Captive Bride Read Online Free PDF

the open road, Dominic eased his grip on the saddle horn. Grabbing the handful of raven hair that had been slapping him in the face, he tucked it beneath her collar. "You have piqued my curiosity, cherie ," he murmured. His fingers absently brushed through her lustrous ebony strands, and he inhaled the delicious scent of lavender that clung to this mysterious minx. "I am waiting to hear how I might assist you."
      Rozalyn purposely ignored his velvety tone since it had such an unusual effect on her. Obviously, this handsome rake thought she was requesting the use of his body for some seductive tryst. Rozalyn intended to set the matter straight posthaste. "I have been caught up in an unfortunate lie and I ask that you help me untangle it. You are the only one who can aid me in my hour of need."
      A puzzled frown plowed Dominic's brow. If this was her idea of an explanation, it left a great deal to be desired. He didn't have the foggiest notion what she was talking about or how a total stranger could solve her problem.
      "What sort of lie are we discussing here, or dare I ask?" His voice was laced with suspicion and Rozalyn was quick to detect his skepticism.
      Heaving a frustrated sigh, she formulated her thoughts and attempted to list them in logical order. "My grandmother has become ill. It is her last wish to see me properly wed," she explained as she slowed the stallion to a walk. "But unfortunately, I have found no man who suits me, much to Grand’mere 's chagrin. She is determined to seal my future before she passes on."
      A wry smile slid across Dominic's lips, his gaze wandering over her shapely figure. He would have no complaint about marrying this bewitching beauty and he seriously doubted that any other man would either. Indeed, what was there about her not to like? She was the epitome of grace, the picture of loveliness ... a bit unconventional perhaps, but distractingly attractive. Realizing that, Dominic wondered if the fault might lie with the lady, rather than with the male population of St. Louis.
      "I can only assume by your remark that you are a mite particular," he chortled against the velvety softness of her neck. "And dare I say it ... fickle?"
      Rozalyn took no offense at the truth, but she felt she had just cause for remaining unattached. The men in her life had made her cautious and mistrusting. "I suppose that is an accurate account of the situation," she admitted with a nonchalant shrug. "But that is neither here nor there. When my ailing grandmother had one of her sick spells I was prone to say anything to boost her failing spirits. I confessed that I had recently met the man of my dreams and I described him as tall, dark, and handsome. Never in my worst nightmare did I expect her to demand an immediate introduction to the man who was simply a product of my imagination. Nor did I anticipate that she would shuffle me out the door and insist that I drag my beloved beau back to her within the hour."
      Dominic chuckled at the exasperation in the young woman's voice. "Let me guess, amie . You climbed onto your steed and raced into town to find someone to fit the description. And viola , I was close enough in size and stature to pass as an impostor." As Dominic pressed closer to her curvaceous hips, his breath whispered over the nape of her neck, sending chills through her. "I am flattered. Thank you for noticing me."
      "You are welcome," Rozalyn tossed back at him and then gave his crowding legs a subtle nudge. "And you are very astute." Her gaze drifted toward the mansion they were nearing. "I did come in search of a man who fit the description of this imaginary character. To satisfy Grand’mere , you and I must act as if we are very much in love. I ask you to leave the grande dame with the opinion that, because of this compelling attraction between us, we will soon be wed. She is very determined when it comes to seeing to my future."
      "You wish me to play your doting admirer, your