Captive Pride by Bobbi Smith Read Free Book Online Page A

downplay it, her answer hurt, and he couldn’t stop himself from pressing her for some kind of more definitive answer besides “I’m not ready to marry yet.”
    â€œWhen will you be ready to marry, CC?” he challenged. “You’re twenty-two. Most women of your age have settled down and—” John got no further as the copper-haired vixen reacted sharply to his statement.
    â€œI am not most women, John Robinson,” she told him haughtily, her green eyes flashing in the heat of her sudden anger. How dare he relate her age to her marital status! No man was ever criticized for waiting to marry; indeed, they were often congratulated by their comrades for having avoided the “trap” for so long. Annoyed, she moved quickly out of his embrace.
    John quickly realized the mistake he’d made and he hastened to make amends. “I know you’re not like other women, CC. You’re different…special. That’s why I love you and want to make you mine.” Going to her, he tried to take her back into his arms in hopes of smoothing things over, but she would have none of it.
    â€œNo, John.” CC coolly avoided his embrace. “And if your feelings are as serious as you say, then maybe we shouldn’t continue to see one another.”
    John’s declaration that he wanted to make her his grated on her nerves. She would belong to no man. The man she would marry, if indeed she ever did marry, would have to accept her as an equal, no less. She would not be chattel. His superior attitude erased the slight guilt she’d been feeling and convinced her more firmly than ever that John was not the right man for her.
    â€œBut, CC…” he came toward her.
    She held up a hand to stop his progress. “I don’t want you to think that there’s more to our relationship than what exists openly between us.”
    John stood silently for a moment staring at her. She was lovely, his heart’s desire, and yet his wounded pride almost prodded him to agree to end their relationship. His heart, however, refused to even consider an existence without her.
    His dark eyes fixed upon her, John spoke slowly. “I love you. I have for a long time.”
    Though she longed to erase the past few minutes and resume their friendship as it had been, CC knew it was impossible and that from now on things between them would never be the same.
    â€œI’m sorry, John, but I’m just not ready to think about marriage yet. You, of all people, should know that.”
    John grimaced inwardly at the truth in her claim. He knew very well in what direction her interest lay, and it certainly wasn’t in hearth and home. “But don’t you realize that the danger is growing? It isn’t safe for you to be so involved any longer.”
    Again, his domineering attitude screeched through her. Who was he to tell her what she could and could not do?
    â€œJohn. I will not allow you or anyone to dictate my life. If you insist on continuing to try to do so, I’ll put an end to our relationship right now,” CC told him emotionally. “And as far as the movement is concerned, I’ve been involved in it for a long time, and I intend to stay involved.”
    John sighed. He loved her. He wanted to marry her and keep her at home having his children, away from the violence that was sure to erupt soon, but she would have none of it. Resignedly, he realized that he would have to bide his time and hope that she would someday come to accept that he was right. Until then, he would continue as he had, loving her, but never having the right to claim her as his own.
    â€œAll right,” he agreed in temporary defeat. “You’ve made your point and I see no reason to discuss this any further.”
    â€œYou understand?” she asked hopefully, for he had been a good friend and she did not want to lose his companionship.
    â€œI’m trying, CC. Believe me,