Chasing Down Secrets by Katie Matthews Read Free Book Online Page A

me. I become overwhelmed with my sudden urge to feel his skin on mine that I have to take a step away.
“What’s the matter?” He asks, walking closer.
“Nothing, I just got dizzy is all,” He can tell I am lying. I can tell I am lying.
“Maybe you should sit down then.”
“Good idea,” I sit, slowly, he does, too, a little too close. I have to sit perfectly still.
“Better?” His face is inches from mine again and if he comes any closer I won’t be able to control myself. His head moves in closer until our lips are only centimeters apart.
“Stop,” I cry before we come any closer. “We should keep walking,” with that I stand; ready to continue when he grabs my hand.
“We were going the other way,” he tells me with an amused look on his face.
“I know,” I say still flustered. What is wrong with me? I am used to Emmett being this close, aren’t I? Where is my control? I have will power, don’t I? I am not an animal.
“You never told me how you really were,” Emmett says all humor drained from his voice.
“I know you heard me crying last night, so, you obviously know how I am. I do not want to talk about it.” My voice coming out more defensive than I mean it to, “but I might later,” I add trying to seem less bitter. I realize that is all I am: bitter and cold and cruel and all around unpleasant. We begin walking side by side.
“I love you,” he says after a moment.
“Don’t know why,” I mutter under my breath, but he must have heard me because he steps into my way.
“I do, I want you now and always, and I will never leave you. Do you understand?” I give into temptation and pull him into me, our mouths crashing together, hungry for each other. Our mouths move together in perfect harmony as my fingers fumble to unbutton his shirt, his chest is warm and it calls to me as Emmett slides my dress off my shoulders. I know there is no going back now, and I am okay with that.
I rest my head on Emmett’s bare chest. It is peaceful at first, listening to our breathing mixed in with the hum of the breeze. At first, we are calm. But, once the foot steps start I am wrenched away from my bliss and forced into reality.
“Go hide in the bushes; don’t come out until they’ve left.” Emmett hisses in my ear while grabbing my arm slightly harder than he usually does but my feet stood still. I know I should listen to him but I can’t bring myself to leave his side, not when they were coming. “Maria, go!” He says urgently while throwing my dress at me. I still am unable to move so instead he drags me there and then walks back to the open. He leans against a tree trying to appear calm, but I can tell by the way his jaw is clenched and how he holds up his head he is expecting a fight. And, again, I am asked to step aside while everyone I have ever cared about is pried from my fists.
I want to run to him. I want to fling myself between him and the soldiers and beg them to let him go. But instead I stand there. Awestruck, as I watch the only good think in my life get taken.
“Who else is with you, Emmett?” An emotionless soldier says harshly to Emmett.
“Just me,” Emmett speaks back with a solid gaze.
“You are supposed to be dead.”
“Well, clearly, I am not. What are you going to do? Take me in?” Emmett challenges.
“Oh, I am going to take you just not to where you think. I have got my own vendetta against you.” What is he talking about?
“What have I ever done to you?”
“You act so high and mighty but you are with a filthy Jewish broad. As far as I am concerned you are just as bad as they are.”
“Maybe you have forgotten but you tried to rape the same Jew.”
“What can I say she is one hell of a Jew? Have you seen her? If only she had picked me over you.” I have to bite back the bile that rises in my throat.
“You are an ass and that is not my fault. And in any case, she is dead. She drowned in the river so take me.” I am not dead. What is he thinking?
Next thing I know