Read Saxon's Lady for Free Online

of them. But I learn from my mistakes and I never make the same ones twice. You have nothing in common with her and I don't ever want to hear you comparing yourself to her again. Understood?"
    Devon sucked in her breath, momentarily horrified by the thought of Garth being tied to such a woman. He deserved so much more than that. She put her hands up to frame his hard face. "I didn't realize," Devon whispered. "I thought things hadn't worked out between you and your ex-wife because she just couldn't adapt to your lifestyle. I didn't understand that she'd hurt you so much."
    "She made my life hell. I was getting ready to file for divorce when she obligingly walked out. But she didn't hurt me so much as teach me a lesson. This time around I'm choosing a woman who knows how to give a man the important things. A silk shirt and a pair of silly designer jeans don't change you, honey. Underneath, you're still my sweet, honest Devon and you're the woman I'm going to marry. You grew up on a farm. You know what the lifestyle involves. You know how to make a commitment and stick to it. When you give your word, you stand by it. I'll be able to count on you no matter what happens. After running free for a year you may need a little time to remember you belong to me, but you'll settle down when I get you back to Hawk Springs."
    "And if I don't settle down in Hawk Springs?" Devon prodded desperately.
    "You will," he stated calmly and then he wrapped his hand around the nape of her neck and kissed her.
    Devon tried to hold back, tried to make the kiss light and casual, a gesture of affection and friendship. But Garth's mouth overwhelmed hers, just as it had that night a year ago. Her lips parted beneath the probing pressure and in another moment he was subjecting her to an intimate invasion. His tongue explored her with an aching need and possessiveness that told its own story. Garth had been waiting a long time. She felt the leashed hunger in him and her own reaction was instantaneous and explosive. When he took her in his arms she couldn't pretend that what she felt for him was anything short of love. She trembled in his hold and knew he was vitally aware of her response.
    "My God, it's been a long year, Devon." The words were pulled from somewhere deep inside him.
    For a year Devon had tried to forget the effect he had on her, sensing the trap behind the beguiling sensuality. She knew now the effort had been useless. Still, she struggled to reason logically. "Marriage is so... so final, Garth."
    "You're still afraid, aren't you?" He lifted his head, studying her with a searching gaze. "A year ago I let you go because I knew you needed some time to yourself, time to be free. You'd been trapped for years by your sense of commitment and love for your brothers. You gave up everything for them, including a social life. I knew you were afraid of marrying me because you were terrified you'd find yourself in another kind of cage. You weren't ready for it. But you've had a year, Devon. That's all the time I can give you. I'd go out of my mind if I had to wait any longer."
    "Garth..."
    He released her. "Your noodles are about to boil over."
    That was Garth, Devon thought as she turned back to the stove. Even in the midst of an emotional confrontation, he never lost sight of the practical side of life.
    Devon felt desperate, torn between what she was afraid might be love and a deep wariness of what she would be getting into if she followed through on her commitment to this man. The mere thought of moving back to Hawk Springs had a stifling effect on her mind. She experienced a subtle panic that made her nervous and uneasy.
    It wasn't just the thought of returning to the small town that was threatening, although that was bad enough. It was the knowledge that this time around she would be Garth's wife that really worried her. It was possible she loved him. Right now she didn't want to explore that too closely. She knew for certain she respected him and