Mail Order Bride: Journey's End: A Mail Order Brides Western Romance (Love On The Line Book 2) by Catherine Harper Read Free Book Online Page B

himself, "If that happens, there's no telling what Tom will do."
    "There's something else, John, I'm leaving."
    John turned with a confused look on his face. "You're what?"
    "I think it's time I did-"
    Leaning forward in his seat, he said, "But you can't. What if Charles does get out like you said? I thought you wanted…"
    Alice looked to her lap for a second before looking up again. "What I want and what I can have, are two different things, John. I can't stay here. I know it wouldn't be right for either of us."
    John sat back in his chair and shook his head. "I don't understand, last night you and I-"
    "I'm sorry, John, I know it wouldn't work out-"
    "Did someone say something to you?"
    Alice shook her head and looked to her lap. "No."
    "Well, what happened? Last night you and I-"
    "Please John, I've made my decision." Alice said, avoiding his gaze.
    "Can I ask you something," John said. "And I want you to look me in the eye when you answer me..."
    Lifting her head, Alice gazed at the man she wanted so much and tried to keep her emotions in check. It didn't work for long. Feeling a tear break free, she tried to wipe it away as quickly as it emerged. Seeing him hurry around from his side of the desk, Alice tried to hold him at bay. "John, please, don't."
    "Oh, Alice, what is it?" John asked kneeling down to take hold of her hands. "What's wrong? Please I want to help."
    Fighting back the tears that showed no sign of ending, Alice kept silent before blurting out. "You can't, it's too late."
    Leaving her for a few seconds, John returned with a glass. "Here, take this, it might help."
    Taking the glass, Alice drank it down quickly and felt the burning sensation of whiskey making its way to her stomach. Cringing at its bitter taste, she looked him over. "My God!"
    "Neat whiskey, I thought it might help?"
    Fanning her tongue with her hand, Alice said, "What, put me in hospital? You could have warned me."
    Seeing him smile, Alice handed the empty glass back and watched him put it back on the desk. Giving her his attention again, he took out a handkerchief and handed it over.
    "Alice, whatever you might think of me, good or bad. I hope you can look at me as a friend. Do you?"
    Alice nodded.
    "Good," John said. "Now speaking as just two friends—tell me what's wrong."
    Alice looked to the handkerchief in her hand and twisted it. Noticing how tight she could make it, she looked up and saw John look at it too. Putting his hands on hers she finally found the courage to speak. "I was—raped."
    "Oh my God, I'm so sorry."
    Feeling like the dam had been finally broken, and not knowing if it was the whiskey inside her, Alice found the rest of the story come out easily. Telling him all her past history, she finished it with her dream.
    "So when you came in last night—all I could see was your face where Walter's should have been."
    John put his hand to her cheek. "Now I can understand why you reacted the way you did."
    Holding his hand there, Alice said. "After seeing that, and feeling the revulsion of his touch…"
    "You thought that you and I could never-"
    "I'm a damaged woman, John. Whatever you look at it, you deserve someone better than me…"
    John took her chin in his hand and looked deep in her eyes. "You think maybe I should have a say in this decision?"
    "Well, yes, but-"
    "I'm not going anywhere, and neither are you. That's if you don't want to?"
    Alice shook her head. "No."
    Getting up from his knees, John took her hands and pulled her to her feet. Taking her in a long embrace, he held her there and said nothing. Finally pulling away, Alice looked up and smiled.
    "Thank you."
    John shook his head. "For what, I'm just glad you told me. I thought I did something to make you-"
    "I'm sorry I thought-"
    “Leave the thinking to me," John smiled. "By the way, have you got that suitcase of yours packed again?"
    Alice smiled and looked to the floor. "Maybe."
    "I swear I'm going to burn that thing if you fill it again."
    Alice smiled