The Forced Bride by Sara Craven Read Free Book Online Page A

friends.’
    ‘Hardly that, although he’s been—helpful.’
    ‘Nevertheless, this is my decision and it will stand.’ He paused. ‘There is one more thing. As my heiress, you could find
    yourself the target of unscrupulous people and I wish you to be—properly shielded.
    ‘I have discussed this with Rafaele and he has a suggestion to put to you.’
    Her heart seemed to stop. ‘What—what kind of suggestion’
    ‘He intends to ask you to become his wife.’ He saw the shock in her pale face and put his hand over hers. ‘Naturally, he
    would not expect it to be a marriage in the—conventional sense,’ he added awkwardly. ‘Because you’re still young for
    that kind of commitment, even if you wished it.’ He paused. ‘Do you wish it’
    ‘No,’ Emily managed.
    Not with him, she thought wildly. Never with him.
    ‘Then, as your husband, Raf would simply become your legal protector for the duration of the trust.’ The drawn face
    smiled a little. ‘Keeping the wolves at bay, my darling.’
    And who’ll keep him at bayShe thought it, but did not say it.
    ‘And when the trust ends’ she questioned tautly.
    ‘Naturally, you would both be free to go your separate ways. I have his word on that.’
    Her voice was strained. ‘But this can’t be what he wants either.’
    ‘Perhaps not,’ her father said. ‘Let’s just say it’s his way of repaying an old debt.’ He paused. ‘Emily, I can’t force you
    to marry Raf Di Salis, but I need to know that when I’m gone, you won’t be alone. For my peace of mind, I beg you to
    accept his proposal. Do this for me, darling—please. I can rest easy only if I know you’re being cared for.’
    The hoarse words were like nails being driven into her coffin. She said tonelessly, ‘If it’s—really what you wish…’
    ‘It is.’ He patted her hand. ‘Go to him, my dear. He’s waiting for you in the drawing room.’
    Raf was standing by the window when she entered. He looked at her, his face expressionless.
    ‘Your father has told you what I wish to ask’
    ‘Yes.’
    ‘So—will you be my wife, Emilia’
    ‘Yes,’ she said again.
    She thought he was going to come towards her and was suddenly assailed by a vivid memory of his arms holding her, his
    lips caressing hers. She froze and immediately felt foolish, because he hadn’t moved at all. In fact, it was almost as if he’d
    taken a step backwards, she thought in confusion.
    His tone was wintry. ‘Then it is settled. You have given your word to me and to your father, which I think is more
    important.’
    She lifted her chin. ‘Yes.’
    ‘And he explained the terms of the contract between us Just nod or shake your head.’ His voice bit. ‘Spare me another
    monosyllable.’
    Her eyes flashed angrily, but she gave a reluctant nod.
    ‘You clearly expect to be obeyed,’ she said coldly. ‘I hope you don’t require to be loved and honoured too.’
    ‘I am no believer in miracles.’ He walked across the room to the door. His faint smile was ironic. ‘Now, shall we go to
    your father and share our good news’
    Remembering, Emily bit her lip. It was the marriage, she thought, that had finally sealed the impenetrable barrier between
    them.
    She had tried to play the minor role in his life assigned to her quietly and dutifully, but it had never been easy—had made
    her tongue-tied and wary when he was around. And oddly resentful when he wasn’t.
    And, although he’d adhered strictly to the terms of their arrangement, she’d always been aware of a strange tension
    between them and felt nervous and on edge whenever she was obliged to be alone with him.
    So—I have no intention of ever being alone with him again, she thought, staring at the bare trees outside. And very soon
    now I won’t even have to think about him.
    And she wouldn’t be looking back at the past now, she told herself, if Raf hadn’t forced himself back into her
    consciousness like this.
    She glanced down at her watch,