Desperate (Harris Trilogy Book One) by Teresa Greene Read Free Book Online Page A

grabbed her shirt and wrapped it around her nude body. 
    His eyes roamed over her still wet body. “Don’t even bother to hide behind that thin shirt. It’s too late for modesty now. I’ve seen all of you and I like what I see.”
    His tone changed as if he were angry. “Please explain to me why you dressed as a man and have been pretending to be a soldier.”
    Too frightened to speak , she stood on the bank of the creek in complete silence. In a more demanding tone, he snapped, “Please explain!”
    Her voice quavered . “I have no money and no family to turn too. I had to do something to survive and this was the only plan I could come up with. I was desperate.”
    “Where di d you get the uniform?” The anger in his voice caused her to shudder. She had played soldier for days and no one had suspected she was a female but him.
    Her face pale, Kate explained, “My twi n brother, Jake, was a soldier. He was wounded and died two months after returning home. I altered it to fit me. I did not mean to cause any trouble. I have no family. I had to do something to survive, and this was all I could think of.” 
    Emerson took a step in her direction. She gripped the thin shirt tighter to her body, and backed up until the cold water covered her feet as she stepped into the creek.
    His eyes narrowed . “What’s your name?”
    Paralyzed with fear she did not answer. He snapped, “I asked you a question and I demand an answer.”               
    Her voice quivered. “Kate Monroe, Sir.” 
    “How old are you?” Long strides had him towering over her.
    She had to tilt her head back to look into his face. “Seventeen, Sir.”
    “I suspected yo u were female. I’m glad I did not find out until tonight. If I would have discovered your gender by the river today, one of my men may have stumbled upon us ruining everything. This is much better. I can have you all to myself.”  
    As if he couldn’t stand the anticipation any longer , he reached out and pulled her into his arms. Placing her hands against his chest, she pushed but her attempt to stop him was futile. His strength was much too powerful.              
    He must have felt her quivering in his arms, knew she was frightened, but that didn’t stop him. She pleaded, “Please don’t do this, Sir.” 
    “Don’t play innocent with me. A lady would never have thought to dress as a man and play war. A lady would never chance being among so many men. No, you’re no innocent, your behavior is wanton.” He held her against his chest.
    “Sir, I am an innocent. I have never been with a man. I swear.”
    His grip loosened and she felt a little hope. Maybe she had convinced him she was a virgin. He seemed to be an honorable man and would never force an innocent to have sex with him.
    When he didn’t release her, Kate panicked. She jerked her body trying to get away from him and he lost his composure when her bottom brushed against him.
    “Damn, you have a hot little body.” He lowered his face to her lips and kissed her. Again she tried to push him away, but he was much too strong. Hard lips pressed against her mouth and she heard him take a deep breath to keep control.
    Placing both of his hands on her derriere, Emerson lifted her from the ground pressing her against his arousal. He lowered her to the ground. Pinning her between his legs, he began to unbutton his shirt.
    Kate began to buck wildly trying to get him off of her. A tear slipped down her cheek as she realized she had no hope and was about to be raped. “Please, let me go. Stop, let me go, Lieutenant Emerson.” Her head began to pound as he removed his shirt and threw it to the ground.
    Should she scream and hope someone would come to her aid? Should she accept what he was about to do to her? She decided to hope for help. No way could she let this man defile her.
    She opened her m outh to scream, but he pressed his hand against her lips.
    His fingers caressed her cheek as he