A Breath of Scandal by Connie Mason Read Free Book Online Page A

from the wagon.
    “Damnation,” Julian muttered, frowning at his food. Lara was the last person in the world he wanted to hurt.
    Julian bolted down his meal, tasting little of what he ate as he silently cursed himself for causing the stricken look on Lara’s face. But picturing Lara with another man, or selling herself at fairs as Gypsy women were known to do, made him angry as hell.
    After breakfast Julian decided he felt well enough to venture outside on his own. The quicker he recovered, the sooner he could forget Lara’s snapping black eyes and lush lips. Julian did not notice Ramona enter the wagon after he left. Had he been there he would have seen her study the tea leaves in his cup.
    Why did Lara climb in bed with him last night?
Would she return tonight? ’Twas obvious to him that she was offering herself to him. Was he fit enough to accept her offer if she crawled in bed with him tonight? He doubted it. But it wouldn’t be long. After considerable thought, Julian decided it would hurt nothing to avail himself of the fiery Gypsy wench’s body if she gave the slightest indication that she was willing.
    The moment Julian stepped down from the wagon he was bombarded with greetings.
    “Drago, does your wife know you’re out and about on your own?” someone called to him.
    “When are we going to celebrate your marriage, Drago?” another man asked. “Everyone is looking forward to the feast and dancing. Wait until you see Lara dance. She is magnificent.”
    Some merely waved, and Julian waved back, accepting their friendship in the manner in which it was offered. These people had accepted him as one of their own, and he vowed to keep them safe from his enemies. The only way he could be sure of their safety was to leave the moment he was well enough to travel. By that time his skin should have returned to its natural color.
    Julian’s inspection of the campsite led him to a corral where a large number of horses were herded together. Some were of inferior quality, but most were prime horseflesh, the kind that would demand high prices at any fair in the country, or even the auction at Tattersalls. Julian wondered where the Rom had acquired such quality stock. Had they stolen them?
    “Do you see anything you like?” Rondo asked as he came up to join Julian.
    “You have some of the finest horses I’ve ever seen. Quite amazing, really. Are they stolen?”
    Julian could have kicked himself the moment the words left his mouth. Not all Gypsies were thieves, just most of them. He could tell Rondo was insulted by the belligerent jut of his chin.
    “A stallion and three blooded mares were gifts from … Never mind, ’tis none of your business. We bred them, and you see the results before you. The herd belongs to Pietro. We care for them and everyone shares in the profits when they are sold at fairs.”
    Julian didn’t know whether to believe him or not. They were fine horses. He knew of few men willing to make gifts of their prime horses.
    “Who cares for them?”
    “Myself, for one. Others help from time to time.”
    “Perhaps I can help. I’ve always been good with horses.”
    “You? A smuggler?” He sneered. “I wouldn’t trust you with my dog.”
    Julian sent him a startled look. “What makes you think I’m a smuggler?”
    “ ’Tis obvious. Those men who came looking for you were rough sailors. The only ships that enter this cove are engaged in smuggling. We’ve seen them before but do not interfere. ’Tis none of our business. Why do they want to kill you?”
    “I’m not a smuggler. I cannot tell you more without endangering your people.”
    “What are you? Who are you?”
    “I cannot say. Believe me when I say I will do my best to protect your people.”
    “What about Lara? You are her husband. What are your plans for her?”
    Julian shifted uncomfortably. “I’ll always be grateful to Lara for saving my life, but we both know a Romany ritual is not recognized in English courts. Nothing