Runaway by Bobbi Smith Read Free Book Online

tonight.
    “I got my work taken care of, and now I can relax for a while,” he responded.
    If this town was trying to protect the gang in any way, Lane was determined to bring them all down. Now that his identity was known as well as his reason for being in Black Rock, he would have to be even more careful than before, in case the gang was nearby and had been alerted to his presence. He went to join a poker game at the far end of the room and sat with his back to the wall so he could watch everything that was going on around him. He didn’t want any surprises tonight.

Chapter Four
    The carriage ride to Bryce Parker’s mansion seemed endless as Destiny stared blankly out the window. She was trying to ignore Raymond, who was seated across from her, but he was making it impossible with his incessant talking.
    “This will be a very smart marriage for you,” he declared. “Bryce is wealthy and powerful. You’ll want for nothing as his wife.”
    Destiny remained silent, although she had already decided to seek out her mother’s attorney in the morning to see whether there was any way she could escape the dictates of Raymond’s guardianship.
    The carriage came to a stop in front of the two-story, elegant brick Parker mansion, and a servant immediately came out to help her down from the vehicle. As soon as Raymond had climbed out of the carriage after her, he took her by the arm and started up the walkway.
    “Mr. Parker is expecting you,” the doorman announced as he hurried ahead of them to hold the door open.
    Bryce had enjoyed several brandies while he’d awaited Howard’s return with Destiny. He was feeling most confident when the servant knocked on his study door to announce their arrival. He went out into the front hall to welcome them just as they walked in the door.
    The sight of the beautiful Destiny standing right there before him, with her blonde hair done up in a sophisticated style and her lush curves clad in a modestly cut blue gown, sent a jolt of sensual heat through Bryce and left him eager to see her without the dress on. He smiled as he moved forward to speak with her.
    “Good evening, Destiny,” he greeted her warmly.
    “Hello, Bryce,” she returned, meeting the gaze of the tall, good-looking businessman. Darkly handsome though he was in his expensive, tailored suit, there was still something about him that left her feeling on edge.
    Bryce greeted Raymond as a mere afterthought. “Raymond—I’m so glad you could join me this evening.”
    “Hello, Bryce,” Raymond replied. “Thank you so much for your invitation. We’re delighted to be here.”
    “Please, come in,” Bryce directed, taking Destiny’s arm and leading them into the dining room. “Dinner is almost ready.”
    Destiny had grown up in comfort, for the Sterling family was well-to-do, but the opulence of Bryce’s home was far beyond anything she’d ever known. It was easy to tell from the ornate millwork, the crystal chandeliers, fine china and silverware, and the expensive furniture and rugs, that he was a man of vast wealth. It was also easy to tell that he wanted the whole world to know just how rich he was.
    “Your home is lovely,” she complimented him as he escorted her to a seat at the table just to the right of his own chair.
    “Thank you, my dear,” he returned. “I know your stepfather has been here several times before to visit, but I’ve never had the pleasure of your company before. I’ll be glad to show you around later if you’d like.”
    As he and Raymond joined her at the table, the servants appeared and began to serve the meal. It was gourmet fare and quite delicious.
    Destiny made only small talk throughout the meal. Most of the time, she just listened to the conversation between her stepfather and Bryce. She could tell things were a bit strained between them. She thought of Raymond’s threat that if she didn’t marry Bryce she would have to marry him, and she wondered what was really going on