Free Love Comes Blindly (book 5) (The Fielding Brothers Saga) by Marie Higgins Page B

you?”
    “Because I knew what your reaction would be. I knew how much you hated me, and I was enjoying being your friend. I didn’t want it to end. I still don’t want it to end,” she finished more softly.
    He looked at her for a few moments longer and then turned away, rubbing his hands on his face. “Oh, Maddie . What do you want me to do?”
    “Forgive me. I want you to forgive me for hurting you, and I want you to accept me for the new person I am.”
    He turned his head and glanced at her. “That’s going to be very hard, you know. You did a lot of lying to me and your family three years ago. In fact, you have lied to me since I arrived here.”
    Her heart broke. “Gregg,” she pleaded as she grabbed hold of his arm. “Please believe me. I have changed.”
    “I’m not sure that you really have.”
    Anger surged through her and she dropped his arm. Standing tall, she faced him stubbornly. “Oh yes I have!”
    He stepped in front of her. “What kind of bet would you like to wager?”
    “Name it.”
    He chuckled. “I didn’t think nuns made bets. It’s a sin to gamble, you know.”
    “I’m trying to make a point, here.”
    “And so am I.” He grabbed her by the shoulders and brought her up against his body as his mouth captured hers. She knew he was trying to prove himself right, and she wanted to remain firm with her decision, but the more his lips caressed hers, the more she was tempted to succumb. It always happened when she was in Gregg’s embrace.
    His arms wrapped around her as he cradled her body. His kiss was warm and gentle and very passionate, but she still wanted to resist. She was too weak around him.
    “Come on, Maddie ,” he mumbled against her lips. “Show me the passionate woman who melts in my arms every time I kiss her.” His hands moved down her back. “Show me the woman whose lips I cannot get enough of.”
    He was trying to seduce her with his words, but she would be strong…yet, if she wanted to be strong why was her body beginning to dissolve, and why was her mouth opening for his to take over?
    “Gregg, please,” she begged mere seconds before surrendering, but just as she slipped her arms around his neck, there was a noise from the hallway just outside the door.
    He broke the kiss and whispered, “I think we have company again.”
    * * * *
    Gregg darted behind the door just as it opened. He didn’t need to see their visitor when the man’s smell reeked of whiskey. Gregg bunched his hands into fists. Hopefully Maddie would get rid of the soldier again because Gregg didn’t want to hurt him… But he would in order to protect Maddie .
    “Sir, what are you doing here?” Her voice lifted in panic.
    “I decided tae pay ya another visit…without me friend,” the Scot said as he closed the door.
    Although there was no place for Gregg to hide, standing in back of the other man was a good thing… For now.
    The soldier looked down at the floor at all Maddie’s gowns. “ Whot happened here?”
    Maddie huffed and planted her hands on her hips. “If you must know, I was checking my gowns to see which ones you had ruined with your sword.”
    He bent and picked one up, rubbing the silky material between his finger and thumb. “So ya were a fancy lass.”
    “Sir, please leave now,” she spat as she tugged the gown out of his grasp.
    “That’s not verra polite.” He moved closer and she backed away. “I just want tae get tae know ya better.”
    Glancing around the room, Gregg tried to find something he could use as a weapon. Unless he confiscated the lamp on the opposite side of her chambers, he wouldn’t have any help. Then again…if Maddie could distract the soldier, Gregg could sneak up behind and get his pistol. He just hoped it was as easy as it seemed.
    “Sir, if you don’t leave posthaste, I assure you I’ll scream so loud the roof will collapse.” She kept retreating until a wall stopped her.
    A low growl came from the soldier. “A feisty lass.