Again Read Online Free Page A

Relief washed through her.   Galen’s presence would make it easier for her to control her wandering thoughts, so she did not object when he put his hands around her waist and drew her to him.   Catherine felt Galen’s strong arms through his tunic as he held her close.   She tensed with agitation, finding herself wondering if the merchant’s arms were as strong.   She simply could not help but compare the two men - Galen so fair with his blond hair framing high, strong cheek bones, a slender nose and strong chin, serious eyes, and lips that promised passion; the merchant, with dark locks that flowed freely, softer, yet oh-so-masculine features, and laughing eyes that showed no trace of regret, sadness, or pain.
    Galen held her at arm’s length and searched her face. “Catherine!   Is anything amiss?”
    He knew her only too well.   She forced the thoughts of Jonathan back and mustered a smile.  
    “No, of course not, Galen.”   She rested her forehead on his chest, hiding her face. “I merely wish to go home.”
    He lifted her chin.   His eyes narrowed with suspicion. “You are certain you are well?   Has anyone upset you?”
    The memory of Jonathan’s eyes hung in her mind as she looked back at Galen.
    “Really, Galen, I am well,” she said, pushing herself from his arms. “I believe I have spent far more time in the sun than I should have.”   Hooking her arm through Galen’s, she tugged him in the direction of the horses.   “I have arranged for my purchase to be delivered to the castle, so we need not dally here any longer.”
    “But I am here now.   I will fetch your goods myself.”
    “No!” she said quickly.
    Galen’s raised eyebrows invited an explanation from her.
    She thought quickly.   Had he any knowledge that another man filled her senses the way Jonathan had, he would put an end to it.   It would take but one word from her and Galen would see to it that the merchant maintained a fair distance from her, but no such hint passed her lips.  
    “Emelie will fetch it.”   She turned to her maid and gestured in the direction of the ships.   “Quickly, Emelie,”she hissed.
    “Wait but a moment, Emelie.”   Galen turned to Catherine.   His words were deliberate and measured.   “I shall accompany Emelie to make certain that your purchase is handled properly.   These merchants cannot always be trusted.”
    Catherine’s mouth went dry as she squirmed under his gaze.   She knew that her eyes, nay, her entire body, was betraying her.   The heat in the air was palpable as a bead of sweat trickled agonizingly down her spine.   It helped her not that Emelie’s own face had gone pale, her lips pressed into a thin line.
    “Aye, that would be best,” Catherine whispered.
    “I pray you wait for us here, then,” Galen said.
    He looked at her a moment longer before turning and motioning for Emelie to lead the way.  
    Catherine could not still the frantic beating of her heart as she made her way to her horse.   She would not wait.   She could not face Galen until she could once again gather her wits.   Feeling like a coward, Catherine mounted her horse and spurred the mare homeward, anxious to once again be safe within the castle walls.

 
    Chapter 3
     
    God, what a long week, Eryn thought, as she stretched her arms to link her fingers behind her back.   Almost like some supreme being shoved a few extra days in just for laughs.   She had spent the better part of the week taking pictures of the board members of World Commerce Bank, editing and re-editing until she was satisfied with the results.  All of them were far wealthier than anyone she knew.   Also more pompous than anyone she knew.  Their air of superiority filled her studio, making Eryn grimace at the stench.
    She could never understand how people thought money could make one person superior to others.   In her opinion, money had become a wall that separates one human from another, drawing the line between