An Original Sin by Nina Bangs Read Free Book Online Page A

know that in her perfect world, possessiveness still flourished. He’d begun to think no human traits had survived the passage of time.
    Her decision made, she nodded. “OK. But as soon as we get some money, I’m coming back for it.”
    The driver adjusted his cap, then peered more closely at Leith. “Funny. You look just like a guy I used to drive to the library. Hugh Campbell. Real smart. Always looking up stuff about Scotland. Wanted to write a book about his ancestors. Old guy, but you sure look like him. You related?”
    Leith felt the cold fingertips of fate dancing along his spine. Coincidence? He didn’t think so. “ ’Tis possible. Ye must tell me where this Campbell lives.”
    The driver shrugged. “He doesn’t. Killed in a car crash a year ago. Too bad. Nice guy. I can tell you where his wife lives, though. She’s real interested in Scotland, too.”
    Fortune still clasped her cross as she stared at a group of men walking past. She turned an uncertain gaze toward Leith. “Maybe we’re moving too fast. Maybe we should go back into the rest-over. Maybe—”
    Leith remembered the raid, his parents’ dying cries. He’d cowered in his hiding place, frozen with fear and horror. Later, he’d lain awake agonizing, wondering if he could’ve helped, done something to save his mother, his father.
    He’d saved his own life, but at the price of his conscience. He’d never hide again. “Ye canna let fate push ye around. Ye must take it by the throat and throttle it.” He’d probably horrified her anew with his violent image, but it was how he felt.
    The driver opened the vehicle’s door, and Leith bent down to peer inside. Stale smoke and strangeness assailed him. His palms began to sweat, and he wiped them against his legs. The roughness of the fabric reminded him that his one piece of clothing belonged to someone else. He owned nothing. He was Adam in a strange Garden of Eden. His Eve? He glanced at Fortune. Unlikely. She’d probably explain to the serpent that she already knew everything and had no need of his apple.
    “Are you getting in?” Fortune sounded impatient.
    He didn’t want to. He’d rather face a hundred Mac-Donalds than climb into this strange machine. But he was a warrior, and warriors faced death in battle without showing fear. Could this be worse? Yes.
    Straightening, he stepped aside while Fortune climbed in and slid to the far window. He took a deep, steadying breath, then eased in beside her. The cat leaped in after him and settled comfortably onto Fortune’s lap. The driver closed their door, then climbed into the front seat.
    When the machine roared, he wanted to fling open the door and leap to safety. Sweat trickled down his chest, and his breath came fast and shallow. Pressing his back against the seat, he clenched his fists. The machine slowly began to move, and he feared he might vomit.
    Suddenly he felt Fortune’s hand covering his clenched fist. Gently she pried open his fingers, then held his hand in hers.
    He didn’t want to look at her. Didn’t want her to see the hated fear in his eyes. But he needed something to cling to, so he clasped her hand tightly, thankfully.
    “This whole thing is crazy, but it’s crazier for you than it is for me.” Her voice was low, calm. She squeezed his hand.
    He had to be strong. It was not right that she should comfort him. He felt less than a man. And because hecould not accept this sudden weakness, he denied it. “ ’Tis nothing.”
    “I know.” Leith glanced at her, expecting mockery, but she gazed back at him with belief. He turned away to stare out the window and drew in a deep, calming breath, unable to speak any words of gratitude. She’d given him a gift beyond value—his pride.
    He thought about this while Fortune and the driver were in the pawnshop getting money in exchange for the cross. When they returned to the taxi, Leith studied her forlorn expression as she dragged the ends of her gown inside, then closed the