Read Online Wishes in the Wind by Andrea Kane - Free Book Online

consequences of allowing me to ride in the Derby?” Guilt tinged her cheeks as she realized how true her words were. “If not, you must. You’re renowned and respected on the turf. You could be disqualified, penalized, if someone should see through—”
    “They won’t.” His breath grazed her knuckles. “But I thank you for your integrity and your concern.” Kissing a path to her wrist, he smiled at the way her pulse accelerated at his touch. “I know what I’m doing, my fervent Derby contender. Fret not. Beneath my”—he raised his head, giving her a wicked grin—“handsome, well-bred, and devastatingly charming exterior lies a shrewd businessman, one who is hell-bent on winning. And winning means taking risks. I’m taking one with Dagger. I’m taking another with you. Both will pay off.”
    “And you called me arrogant?” Nicole murmured, shivering a bit as he nuzzled the sensitive underside of her forearm. Lashes lowered, her expression was an open contradiction of dazed awareness and stubborn denial as she struggled to retain her train of thought. “Dustin, what I said about Papa—you knew, didn’t you? That he’s in trouble, I mean. Whatever occurrence preceded my arrival, it alerted you to that fact.”
    “Yes. I knew.” He hesitated. “Two men called on me this morning just prior to your visit. It seems they spotted my personal in the Gazette and would prefer I not hire your father. They told me so in no uncertain terms.”
    “They threatened you?”
    “More or less.” A wave of tenderness swept through him at the sight of her worried expression. “Fear not, love. I can take care of myself.” His glance turned meaningful. “And my houseguests, as well.”
    “If Papa and I stay here, we’ll be endangering you.”
    “No you won’t.” Dustin pressed his forefinger to her lips, silencing her protest. “Guaranteed. Now, tell me what your father’s done to anger the wrong people enough to pursue him and to necessitate your taking the drastic step of masquerading as a boy.”
    That distracted her, and she stiffened, sparks of anger igniting her eyes. “I’m not masquerading. Other than the difference in gender, Alden Stoddard is Nicole Aldridge. This”—she indicated her attire—“is who I am. The person you met the other night was a facade. She doesn’t really exist.”
    “Doesn’t she?” Dustin drew her closer. “You’ve haunted me for two nights you know. Which leads me to another why. Why did you run away? Did you think I meant you or your father harm?”
    “It wasn’t you. I would have run from anyone who approached me.” She hesitated.
    “Nicole, if you’ll forgive my bluntness, I already know far more than you originally intended. You might as well tell me the rest. And, sweetheart, you can trust me.”
    Slowly, she nodded. “I do trust you. I have from the start. I’m not certain why, but I do.” She inhaled sharply. “There are horrible men after Papa—and all because he’s honest and won’t succumb to their demands to forfeit races.”
    “Money. Why am I not surprised?” Dustin’s jaw tightened fractionally. “Have you seen these men?”
    “No, but I’ve witnessed their threats firsthand.” In a rush, she detailed what had happened after the 2,000 Guineas when she discovered the ominous message in Oberon’s stall. “Papa and I fled Newmarket then and there. The thought of losing Papa—I was terrified. I still am. Then I met you, and your kindness meant more than I can say. But when you pressed for my full name, I panicked. Given Papa’s fame, I knew you’d recognize the surname Aldridge the instant I said it. And, being that Sully had just circulated the rumor that Papa was recuperating in Scotland, I couldn’t risk your guessing that if Nick Aldridge’s daughter were still in London, Nick would be, too. So I bolted.”
    “‘Sully’?” Dustin pounced on her reference.
    “Gordon Sullivan. The only other person who knows Papa’s