Hearts Under Siege (Civil War Collection) by Kathryn Kelly Read Free Book Online Page A

over to the very troops that Thomas and his men claimed to be seizing them for now. Why would a man take food from the mouths of his own people only to place it willingly into the enemy’s hands? An enemy that ravaged his land and killed his friends.
    “We are leaving now to take these supplies to Vicksburg. If they are needed more somewhere else, then we can take them there instead,” Ernest said, turning his horse in dismissal.
    Thomas removed the slip of crumpled paper from his pocket and rode forward, pulling his mount up alongside Dumon’s. The old man should be enjoying the fruits of his life, not waging war on his own lands.
    “Sir,” he said as he handed the paper to Dumon, “you are suspected of treason against the Confederate States of America. I must confess I do not see the reasoning behind the accusations, but if you’ll come with us peaceably, then I’m sure we can get this all straightened out.”
    Ernest Dumon laughed. “Surely you don’t think those who sent you would believe in the innocence of a man accused of treason,” he stated.
    “I can only place my trust in those in command, sir .”
    “Well, I cannot help you, Captain. These supplies are badly needed in Vicksburg, and I haven’t the inclination to waste time justifying my convictions to you or anyone else.”
    “Then, please forgive me, sir,” Thomas said, leveling his gaze at the older man. “For I too haven’t the time to argue. Disarm them,” he said, turning to the man behind him.
    There would be no violence. His men knew to follow his orders. Nonetheless, the troops rushed in.
    One of the soldiers grasped Dumon’s horse’s reins and led him, unresisting, away from the wagons.
    Until now unnoticed, an adolescent boy nudged his horse forward to face Thomas. “I cannot allow you to take him,” the boy said, loud enough for Thomas’s ears only.
    Thomas jerked his gaze to familiar green eyes and blinked. Damn. How could that face have gone unnoticed? While his gaze swept over the lad’s cotton shirt and loose trousers, his imagination filled in the curves beneath.
    “What do you think you’re doing?” he asked, his voice low.
    Alexandra’s eyes narrowed. If looks could kill, he would have gone up in flames. “I think the more pertinent question is … si r , what the hell are you doing?”
    Thomas didn’t expect Alexandra to be awake this early in the morning. Although he didn’t plan to see her, any preparation on his part would have evaporated with one look into those mesmerizing eyes.
    Alexandra inched her horse forward until only Thomas could hear her whisper. “Who are you? You masquerade as the enemy, yet enemy to which side? Where do your loyalties lie?”
    It required all the manly self-possession he could muster to form coherent thoughts and focus his brain on the task at hand. He longed to take her into his arms and crush his lips against hers. His loins ached with the sight of her—her smooth white skin and luscious red lips. Surely she didn’t have delusions of passing herself off as a boy. Taking a deep breath, he forced a stern expression upon his face.
    “For your own good and that of your grandfather’s, I suggest you cooperate,” he whispered hoarsely.
    “Oh, you’ll get cooperation, all right, you bastard.” She dismounted and, after stopping to pick up Ernest’s hat that had fallen off during the scuffle, she approached the wagon where a soldier forced her grandfather to dismount.
    Frowning, Thomas watched as Alexandra reached her grandfather, and the confrontation unfolded as Mr. Dumon discovered her identity.
    ****
    “What are you doing here?” Ernest hissed as his eyes registered recognition.
    Alexandra placed a pine needle in her mouth, biting down on the end. The bitter taste facilitated her hoarseness and served as a reminder to deepen her voice in the presence of others.
    “Never mind that. We have to get you out of here,” she whispered, handing him his hat.
    Scowling,