Read A Scarlet Bride for Free Online Page A

several years."
    "Then perhaps it's time for a change."
    Alexandra felt certain that everything was about to change, but not because of Connor Manning.
    "I don't like change."
    He smiled. " A week from Saturday night the Sloanes are having the biggest ball of the year. I'd be pleased if you'd accompany me."
    "Are you always this confident with the ladies?" she couldn't resist asking.
    He laughed. "I'm not shy. I see what I want and I go after it. Why?"
    She gazed at him, wishing she could read the thoughts behind his blue eyes. The man could express himself so eloquently with only a look, and his glance would sizzle her toes if she wasn't careful. "Because I've never met a man so sure of himself."
    "The men in your life must have been extremely dull.''
    Alexandra couldn't help but laugh. "Some. Most were simply arrogant and greedy."
    "Can you blame them?" His eyes grew warmer. "Sometimes greed is not about money, but about power and possession. Most men would covet a woman as lovely as you."
    Alexandra swallowed, trying to calm the suddenly rapid beat of her pulse. Staring into his smoldering blue eyes, she felt as if he were removing the layers, trying to get to the person she had locked up inside. He disrupted her peace of mind, which she found frightening.
    "I am no man's possession," she said, pulling her shoulders back, raising her eyes to his defiantly.
    "Not yet anyway," Connor said, his eyes never wavering from her.
    Alexandra met his gaze and felt her backbone stiffen. "Never again, Mr. Manning."
    Connor smiled, and obviously tried to lighten the mood. "You've yet to answer my question. Will you attend the Sloanes ' ball with me?"
    "Mr. Manning, you do not take a hint easily. No, I will not attend the Sloanes ' ball with you. I don't even want to attend this picnic, but I will because my father accepted for me," she said, glancing back and wishing his devilish good looks didn't attract her. Wishing she found him completely intolerable, instead of intriguing and stimulating.
    Connor shrugged. "I'll accept your answer for now, but don't expect me to give up. And besides, you're going to have fun at the picnic."
    "Maybe. But what about you, Mr. Manning? What if you find out I'm a complete bore? Are you so certain you'll enjoy my company?"
    "I have no doubts, madam. We'll have a splendid time together," he said, his voice deep and strong.
    She glanced at him as his eyes twinkled with hidden amusement. Alexandra didn't know quite what to make of his last statement. Somehow she didn't think he was referring to the picnic.
    They rode along in silence for a few moments, while Alexandra tried to still her racing pulse. She fanned herself, blaming the heat, knowing the real cause was the man beside her. For the first time in six years, she felt attracted to the opposite sex, but she wouldn't let that stop her from carrying forward her carefully laid plans.
    Aunt Clara and Suzanne pulled to a stop at the river where they were to part company .
    "You two are slowpokes, lollygaging behind us,'' Aunt Clara admonished, a sly smile on her elderly face.
    "Alexandra was telling me about England," Connor said, giving her a quick wink.
    He pulled his horse close to Alexandra's and reached out and took her hand."I must race this impertinent child home so that I will have some control over her in the next few days. Otherwise, she will lord her victory over me for weeks." He kissed the back of Alexandra's hand. "Until Saturday, Mrs. Thurston."
    The way he drawled out her name sent a shiver down Alexandra's back. Connor Manning had definitely set out to make her his next conquest. She wouldn't become a willing accomplice to Mr. Manning's seduction.
    But still, there was something about the man that sent her senses into utter chaos. Getting close to Connor Manning was like playing with fire. Too close and she'd get singed. But she had no intention of getting burned, not after what she'd learned at Gordon's hands.
    Suzanne waved. "Nice to meet