Samantha James Read Online Free

head came up. A strangled cry caught in her throat. A coach and four had just rounded the corner. It lumbered toward her, coming closer…ever closer. The jangle of the harness reached her ears. She fancied she could hear the labored breathing of the massive beasts. Panic rose. Didn’t the coachman see her?
    It would seem not. Olivia dove to the side of the road just as the coach thundered by.
    Branches scraped against her cheek. She landed hard upon her shoulder, jarring the breath from her lungs, and skidded across uneven ground until she rolled to a halt. Though her head was reeling, she was dimly aware of a shout. Stunned, she lay there, trying desperately to recover her breath. She was only half-aware that the coach had stopped. Struggling to her knees, she passed a hand across her eyes.
    It was then that she saw it…a huge beast hurtling toward her. She gave a strangled cry and flung up a hand, but it was no use. A tremendous force crashed into her chest. She was knocked to her back once again. For the second time in as many moments, the breath was knocked from her. Too stunned to move, to even scream, she stared straight into the gaping jaws of certain death.
    There was no help for it. Fear wrapped a stranglehold around her. She squeezed her eyes shutand let loose of a scream then, certain she would be this monster’s next meal…
    There was the crunch of gravel beneath booted feet.
    “He’s harmless,” a disembodied male voice assured her, even as a warm, wet tongue lapped her cheek, “utterly harmless.”
    Her scream died in her throat. Olivia opened her eyes. From out of the shadows a towering form had appeared. It appeared he was dressed entirely in black.
    A shiver touched her spine. Infinitely more frightening than this—this beastly mongrel was its master…
    She stared into eyes as black as the devil’s soul. Numbly she realized that it was he…
    The Gypsy.

Two
    Her first thought was that be didn’t look like any Gypsy she’d ever seen. Where was the bright clothing? The kerchief around his neck?
    But of course he wouldn’t, goose , she chided herself. The fall must have rattled her senses; he’d been living the life of a gentleman for quite some time now.
    “Miss? Miss, are you hurt? Can you speak?”
    So this was Dominic St. Bride, Earl of Ravenwood. His voice was low and deep, smooth as a well-oiled clock. Beside him stood the mongrel beast.
    “Miss! Can you hear me? If you are able, please answer!”
    A touch of irritation underscored the words. Only then did Olivia realize she was still staring. Why, no doubt he thought she was daft!
    “Young woman! Can you move?”
    His brow was pleated with lines, there beneath the fall of dark hair. Strong hands curled around her arms. He was bent over her, so close she could feel the rustle of wool against her own clothing, the moist heat of his breath upon her lips. Curiously, it was not at all unpleasant…
    Heavens, what was the matter with her?
    “I would be quite happy to, sir, if only you would release me.”
    Something flickered in his eyes. His lips twitched ever so slightly…a smile?
    Nay. Nay, it could not be! The rest of the servants were convinced, as was she…the Gypsy would be a cruel master.
    He released her. Cautiously Olivia tested her limbs. He stood above her now, offering a gloved hand to assist her. She took it, letting go as soon as she was on her feet. “Careful now. Not too swiftly.”
    There were more footsteps. A stout man appeared, a lantern swaying in his hand.
    “My lord. Is all well? Dear God, I swear I didn’t see the chit until it was too late! I tried to veer away but—”
    “All is under control now, Higgins. You may return to the carriage.”
    Those eyes, so very dark—dark as a moonless night!—never wavered from her own.
    All at once Olivia felt decidedly foolish, awkward and clumsy.
    “’Tis midnight,” he said softly. “You should not be about at this hour.”
    Olivia bristled. He might be her