The Bride Price Read Online Free PDF Page A

eyes to adjust to the blackness and wondered whether Derek had changed his mind.
    “Bryna.” She barely heard her name over the creak of the timbers and moan of the wind in the rigging. Her heart pounding, she turned and saw Derek standing in the shadows.
    “You...you said you wanted to talk to me?” she stammered, suddenly ill at ease.
    “I’ve been waiting for you, love,” he murmured.
    Capturing her hands, he drew the girl into the shadows beside him. As Bryna looked up at him, she could not see his face clearly in the darkness, but she knew he was going to kiss her, just as certainly as she knew she should protest. But she did not.
    When Derek’s mouth met hers, Bryna felt a pleasant surge through her body. She parted her lips tentatively and was gratified when his arms tightened around her. Then she gave up thought and experimentation, surrendering herself to blissful, unaccustomed sensation.
    Later, when the young man walked her to her cabin door, Bryna thought she saw love in his eyes, and she believed that she and Derek would be together forever.
    She had believed—until last night. Unshed tears burned her eyes and tightened her throat. Closing the lid of her trunk with a bang, she sat down on the narrow bunk that had been Aggie’s.
    Last night she had been such a fool. She had crept out to meet Derek again while her chaperone slept. This time the night had been serene and perfect. The gentle breeze was surprisingly warm and the full moon was reflected on the water. She had flown to his arms, her lips seeking his this time. Then he had led her to a bench, where they’d sat in silence for a time, their backs against the railing as they listened to soft accordion music floating up from steerage. Nestled against Derek’s chest, Bryna sighed contentedly.
    “What? A sigh? Aren’t you happy, my love?” he asked playfully.
    ‘‘I’m very happy,” she murmured.
    “As am I, my darling. I will treasure the memory of the last few weeks. I am only sad it is our last night together.”
    “Our last night?” Sitting bolt upright, she turned to look at him.
    “Well, er, yes.” He did not meet her gaze. “The captain says we’re right on schedule and should arrive in Gibraltar tomorrow. From there you will go on to Tangier to meet your long-lost father, won’t you? After a short visit in Gibraltar, I intend to go home to England.”
    “But...” Still searching his face, the girl shifted on the bench until she was outside of circle of his arms.
    Derek raised an eyebrow knowingly and shook his head. “Bryna, surely you knew it must end when we reached our destination.”
    “I thought—” She suddenly wished the night were not so bright that he could see her.
    “I am afraid I know what you thought, my dear,” he chided gently. “I can always tell a woman with marriage on her mind, and I’m hardly ready for that.”
    “I thought you loved me. I even let you kiss me.”
    “I found it very pleasant, but a harmless flirtation doesn’t mean I am ready to give up my freedom.”
    “Perhaps you supposed it to be harmless, monsieur,” she said icily, rising to leave.
    “Bryna, listen to me.” Derek grasped her arm to stay her.
    Without saying a word, she looked down pointedly at the hand gripping her arm. Then she lifted icy blue eyes to his in an unspoken command.
    Derek released her arm at once, but he requested softly, “Stay a moment, Bryna. At least let me explain.”
    “Très bien,” she said in clipped tones, going to stand by the rail a short distance away. “I would like to hear what you have to offer as an explanation.”
    “Damn, this is not going well at all.” Wearily raking his fingers through his hair, Derek moved to stand behind her.
    “What did you expect?” she snapped at him over her shoulder. “You took advantage of me.”
    “I did not take advantage of you, Bryna.”
    “What do you call stealing kisses on a dark deck?”
    “Stolen? I judged them freely given,” Derek