Read Online The Spanish Outlaw by Marie Higgins - Free Book Online Page B

waist, holding her loosely. His shoulder braced her head as she took deep breaths.
    “What are we going to do if he awakens?” she asked.
    “We will contact the sheriff before then. You can say he tried to break into your house and attack you. It is not far from the truth.”
    “The sheriff is not going to believe I overpowered a large man and slugged him in the face. And if we mention your name, they’re going to investigate why you were in the house with me.”
    Her body quaked, and he stroked his hands over her back and arms. Several silent minutes later, she relaxed and lifted her head to look at him.
    “I know what we can do. We’ll put this man in my wagon, and you can drive him to an empty field...or maybe lay him by a busy road and then someone will spot him.”
    Anton arched a brow. “I suppose that is the best option right now. Not to worry, my sweet Vivian. I will take care of him, and then I will leave you alone.”
    After he said the words, pain tightened his chest. Although he really didn’t want to leave, staying with her was not safe, either. The longer he remained by her side, the more danger he put her in.
    She narrowed her gaze. “What do you mean you’ll leave me alone?”
    “I have dragged you into my problems, and it is not right. You do not need to be on the run as I am.”
    “But Anton, I’m the one who came looking for you.”
    He smiled and caressed her cheek. “ Sí, but this case is more dangerous than you have realized, and I am not going to imperil you any longer.” He kissed her forehead and reluctantly stepped away. “Go into the house and ready yourself for bed. I will find some place to leave him.”
    She glanced into the house, then back at him as if undecided. Her forehead creased as she nibbled on her bottom lip. “Will you return and…say goodbye?”
    He nodded. “I promise. Now go.”
    When she stepped into the house and shut the door, the ache in his chest grew. He’d walk out of her life soon. Really, he didn’t know her that well, but the few hours they’ve spent together had been most entertaining. Would he ever see her again? Perhaps if his uncle weren’t trying to kill him , Anton and Vivian could get to know each other more intimately. That woman had so much passion, and it was hard to walk away.
    Unfortunately, that’s what he must do.
    He heaved a sigh and leaned his head against the door. Too many things to think about, but he’d made the correct decision, no matter how much his heart argued.
    Anton had killed many men in his life, but only for his country and in the midst of battle. Never in cold blood. Yet, he would have killed tonight just to protect Vivian. If the Spaniard had been more forceful with her, Anton would have strangled him without any qualms.
    After wrapping the unconscious man in one of Vivian’s horse blankets, Anton lifted him into a wagon and drove to the next town. He carefully laid the man in the tall weeds beside the road. Thankfully, guilt didn’t nag on Anton’s conscience until he thought about Vivian.
    He shouldn’t have told her the truth about his uncle and the island. Leading her to believe he was someone else would have been the wisest choice. Because of his excellent acting skills, he could have convinced her, so why had he confessed? Did she mean that much to him? Or was it that he had high hopes she might be the woman who would finally get to know the real Antonio?
    As he drove the wagon back to Vivian’s house, he cursed fate. This evening had been utter chaos since he’d met the very beautiful and enchanting woman, yet his life had never been more exciting and challenging. But, he’d put her in harm’s way, and for that, he’d never forgive himself if something happened to her.
    Somewhere out there, his uncle still searched for him, and if Juanito discovered what Vivian knew and where she lived—and Anton was certain this would happen—Juanito wouldn’t be as patient as his henchman. Anton could not allow