Free The Gilded Curse: Will the young heiress be the next victim of her family's curse? by Marilyn Turk

you’re serious. Did you just make that whole story up about German submarines?”
    He sobered his expression. “No, Lexie, I did not make it up. I have friends in the Coast Guard that told me about them.”
    “So why hasn’t it been in the news?” Lexie faced him, her hands on her hips.
    Russell spread his hands. “He said the government doesn’t want people to panic, much less tip off Hitler that he’s giving us any room for concern.”
    “So the Coast Guard will get rid of them, won’t they? At least we don’t have to worry about them being on our soil.”
    Russell didn’t answer as he continued gazing out at sea. The faraway look in his eye was unsettling, as was his change to a more serious mood. As she studied him, she had the impression she was seeing a different person, not the happy-go-lucky guy she’d spent the afternoon with.
    “Russell?”
    He faced her, a smile emerging. “Sorry, Lexie. Did you ask me something?”
    She shook her head. “It wasn’t important.”
    “Well, shall we continue our ride?”
    “Sure. You up to it?” Lexie cocked her head at him.
    “Ha! I barely noticed you were there!”
    He held the bicycle while she climbed back on. As they left the beach and turned onto the beach road, the image of the lighthouse planted itself in her mind. She envisioned the keeper standing in the tower, scanning the horizon with his telescope, looking for submarines. At least he could spot the dangers out there and knew who his enemies were. In her life, though, it wasn’t so easy.
    She didn’t know who her enemies were or even why she had any. Why would someone want her to come to the island? Why not approach her directly?
    Whoever was behind this charade would be found out. She’d make sure of it, even if she had to stay long enough to uncover the truth herself.

Chapter 9
    R ussell watched the golden curls in front of him dance in the wind as he pedaled the bike. A telegram, huh? So that’s what prompted her to show up on the island again. Wonder who sent it? Could it be Abner? The guy was pretty protective of the place. No. Abner wasn’t the type to be mysterious. He was pretty upfront about things and didn’t bother keeping his feelings to himself.
    Whoever it was, though, Russell wanted to pat them on the back. He was glad she’d come so he could change her plans to sell Destiny before it was too late. He just needed to keep her here longer–one job he didn’t mind.
    Boy, was she adorable. When she stepped out in those flowing pants with that scarf tied around her goldilocks, he almost swallowed his cigarette. She had no idea how great she looked, and he didn’t think she even cared. She was different—always had been. Not like the prima donnas that demanded attention. She got attention without even trying.
    Russell steered the bike down the beach road toward the clubhouse passing other guests who laughed and pointed at the two of them. Well, this was one way to get attention. He hadn’t planned the day to turn out quite like this, but he wasn’t complaining. It wasn’t every day he had the privilege of riding a beautiful woman around on his handlebars. He smiled and nodded at the curious onlookers. Wouldn’t tongues wag tonight!
    Speaking of tonight, maybe he could coax her into watching a movie. Wonder what they were showing? He hoped she wouldn’t get tired of him, but it wouldn’t surprise him if she did. What else did she have to do, though? Of course, it wouldn’t take long for the other club members to invite her to their social events. The pretty new girl on the island would provide a welcome change to their groups. Floyd and his mother were already attempting to gain her attention. What red-blooded male wouldn’t?
    Soon as they got back, he would arrange for the cottage to getcleaned up. Maybe once she saw it in better shape, she’d reconsider her intentions. He shouldn’t be too pushy though. It had to be her idea, not his.
    They pulled up in front of the