Innocent Fire by Brenda Joyce Read Free Book Online Page B

that Lady Holcombe was waiting, and he gave her a casual glance. “Let me guess,” he muttered. He made a gesture with his hand. “After you, ma’am.”
    They stepped outside into the courtyard. Bragg sighed and braced himself as the tirade came forth. “Mr. Bragg! I don’t understand how John Barrington could have chosen a man like you to escort his betrothed five hundred miles, but I must demand that you exercise strict restraint upon your own baser nature, sir! My niece is an innocent. She has been greatly agitated, having had the unfortunate luck to stumble upon you and one of your…paramours last night. Please, sir! Have a care for the sweet, young girl! I beg of you!”
    Bragg met her outraged eyes. “Ma’am, let’s get things straight. No one is sorrier than I that she happened across me and my friend and was upset by it.”
    Elizabeth was startled into speechlessness.
    Bragg smiled. “But a man’s appetites are a fact of life in this land. Just how long do you think your niece is going to stay sheltered and innocent living in Texas? Is she to be a virgin wife?”
    Elizabeth gasped at his rudeness.
    “I will try and be more discreet.” Bragg grinned mockingly and swept her a bow. “Now, shall we be on our way?”
    “I’ll get Miranda,” Elizabeth replied stiffly, in high indignation.
    Bragg lounged on the porch. He had meant every word he’d said. He was sorry Miranda had seen him and that wench. But they hadn’t even been doing anything. Yet. They had only been alone together—certainly no sin. Heshrugged. After all, it wasn’t his fault. He hadn’t expected Miranda to come seeking him out.
    “Derek.”
    He was startled by Louise, the woman he had bedded the previous night. “Morning.” He flashed her a relaxed, natural smile. She had been very accommodating last night, and quite skilled as well. She wasn’t too bad looking either, even though her breasts were already sagging. She stepped next to him, pressing that particular part of her anatomy against him.
    “I’m sorry you have to go so soon.” She smiled up at him.
    “So am I,” Bragg said, not meaning it but not lying, either. Then his smile disappeared. Damnation! Miranda had just stepped out and was staring at him and Louise.
    “Next time you come this way, will you come see me again?” Louise flirted openly, placing a hand on his chest and slipping it into the open vee of his shirt. She stroked his flesh.
    “You know I will,” he said, glancing from her to Miranda, who was staring unblinkingly at them. He saw her expression and realized that it wasn’t exactly shock that held her frozen and staring. She was fascinated—although she probably didn’t even realize it.
    He took Louise’s hand and removed it from his chest. “Not here,” he said.
    Louise glanced scornfully at Miranda. “What do you care about that little virgin?” She laughed, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him hotly. Bragg heard Miranda gasp as his hands slid down Louise’s back and his mouth opened to her kiss.
    Then he caught himself ruefully and pushed her away. He patted her behind. “Until next time.” He grinned, stepping down from the porch. He smiled at Miranda, who was now as red as a rose. He had never seen a woman who blushed so much. “Good morning, Miranda,” he said politely. “How did you sleep last night?” His gaze raked over her of its own accord. God, what a beauty!
    Miranda swallowed. Could he read her mind? How did he know that she had been dreaming intimately of him last night? Completely speechless, she hurried past him to thewagon, her heart pounding wildly. Would her husband touch her like that? If he did, she would die!
    “Morning, Miss Miranda,” Welsh said with a friendly smile. “Here, let me help you up.”
    Bragg had been approaching, and Miranda quickly accepted Welsh’s offer. She thought she would die, too, of mortification, if Bragg ever laid another hand on her!

Chapter 8
    Bragg was annoyed,