Love Not a Rebel by Heather Graham Read Free Book Online Page A

stranger began.
    “Aye, in God’s name, milord, for the love of God, kill me quick!” Frederick cried.
    As he reached out, trying to ward off an expected blow, he saw the stranger’s face. It was a striking face, composed of steel-fire eyes, a hard jaw, and strong cheekbones. He was dark-haired and wore no wig. His very presence was menacing, for he was not just tall but extremely well muscled for all that he gave the appearance of a certain leanness.
    “Hold, boy, I’ve no mind for murder in the streets!” the stranger said, a touch of humor upon his lips. “You’re no Indian, and that’s a fact. I can only determine that you were in on the trouble at the harbor. Is that it?”
    Frederick remained stubbornly silent. He was doomed anyway.
    “Ah … perhaps there is even something worse,” the stranger murmured.
    “Search this way!” came a shout from the street. “I’m sure I’ve seen one of them!”
    “Wait!” Frederick could hear the woman’s frantic voice. The stranger stiffened, hearing it too. He seemed puzzled.
    “Redcoat coming,” the man murmured. “We’d best get you out of here, boy. I’ve business to attend to, but still … I’m wondering how badly you’ve been hurt. Now first …” He took off his cloak and wrapped it around Frederick.
    “I’m not a boy. I’m married and I’ve got a child.”
    “Well, you’re one up on me then, lad. Come on, then, take my shoulder, we’ll have to move quick.”
    “You’ll turn me in—”
    “And leave your wee babe an orphan? No, man, the British will have their revenge for this night—a blind man would know that. But I can’t see why your life should be forfeit.”
    Frederick was not a small man, but his strange deliverer swept him up into his arms and quickly slung him over saddle on the flanks of the black stallion. He mounted the horse behind Frederick and then paused briefly again. “I dare not go back by Faneuil Hall. We’ll have to move westward.”
    Breathing desperately against the pain in his shoulder, Frederick swallowed hard. “My house, milord, is just down the street.”
    There. He had done it. He had told this man where he lived. He might be bringing danger down upon Elizabeth and the baby. He might have sealed their fate.
    “Point me onward, and I will see you home.”
    But before Frederick could do so, the sentry rounded the corner with the woman in the cloak following close beside him. “Sir! A man is lost, I tell you, and you must give up this ridiculous manhunt to help me!” the feminine voice cried.
    The sentry stood dead still staring down the cobbled street to where Frederick sagged atop the horse. Frederick’s rescuer stepped forward. “Amanda!”
    Frederick could see that she stared at him blankly, but perhaps the sentry did not fathom the look. The manstepped forward, drawing her toward him. “My betrothed, Officer. Her father would be horribly distressed if he knew that she was roaming the streets. He would charge me with negligence, and … well … My friend, have a heart. Were you to report this, my lovely prize might well be snatched from my very hands.”
    “What? Your betrothed—” she began in protest.
    “Yes!” he snapped, narrowing his eyes. “She has lapses!” the man said quickly, and he caught hold of her with force, pulling her against him in a fine semblance of desperate affection. Frederick heard his urgent and commanding whisper. “If you wish your Damien well, you will shut your mouth now!”
    She went stiff, but still. “Take the lady, milord, and save me some time and strength!” the soldier complained. “I’m looking for a dangerous, armed rebel. I followed his trail—who is that up on your horse?” he said with sudden sharp suspicion.
    “My friend has partied too heartily this night. We’ve been at the home of Sir Thomas Mabry, and well … young fellows do imbibe too freely upon occasion. Isn’t that right, Mandy?”
    She went very stiff, but agreed. As she