Read My Runaway Heart for Free Online Page B

laid waste by
    "Enough!" Jared bit off to himself, doubting
a razor twisting in his belly could give him more pain.
    "Jared?"
    The small voice, hopeful yet uncertain, was like a
poignant echo calling to him from the past. He met Lindsay's lovely eyes,
deciding then and there he must teach her not to entrust herself so completely
to a man she didn't know. It was time he could ill afford, a night's easy
seduction all he had originally had in mind, but for that very reason he
resolved to somehow impress upon her that she must take care and guard herself
against not only ruthless fortune hunters, but notorious rakes as well . . . if
not for her sake, at the very least for the memory of his sister.
    "Driver, to Covent Garden!" His shout clearly
startling his delectable companion as Lindsay jumped in her seat, Jared
nonetheless was amazed at how quickly a brilliant smile overcame her look of
astonishment. He smiled, too, trying to ignore the unsettling effect her
transformation had upon him. "Forgive my odd behavior; you're absolutely
right. I was struck for a moment about your reputation—how things might look to
have you out so late, but, of course, you couldn't be in safer hands than mine."
    "So you're going to show me London? Truly?"
    Finding it difficult to fathom that she wasn't as
concerned about her reputation as he professed to be, Jared suppressed a frown
and nodded. "As much as you wish to see—with the thought, of course, that
we must have you home well before dawn."
    "Oh, this is wonderful!"
    It was Jared's turn to be startled as Lindsay threw her
arms around his neck and hugged him, but she pulled away quickly as if
embarrassed, although her happily glowing face gave no sign of it.
    "I've so wanted to see Covent Garden. But isn't it
a bit late for a performance?"
    "Upon the stage, yes, but I thought you might
enjoy visiting another place that's very close to the theater . . . a favorite
place of mine."
    "Lovely! Anything you enjoy I'm sure I will, too."
    Jared couldn't help smiling grimly at Lindsay's utter
faith in him; it was easy to imagine the shocked look on her face that was
certain to come once they had arrived at their destination. By the end of their
time together, he imagined she would be more than glad to remain snuggled
safely in her bed, rather than sneaking out at night to partake in the side of
London he intended to show her.
    "Does this place have a name?"
    His grim smile only deepened. "Oh, yes. Tom's."

     

     

 
    Chapter 5

     
    "Look at the carriages, dozens of them!" Lindsay
eagerly accepted Jared's assistance as she descended from the coach, excitement
bubbling inside her. "And surely it's past one o'clock. I would never have
thought so many people—"
    "This part of London rarely sleeps. Take care to
keep your hood pulled down around your face, just as I told you. It would be a
pity if someone recognized you and word flew back to your aunt."
    Lindsay nodded, thinking it would be more than a pity.
Yet she quickly shoved away a worrisome vision of Aunt Winifred clamoring for her
smelling salts and took Jared's proffered arm, her hand settling comfortably in
the crook of his elbow as if meant to be there.
    Just as she felt as if she were meant to be at his side
as they proceeded down the crowded walk, the strange yet wonderful sensation of
gliding on air once more enveloping her.
    The ride to Covent Garden had passed like a dream,
Jared pointing out the sights, although Lindsay was chagrined that she had been
more entranced by the masculine warmth of his voice than by what he had been
saying. And now the strength of his arm and the pressure of his hand covering
hers were proving as disconcerting, which made her wonder if Corisande had felt as much about Lord Donovan. Surely she
had—
    " Wot'ave you got there,
milord, a little mouse hidden under that fine cloak? Ha, it's not even rainin ' any longer! Is she afraid she'll melt? Send ' er off and come while away the hours with a woman sure