His For The Taking by Harris Channing Read Free Book Online Page A

understand." She
stood, her hand coming to rest on her abdomen.
    "You make me want to settle
down."
    "Please Bennett, let's go
inside." She looked over her shoulder toward the house. "I'd like to
make sure my grandmother is well."
    "Julianna, don't you like
me?"
    Jonathan rolled his eyes
heavenward. The man sounded as if he were going to cry.
    She lowered her chin. "Of
course I like you. You've made me laugh when I've felt like crying."
    He set his glass down on the bench
and took her hand into his. "Then why are you running away?"
    "I'm not…"
    "Please." He kissed her
knuckles. "I want to marry you. I want to live everyday of my life making
you laugh."
    Jonathan gritted his teeth. Oh how
he longed to slam his fist into the man. How dare he touch her in such an
intimate fashion.
    Tears shimmered in her eyes.
"I-I'm not sure what to say."
    "Say yes Bennett. I'd be
pleased to be your wife."
    Pain shot through Jonathan's heart
as he watched. Bennett had her full attention, his goddess held the man's hand.
Looked into his eyes.
    He turned away. What right did he
have to intrude on her happiness? He had his opportunity to have her, to make
her his and yet like a fool, he squandered the chance.
    The dull ache of heartbreak had him
longing for a drink. Swallowing his bitter agony he walked to the far entrance
of the Manchester Estate. He'd toast the bride to be, kiss her on the cheek and
let her go.
    But with a chuckle he knew better.
He’d not stand by and watch helplessly as she married someone else. Hell, he’d
grab her and kiss in front of the entire ballroom if needs be. By God she’d
know his true feelings before the night ended.
    ***
    Julianna didn't wish to face
Bennett or Jane or even Grandmother. Too much was on her mind. She had told a
man who vowed to love her till death do them part that she needed time to
consider his proposal.
    The look on his face stabbed at her
heart, for she never wanted to hurt anyone. And she especially didn't want to
be responsible for crushing such a spirit as Bennett's.
    Pushing her way through the crowd
of partygoers that hovered by the open garden doors, she longed for the freedom
of the country. Wanted nothing more than to step out of her front door and be
able to breathe the fresh, clean air. Oh how glorious it would be to walk
unhindered down country lanes rather than fighting her way through busy streets
and poverty.
    Tears burned her eyes. She wanted
to go home. To sleep in her bed at Oak Park.
To walk to town with Jonathan…
    Reaching a refreshment table she
stopped. Did she truly wish to return to that life? A life so filled with
longing that it pained? Did she want to go back and sit beside Jonathan on the
settee, his muscular body so close to her that her core throbbed with unspent
passion? Did she? Or would she rather stand beside a man who looked upon her
with such love that she could almost feel its silky kiss?
    "You're
so very easy to love, Julianna. Won't you let me ?" Bennett had said,
his countenance filled with such honest feeling that it frightened her.
    Perhaps some day she could feel the
love she held sacred to Jonathan for someone else. Perhaps Bennett could help
her forget or at the very least move forward.
    Her hand shook as she picked up a
flute of champagne. Putting the glass to her lips, she swallowed a mouthful,
the bubbles tickling her nose. Setting the back of her hand to her nose, she
sneezed.
    "Bless you, Julianna."
    She didn't turn to face the man who
blessed her. She didn't dare, for without looking, she knew who stood by her
side. She could feel his presence as if it touched her very soul. Dear God,
what was he doing here?
    A chill ran across her flesh and
she drew in a deep breath. His subtle, yet familiar scent tantalized her
senses. If she turned to look at him, what would she do? Would she slip back
into the comfortable old pattern or tear his eyes out for hurting her the way
he had?
    "I said bless you."
    She closed her eyes and readied
herself to