Music for My Soul Read Online Free Page B

fit snuggly against his chest, as he, too, let himself be lulled by the horses’ hooves beating a constant rhythm in the dark night.
    Her scent was intoxicating. It was light, something floral that he couldn’t quite place. She was leaning back fully into him now, her head braced against his jaw. He moved slightly and inhaled, her wavy hair tickling his cheek as it came out of its braid. He reached up and took a strand, the color of wheat, soft and inviting, rubbing it between his fingers. He suddenly longed to see all of her hair unbound, to be able to run his fingers through the strands slowly, sensually.
    Startled, Garrett came out of his reverie. Holy Christ! What had come over him? He looked quickly over at Ashby. His friend gave him a lazy smile before returning his gaze to the road ahead.
    Garrett tried to think rationally. Who was the young woman seated in front of him, the one who’d had him thinking lustful thoughts for the first time in ages? And why was she claiming to be his wife ?
    Of course, she’d told them how her husband’s name frightened off the robbers. He knew some called him “Satan Himself,” although never to his face.
    He knew he was feared by many and loathed by a few more. Yet Lynnette had brought a softness to him for a short while. When she fled, the softness became harder than stone. Now, it was only in sweet Lissa’s company that he became human.  
    So if this chit had heard tell of him, then she was wise to use his name to cower the thieves.
    But had there been any thieves? Her tale seemed implausible. So why was a lady—for surely she was a lady, her clothing and regal bearing, as well as her cultured tone, testified to that much—in the middle of nowhere? She had no obvious jewels, no money, no protector. Her story was full of holes.
    And then there was the faint scar, high on her cheekbone, another intriguing mystery. What lady of breeding carried a scar across such perfect features?
    Why did he feel the urgent need to protect her? Especially when he didn’t even know her name.
    His thoughts raced as they rode. Yet as dawn broke over the horizon and they came within sight of the gates of London, he was no nearer an answer than when this unusual journey began.
    Suddenly, Ebony stumbled. The horse quickly lifted his hoof out, only to falter again. Garrett’s heart began to thunder as he realized it was his own carelessness that had caused this. His horse started whinnying and twisting erratically. Off balance, the horse bucked as he scrambled up, tossing Garrett off in the process. He landed painfully on his hip, and a roar of anger escaped his lips as Ebony galloped past him.
    Garrett saw that the woman had somehow managed to stay on Ebony. Her fingers grasped the thick mane, clinging to it. She grabbed the horse’s reins and brought him to a halt. She walked him back toward where Garrett lay sprawled on the ground, stroking Ebony’s neck and murmuring soothing words in the horse’s ear.
    Garrett watched Ashby look from him to Madeleine and then back at him again. A fresh string of curses burst from Garrett as Ashby burst out laughing, a rich, deep sound, his mirth disturbing the quiet, misty morning. Ashby reached a hand down and offered it to Garrett, who scowled up at him, but took it nonetheless.
    Once on his feet, Garrett limped slowly over to Ebony, his anger cooling since he knew the accident was his fault. “If horses could wear sheepish grins, I’d say you could teach them, you silly steed.” He stroked Ebony’s muzzle fondly, shaking his head. He looked up. “And you are all right, Lady Montayne?”
    She frowned for a moment before answering. He could guess as to her confusion. He saw the moment that she realized that she was Lady Montayne and instantly willed herself back into her chosen role.
    “Quite fine, thank you, Sir Garrett. But are you?”
    Garrett rubbed his right buttock, tender to the touch. “Nothing a little rest cannot cure, my lady. But Ebony