Prisoner of Desire Read Online Free PDF Page B

was no time for her to hesitate. The morning was brightening. Her stepfather waited in the entryway as impeccably dressed as always.
    At least she would enjoy bidding one person farewell.
    But hugging her sisters was likely to break her heart. Amelia and Bethany stood lined up near the front door, even Marcus and Lucius were present. She barely knew her half-brothers. Godford kept them sequestered in the nursery, as was the growing fashion, with only nursemaids and
    tutors. Affection was frowned on, the men of science warning that too much mothering made for weak-willed adults.
    Lucius stood ramrod straight, his eyes forward. The level of discipline might be admirable but Lorena still found it sad in a boy of only seven. Marcus was still but his gaze wandered toward the foot of the stairs when she reached it. His front teeth appeared for a moment as he chewed on his lower lip.
    "Well then, I see you are ready."
    Lifting her chin, Lorena stared at her stepfather. She refused to behave meekly by lowering her eyes. It might be silent, but actions spoke more clearly than words at times.
    He surprised her by grinning. A gleam of approval entered his eyes. "You are not a coward, Lorena, that much I will say well of you."
    It was the first compliment he had ever graced her with. The doors opened, letting in a draft of cool morning air. The street traffic was busy, the sound of horse hooves and leather filling in the awkward silence. Godford strode down the front steps. One quick, tight hug and Ruth was
    pushing her forward.
    The front path felt so lonely. Her heart ached as she felt the house growing farther and farther behind her with each step. But Godford was correct, she was no coward. With a single look
    behind her, she turned and followed her stepfather.
    If God was gracious.. .it would be the last time she ever had to obey the man.
    "You think me a harsh man."
    It took Lorena a moment to realize her stepfather was actually speaking to her. His attention was on her while the carriage rocked gently.
    "The world is merciless. I was harsh to save you from falling into the hands of the law." He paused for a moment. "You will see. Bermuda is a penal colony. Before you judge me, I suggest you look at what might have been your lot if I'd allowed you to run wild."
    "I doubt a kind word now and again would have transformed me into a thief."
    Her stepfather's lips rose into that odd grin he'd shown her earlier. "I am a man of business. Like it or not, you have steel in your spine because of my rules. There is no substitute for learning something than doing it with your own hands. I worked you like a maid so you will not be
    cheated by the staff in your husband's home."
    "My father was a businessman."
    Godford's expression tightened. "And he left you and your mother at the mercy of his soft hearted ways. He expanded too quickly, a risk that nearly put your mother on the street. The truest accomplishment of a businessman is to keep his estate solid at all times in case fate decides his days are finished. The first duty of a husband is to ensure his family does not suffer upon his death."
    Lorena swallowed hard. However much she detested her stepfather, she discovered herself
    agreeing with him because she recalled all too well the look of fear which had haunted her
    mother's eyes in the weeks following her father's death.
    "Think what you will, Lorena, but I loved your mother."
    She gasped. "You do not love anything but your money." And she didn't care if he thought her too bold.
    The sides of his mouth rose again. "You know little of my true feelings, madam, a fact I ensured for your own good. Left with three young women under my roof who were not my own blood, it
    was necessary to make sure the staff never suspected any illicit behavior. Making it appear I detested the three of you on sight served that purpose."
    Shock held her silent for a long moment, the horrible idea that he might have touched her turning her stomach queasy.
    "I