A Breath of Scandal Read Online Free PDF Page A

you.”
    Ramona’s last sentence convinced Julian to drink down the bitter brew. He rather liked the idea of Lara watching over him.
    “Lara said you saved my life, Ramona. Thank you.”
    “We will speak of this later,” Ramona said, rising. “I will prepare broth for you and send it over with Rondo. Lara can feed it to you. Try to take as much as you can. Your body needs liquids.”
    The moment she was gone, Julian slid easily into sleep. When he awakened, Lara was still there. She smiled at him. Then a young Gypsy man arrived with the broth Ramona had prepared.
    Rondo handed Lara the bowl and spoon. “This is Rondo.”
    Julian was quick to note the man’s handsome features, and he wondered if Rondo was Lara’s husband … or lover.
    Rondo watched as Lara spooned hot liquid into Julian’s mouth.
    “Has he told you his name?” Rondo asked.
    “His name is Drago,” Lara replied.
    Rondo’s words were ripe with bitterness. “You mean you don’t even know the name of the man you married? Whatever possessed you, Lara? You should have let the
gadje
have him.”
    Julian listened to the conversation but could make no sense out of it. Who had married Lara? Surely they weren’t referring to him, were they? Had he been able, he would have laughed at the notion.
    “No more,” Julian gasped, pushing the spoon away. His stomach had taken all the broth it could hold.
    Sleep was closing in fast when he heard Rondo say, “Does the
gadjo
know he is your husband?”
    “He has enough to contend with right now. Besides, you know as well as I that the marriage was a traditional Romany joining. It will mean nothing to him.”
    “But it means something to us,” Rondo persisted. “You have declared yourself before our people. You are a married woman now.”
    Lara gave her head an angry shake. “I saved a man’s life, didn’t I? Come Rondo, Drago needs to rest.”
    Julian felt the lingering effects of laudanum weight his mind, but he had heard every word of the exchange between Lara and Rondo. His ears had to be playing tricks on him. What he’d just heard couldn’t be true. Questions still lingered in his mind as he drifted off to sleep, visions of golden skin and swaying hips dancing in his head.
    Three days later Julian awoke with his wits intact. With Lara’s help he was able to sit up in bed and accept small amounts of solid food. He was far from well, but at least his mind appeared to be functioning again.
    Lara had just entered the wagon with his dinner. He gave her a welcoming smile. “Have I properly thanked you and your people for saving my life?”
    “ ’Tis not necessary. Open your mouth.”
    “I won’t trouble you any longer than I have to,” Julian said, opening his mouth to take a spoonful of stew.
    “Don’t be foolish,” Lara scolded. “You’re safe here for now, though I suspect those men won’t give up on you. They appeared to want you dead … badly.”
    His expression turned grim. “Aye, they do. If your people have no objection, I would like to remain until I’ve recovered my strength.”
    Lara’s relief was palpable. “Ramona suggested that we darken your skin with walnut oil so you won’t stand out among us.”
    “I’d like to try out my legs,” Julian said, “but I seem to have … er … lost my clothing.” A dark eyebrow quirked upward. “Did you undress me?”
    A slow flush crept up Lara’s neck. “Ramona and Rondo stripped you and burned your clothes. I’ll find something for you to wear, something more in keeping with your new identity.”
    He fingered his beard. It itched. “I’d appreciate a razor, if one is available.”
    Lara nodded. “I’ll see to it.”
    He touched her cheek. “You’re very good to me, Lara. Isn’t your husband jealous of the time you spend with me? Is Rondo your husband?”
    Mutely, Lara stared at him. Julian understood the reticence behind her hesitation. Obviously Rondo was her lover, not her husband. ’Twas common knowledge that Gypsy