Read Online Winter Bride (9780345546197) by Iris Johansen - Free Book Online Page A

bother. Your presence will only complicate things.”
    “You’re not facing that bitch alone.”
    She glanced at him over her shoulder. “She won’t hurt me.”
    “How do you know?”
    “Because I won’t let her.” Her face was radiant with joy. “Don’t you see? It’s over!”
    She heard him call after her but didn’t stop. She felt as if she were floating instead of walking as she climbed the hill toward the castle. She hadn’t expected this overpowering euphoria to envelopher, but she welcomed it. It would bolster her strength for the scene that was sure to come with Betty.
    “So he sent you packing?” Betty sneered as soon as Ysabel walked in the front door. “It’s no more than I expected. Do you know how many women have been in that cottage before you? He was like a tomcat flaunting those sluts he’d bring from the mainland. Every now and then I’d see them parading down the pier back to his boat and think—Where are you going?”
    “To my room.” Ysabel quickly climbed the steps.
    Betty hurried after her, still spurting venom. “He only used you to get back at Mr. Arnold and you let him do it. You spread your legs and let that spawn of Satan—”
    “Be quiet, Betty.” Ysabel threw open her bedroom door and crossed to the closet.
    “Don’t you be insolent with me.” Betty marched in after her. “You’ve been too uppity by far since—What are you doing?”
    Ysabel pulled out her pigskin suitcase and flung it on the bed. She went to the bureau, gathered up an armful of underwear and carried it to the suitcase.
    “Answer me.”
    “Isn’t it evident? I’m packing.”
    “You’re moving into that cottage with him?”
    “I’m leaving Winter Island.”
    Betty gasped. “You can’t leave. You belong here.”
    Ysabel went to the closet and gazed with distaste at the collection of dresses and gowns. She tookone dress to wear on the trip, gathered up three pairs of suede boots and carried them to the bed. The soft suede rubbed against her arms as she threw them into the suitcase.
    “
I’ve always liked the feel of suede against my skin
.”
    A flash of heat went through her and she paused for a moment, gazing down blindly. Good Heaven, she must be turning into a nymphomaniac if just the thought of him could cause this reaction.
    “Ah, you’ve come to your senses,” Betty said with smug satisfaction as she saw Ysabel’s slight hesitation. “Now unpack that suitcase and I’ll try to forget all this nonsense.”
    “Go away, Betty.” Ysabel turned and went to the desk, opened the top drawer and got out her passport and checkbook. She put the documents in a purse. “I have things to do and you’re in my way.”
    Betty’s jaw went slack. “What did you say?”
    “You heard me.”
    “You’re actually going?”
    “After I shower and change.” She moved past Betty as she headed for the bathroom. “I don’t want you here when I come out.”
    Betty’s meaty hand closed on Ysabel’s arm and jerked her around to face her. “You’ve forgotten your place, slut. I’ll teach you—”
    “Let … me … go.” Ysabel spaced the words with icy precision. “You’ve never taught me anything nor shall you ever. I choose what I will or will not learn. It was my choice that I let you bully me all these years. But all of that is over now. You’re awicked, cruel woman and I hope I never see you again as long as I live.”
    Betty’s hand tightened on her wrist. “You little savage upstart.”
    “I said, let me go.” Her eyes blazed with ferocity, her entire being focused on enforcing her will on the woman. “You’re right, I can be savage. I was taught the art in a school you’ve never attended and I’ve never forgotten one single lesson.”
    Betty laughed contemptuously. “You’re no bigger than a puppy snapping at my heels.”
    “It won’t make any difference.”
    “You think you can make me—” Her laughter faded and ceased altogether as she met Ysabel’s gaze. She