Never Trust a Scoundrel by Gayle Callen Read Free Book Online

would eventually emerge at the end of the day to talk to him. But he was so young that over time he began to resent the piano, to resent even the melody in her mind that called to her more than he could. She kept telling him that she had no choice except to write everything down. When it was finally done, and she declared herself through with music forever, he’d been secretly glad. He’d never brought up music again, but had always wondered when it would pull her away from him, her only child. Now that he was an adult, he wished it would come back to her.
    Here in Hyde Park, with only his horse for company, Daniel told himself not to think. He rode contentedly in the saddle as the animal cantered.
    Until he heard a scream.
    He stiffened, pulling on the reins until the horse came to a stop. He looked between the trees, up and down Rotten Row, but he saw nothing.
    Then came another scream, closer this time.
    Suddenly, a horse burst from between two trees, heading straight at Daniel. His mount danced to the side, its ears back. The scream was coming from the other rider, a woman, who seemed to be hanging on for dear life, sliding perilously to one side. Her hat was gone, her brown hair flying from its pins. Daniel urged his horse into a gallop, so that by the time the woman’s horse flew past, he was keeping the same pace with a burst of speed.
    He reached out, leaning sideways as the rough dirt path seemed to fly beneath him. He meant to grab her reins, but at the last second, he saw that it was Grace Banbury. Her beautiful face was stark white with terror. Letting go of his own reins, he caught her beneath the arms and dragged her across his lap.
    Grace cried out as she found herself pulled across the gap between the pounding hooves of both horses. The ground raced below, the air rushed through her hair and past her ears, and she’d thought herself perfectly safe—until Daniel Throckmorten had decided to risk life and limb saving her rather than just take hold of the reins.
    His thighs were hard beneath her, one arm encircled her back, and the other reached to slow her horse, making him lean perilously low overher. She gaped up at him, so shocked she almost forgot to pretend gratitude, as had been her plan. His face was hard with determination, brown eyes narrowed with concentration. It was thrilling and exciting—and difficult to remember to look terrified. When he finally pulled to a stop, she only had a moment to look around to see if anyone was watching. She saw three people on horseback, and thankfully, two were ladies, who were more likely to spread the tale.
    Daniel lifted her even closer to him. Cradled in his arms felt as safe as being on the ground. He examined her face as if he expected to find blood.
    â€œAre you all right?” he demanded.
    â€œOh, you saved me, Mr. Throckmorten!” she cried, a bit too loudly.
    He frowned. “However did you get yourself in such a predicament? You live in the country. I would have thought you a better judge of a horse’s temperament. This beast is your brother’s, isn’t it?”
    â€œYes, yes, it was foolish of me, I know—”
    â€œHallo, are you all right?” cried a man’s voice.
    Grace tried to sit up higher, but the pommel cut into her hip, and Daniel was still holding on so firmly. “Could you please help me down, Mr. Throckmorten? I do believe my limbs aren’t shaking so badly now.”
    His frown grew even more suspicious, but there was also a hint of amused curiosity in those dark eyes. But their witnesses were riding toward them, and she could not afford more time to appease him.
    She tried to turn to greet the spectators, but he hugged her close and whispered, “You’ve given me such a ripe opportunity, Grace. I wonder what they’d say if I just continue to hold you so indecently, as if we are far too familiar with each other.”
    â€œYou wouldn’t,” she hissed, waving