow those emotions to fester. If he hadn’t abducted her, she wouldn’t be forced to take such a drastic step.
    Slumping against his chest, Nichola moaned.
    “Go to sleep. We will be traveling for a good while yet.”
    She moaned again from deep in her chest, putting more emphasis into it.
    He caught her chin in a gentle hold and turned her face toward him. “You are ill?”
    “Yes.” The truth. Her deception was making her sick.
    His fingers skimmed her brow. He frowned. “It is cool.”
    “I—I feel as if I will”—Nichola gave a rough cough—“retch.”
    “Mayhap the food from the inn was spoiled.”
    At the thought of the greasy, poorly herbed meat he’d taken with them when they’d left the inn, fare they’d eaten during a brief rest earlier this day, her stomach indeed grew queasy.
    “I do not know what . . . oh—” On another groan she bent over, hoping to erase him of any suspicions.
    “Whoa.” Alexander halted his mount. “You are very pale.”
    Beneath his intense gaze, she tried to appear even more grim.
    The cleft in his chin deepened with concern. “There is a burn but a short distance ahead. We will rest beside it until you can travel.”
    He’d believed her! She tampered her joy. Once they’d stopped, she still must figure out how to slip away.
    Leaves rustled overhead as they rode down the shallow incline toward where a narrow ribbon of water gurgled over rock, then disappeared from view.
    The sun’s rays sparked over the rush of water like the sprinkle of diamonds, reminding Nichola of his story of fairies. She couldn’t think of that. He’d abducted her, she owed him no loyalty. But with his saving her from the thieves at the inn, she couldn’t help another twinge of remorse.
    They neared the stream’s edge, a