Captive Heart (Truly Yours Digital Editions) by Darlene Mindrup Read Free Book Online Page A

her.
    “I’m not,” she responded unwillingly
    He swallowed hard, his throat moving up and down in agitation. He glanced quickly around him before lowering his voice. “If it would not offend you for me to say so,” he suggested hesitantly, “you sound like someone from Judea.”
    The simple words had a profound effect on her, and one the vendor hadn’t expected. The sudden shock of the bold statement left Samah feeling suddenly lightheaded, the world reeling giddily around her. Placing a hand to her forehead, she tried to bring her world back into focus. Obviously the long travel and periods of fasting, mixed with the oppressive odors of Rome, were having an effect on her.
    The vendor hurried out from behind his counter. “Are you all right?”
    Samah stared at him blankly. Frowning, he hastily searched around him, finding a basket and turning it over.
    “Here. Sit here.”
    He reached to help Samah sit on the upturned basket, but a low rumble from Sentinel brought him suddenly upright. Glancing hesitantly at the dog, he warily bent until his face was even with Samah’s.
    “My name is Jonah. If there is anything I can do. . .?”
    He left the question hanging. Placing a hand on Sentinel’s bristling fur, Samah lifted suddenly bright eyes to the young man’s.
    “Jonah. A Jewish name.”
    A light seemed to fill the young man’s face. “Yes. I am Jewish.”
    Wondering what the young man’s reaction would be, Samah lifted honest eyes to his.
    “I am from Samaria.”
    Jonah smiled. “I thought as much. Your eyes are a dead giveaway.”
    Surprised, Samah stared at him wordlessly. Most Jews hated Samaritans with a passion. She had lived with such prejudice most of her life. Only among the Christian believers had she found the freedom to be accepted for who she was.
    “Samah. What’s wrong?”
    So engrossed had Samah been in her conversation with the young Jew that she had failed to hear Cassius arrive. He glared suspiciously from Jonah to Samah.
    She stood unsteadily, swaying slightly. Cassius reached out and took her by the arm, his eyes darkened with worry. He made a tisking sound with his tongue.
    “I should have realized. You’ll never make it to the villa in this condition. It’s too far.” He stood, lips pressed between thumb and forefinger, pondering his dilemma. “I can’t get you a cart until the sun goes down, nor a chariot for that matter.”
    Jonah stared wordlessly from one to the other. Noticing Samah watching him, he quickly looked away.
    Cassius addressed himself to Jonah. “Is it all right with you if she stays here until I can arrange for a litter?”
    Jonah looked surprised. “Of course.”
    Cassius turned his look back to Samah. “Wait here. I’ll return shortly.” His narrowed gaze went slowly over Jonah from head to toe. He pressed his lips together tightly. “Sentinel will keep you safe.” The words seemed more of a warning for the young vendor.
    Three pair of eyes watched him vanish among the crowd. Jonah glanced at Samah and then at Sentinel still watching where his master had disappeared.
    “Please, sit down.”
    Samah did so, her legs already wobbling beneath her. Jonah returned to his position behind the counter. Whereas he had been friendly before, he was now reserved. Samah wondered at his sudden reticence. Though she tried to engage him in conversation, his answers were brief and curt. Aggravated, she finally stopped trying and concentrated instead on the sights and scenes around her.
    Several people came to Jonah’s stall to purchase fruit. His attitude was always the same, regardless of the person’s position. He treated everyone with gentle courtesy. Obviously he was well liked by the people, for his stall was never empty for long.
    Trying to stay out of the way, Samah began to search the area around her, hoping that Cassius would return soon. When Jonah reached to remove a cluster of grapes hanging above, Samah noticed the symbol carved onto the post of the