Deadly Vows Read Free

he broke your heart. I know you haven’t forgotten. He was selfish then as he is selfish now. Think, Francesca!”
    She trembled. “Of course I haven’t forgotten. But he was trying to protect me from the scandal—and from himself.”
    â€œYou have become adept at making excuses for him!” His tone was urgent. “You know, as I know, that he will hurt you again and again, in little ways, if not the biggest possible way. God only knows what demons live within him. He is selfish and cruel. I have seen him deliberately try to hurt you! You deserve someone kind.” He took a breath. “I am not asking you to end your engagement. But I am asking you to delay the marriage. I cannot understand this mad rush to the altar.”
    She trembled, finally tearing her gaze from his. “Why are you doing this?”
    He said, “You know why. Because I have never stopped caring about you.”
    She blinked back sudden tears. Once, long ago, he had been the man of her dreams. And maybe, if his wife had not returned, they would be together now. But she had fallen madly in love with Hart. She hadn’t thought it possible to love so deeply, so intensely. And she had made her choice months ago. But his comments hurt now, and she didn’t dare analyze why. It was a moment before she could speak. “I can hardly delay now.”
    â€œWhy not?” he demanded.
    She looked up somehow. “He would be terribly hurt if I did so—and I am in love.”
    His achingly high cheekbones flushed. “And he wouldrecover, if you batted those blue eyes at him. Right now, you have my brother enthralled.”
    â€œI want to marry him today, Rick.” There was a warning in her tone.
    â€œDo you? I saw worry and doubt in your eyes—do not try to deny it. I know you too well.”
    She hugged herself. It was a moment before she spoke. “I admit I am apprehensive. Hart is a difficult man. I fully expect our marriage to have its ups and downs, as most marriages do. My expectations are realistic.”
    â€œUps and downs?” He was incredulous. “When he causes you pain, he does so deliberately—and it is a knife to your heart. I know. I have seen. Francesca, I want to protect you from him!”
    She backed away. “Please don’t do this today. I am not delaying our wedding. I wouldn’t dream of it. In fact, I can’t wait to be his wife, no matter that you have upset me.”
    He grimaced. “I am sorry. I simply care too much. Very well. But I will kill him if he doesn’t reform and become the husband you deserve.”
    She inhaled, relieved. “So you will wish us well? I need your blessing!”
    He reached for her, and as inappropriate as it was, she went loosely into his arms. “I wish you well with every breath I take, and I always will. Francesca, you deserve to have all of your dreams come true.”
    She smiled at him. “Thank you, Rick,” she said softly. “So I will see you at four?”
    Warmth finally showed in his eyes. “Yes, you will see me at four.”
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    C ONNIE SAILED THROUGH the heavily polished front doors of the house. Surprised, she halted midstride as Bragg nodded at her in greeting. As he left, Francescawalked over to her blonde sister and the two of them paused to watch him crank up his black Daimler motorcar in the driveway below the house. A moment later he had put on his goggles and was motoring down the long, graveled driveway toward the open iron gates at its west end.
    The doorman closed the front door and Francesca faced her elegant, perfectly groomed sister. Julia had raised her in her own image: Connie was a proper lady, a caring mother and wife, and the perfect hostess. Like Julia, she was an adept socialite. “I see you are already dressed for the wedding,” Francesca teased, fully aware that Connie would rush home to change into something even more elegant than the blue