Dare To Love Read Online Free PDF

do what I say, and that’s an
order!”
     
    “But father, for the last time, this isn’t
suitable,” Tommy yelled back at him. “I never wanted Gwendolyn this
way...”
     
    Within hearing Tommy’s invariable insult, my
very heart sunk into my chest. I had never heard him say something
so…wounding. I followed my feet as fast as they could take me back
to Gisleham, not even caring if I bumped into anything along the
way and did not notice Jordan when I walloped into him. I did not
realize that I was running so fast for he caught me before I fell
backwards, his two strong arms firmly gripping against my forearms
aiding me for balance.
     
    “Are you hurt?” He asked, his thumbs
unintentionally digging into my shoulders.
     
    “Yes,” I said, thinking how much Tommy’s
rejection really impaired me.
     
    “Where?” He asked, whirling my body around,
inspecting my outer physique for any possible injury.
     
    Satisfied that he could not find any blood or
broken bone, he finally released his clench from my shoulders and I
took a few steps backwards only to watch him take a few steps
ahead. Through tear-filled eyes, I tried to look up at him but my
view was clouded and uncomfortable; I had never been so close to
him before, he smelled of fresh laundered linen and some unknown
fragrance that caused my senses to come alive. I remembered
thinking how tall he was and broad and perfectly shaped until my
eyes leveled to his waistcoat and felt him raise my chin.
     
    “Why the tears?” He asked in a soft
unfamiliar voice.
     
    “It does not concern you,” I spat back at him
still distraught over Tommy.
     
    “Oh, I see,” he said letting go a chuckle. I
watched him cross his arms across his chest and with tears still
gushing down my cheeks he looked straight down into my eyes. I
noticed his usual pretentious outward show was no longer visible.
He appeared different to me now, more relaxed…almost tender and
beguiling. He went to reach for my face but held back his contact.
I knew what he wanted to do but I beat him to it and wiped my own
tears that were trickling down my face. Making me nervous than ever
before, I no longer wanted to be near him and stepped away only to
hear “I could have made you happy” at my backside.
     
    Bit by bit, I curved around, my ears still
not willing to believe what was just conveyed. “I beg your
pardon?”
     
    Coughing first, he let out, “Congratulations
again,” he quickly rejoined, not smiling.
     
    “That is not what I heard,” I let go
challenging him.
     
    His green eyes were compelling and gazed deep
into mine trying to search for something but when he doesn’t find
it, moments later he confessed, “It was what was meant.”
     
    His bow was quick but poignant and I stood
there idle and watched him drudge away. For once he had his head
down in defeat but his coattails flipped about with each proud
stride he took. He truly was a handsome man and maybe that would
have been enough, but the only boy I ever truly cared about was
Tommy.
     
    ~~~~~
     
    Wiping away the tears that quickly streaked
her cheeks, Gwendolyn stood up immediately and scampered out of the
coach house. Wandering around aimlessly now, Gwendolyn covered her
mouth in disbelief. So many memories there…so many incredible
memories, blissful, tragic, exuberant in their generosity. Running
and running, she finally reached the lake and began the endless
stretch around it. It was still a blackish blue, like the nighttime
sky just after sunset. Leaning back on a large oak one memory bit
against her tear filled eyes…
     
    ~~~~~
     
    “Why are we hiding up here again, Gwendolyn?”
Tommy asked, peering through the branches, trying to see if
Mademoiselle de la Motte, their French tutor was still searching
for them.
     
    “We are hiding from that weird woman,” I
remarked simply, sticking out my head to see if I could notice her
approach as well. “I do not understand her and she bothers me.”
     
    “She is