Read Online Marriage at a Distance by Sara Craven - Free Book Online

him.
    ‘Then you can forget the cosy divorce.’ His tawny gaze returned her challenge. ‘Because I won’t consent. I’ll make you wait for every long year the law allows, and even then you’ll have a fight on your hands.’ He paused. ‘So what are you going to do, Joanna?’
    She said tautly, ‘It would be nice to think I could make a genuine choice. But you seem to have thought of everything.’ She looked at him scornfully. ‘Tell me, Gabriel, what’s it like to always get your own way?’
    ‘If you think this is the way I’d have picked, then your fainting fit must have addled your brain.’ He rose to his feet. ‘Live here, Joanna, behave yourself, and when the year and a day is up I’ll give you your divorce and the most glowing reference you could ask for. Is it a deal?’
    ‘I—guess it has to be.’ She swung her feet to the floor and stood, too.
    ‘Graciously spoken, as always,’ he murmured. ‘What did you do with your wedding ring?’
    ‘It’s in my pocket.’
    He held out a hand. ‘Give it to me.’
    Reluctantly, Joanna obeyed. Gabriel stood for a moment, looking at the plain gold circlet as if he had never seen it before.
    Then he said abruptly, ‘Now your hand.’
    Slowly she unclenched a tense fist and extended it towards him. He slid the ring onto her finger.
    ‘I’m sure you’ve no wish to repeat our vows.’ There was a note of mockery and something less easy to analyse in his voice. ‘However, I feel I should seal this solemn moment somehow.’
    His hands descended on Joanna’s shoulders, drawing her inexorably towards him. He said softly, ‘So, I’ll kiss the bride.’
    She wanted to say no—to pull away. But the arms that closed round her were too strong, too determined. And his mouth was too warm, too compelling, stifling the rejection before it could be uttered.
    He kissed her slowly and sensuously, as if he had all the time in the world. As if he imagined she would welcome the pressure of his lips parting hers, the silken invasion of his tongue. As if there had been no pain, no disillusionment, and no parting between them.
    He held her captive in one arm, allowing his other hand to make a lingering pilgrimage down her spine, from the fragile nape of her neck to the curve of her hip.
    Joanna felt her whole body shiver in a response she was unable to control.
    When he lifted his head, he was smiling.
    He said lightly, ‘If I didn’t know better, Jo, I’d swear you almost enjoyed that.’
    The knowledge that he could be right did nothing to appease her.
    She said thickly, ‘Is this part of the ground rules—that you’re allowed to—maul me whenever you feel like it?’
    ‘No,’ he said. ‘Treat it as a momentary lapse—not to be repeated. But don’t expect me to apologise.’
    He ran a finger down the curve of her flushed cheek, and laughed softly.
    ‘And don’t look so stricken, darling. Day One is nearly over. Which leaves only three hundred and sixty-five to go. And they’ll soon pass, I promise you.’
    He went past her and out of the room, closing the door behind him.
    Joanna stood very still, staring blindly in front of her.
    She said once again, softly, ‘It will all be over soon.’
    But this time her mantra gave her no comfort at all.

CHAPTER FIVE
     
    J OANNA decided it would be prudent to spend the rest of the day in her room. She took the latest batch of condolence letters with her, and set about answering them. It wasn’t a pleasant task, but it helped divert her mind from the even more disturbing thoughts which threatened to take control.
    She was expecting a recriminatory visit from Cynthia, who was bound to be equally displeased at the terms of Lionel’s will. But for once her stepmother seemed to be keeping her distance.
    Or at least from me, Joanna amended wryly.
    When Mrs Ashby tapped on the door to ask about dinner, she simply requested a bowl of soup on a tray.
    ‘And then I’m going to have an early night,’ she added quietly.