The Bastard Son (Winds of Change Book 2) Read Free Page B

assume there is something I can dig up to eat.”
    She gave him a slight nod and laid her head on the pillow. His voice was soothing, and he had been kind despite her invasion of his home. Somehow she found comfort in that knowledge. But if she knew anything, she knew she needed to leave.
    * * * *
    The stranger took his time returning. When he did so, he carried in a tray of food. Jane took note of his dress. A backwoods man, no doubt.
    “You will find I’m not much of a cook,” he said, placing the meager offerings on a bedside table. “I brought only what I could find in the kitchen, some peaches and stale bread. Is this what you have survived on?”
    “It is enough for my needs.”
    He frowned. “It is no matter. I have supplies coming this afternoon. Parker from the general store in Hanging Rock Creek is delivering them. Do you know of him? Are you from this area?”
    Lowering her gaze, she said simply, “Yes.”
    A look of amusement passed over his face. He sat on the edge of the bed. “You are not going to make this easy for me…making me pull information out of you.” Tilting his head to the side, he forced her to look at him. “This is what I have surmised at this point. You have been here a while and you are in hiding from one of the most notorious of Loyalist raiders, which makes you either extremely brave or foolish.”
    “What does it matter to you? I will be leaving here soon enough. I need only to dress.”
    “It is dangerous for a woman to travel alone.”
    “I have my pistol.” She glanced around the room. “What have you done with it?”
    “It is useless…old and the barrel leans to the right. I would wage it doesn’t shoot straight and could possibly backfire.”
    She wanted to say she was well aware of that fact. It was why she was here, why she had failed in her attempt to right a wrong…why Bloody Benny was after her.
    “Ah, that you knew.”
    Emotion tightened her expression. She tensed, suddenly feeling like a caged animal. An overwhelming sensation swept through her. She needed to escape from his scrutiny. Her chin rose and her eyes sparked defiance.
    He met her eyes with his own stubbornness. Reaching over, he took her hand in his. Her heart palpitated, his closeness distracted her.
    “Perhaps I should back up and introduce myself. My name is Sumner. I hold to the Patriot cause and fight in the militia. I don’t know which side you hold to, but it is little matter to me. I do not harm defenseless women. I am offering you my help. Where is your family?”
    The memory of her family brought her back to her senses. Her eyes narrowed. She had no intention of sharing her story with him. “I have none, but it is no matter. I’m not your concern.”
    “I wish that was true for I have no time for this, but given you have no one to look after you and you are within my house, my care…my bed…”
    For the first time, she became acutely aware of his eyes upon her. He seemed quite amused at her expense. Taking deep breaths to calm herself, she felt flushed. Pushing back the covers, she almost leaped from the bed to the floor.
    Of all the conceit! To think she had begun to trust him…somewhat. She turned to grab her dress off the chair back, but he took her hand and stopped her.
    “You don’t need to do this. Truly, I meant no offense and apologize. I have no excuse except it has been a long time since I was in the company of a beautiful woman.”
    “I feel so stupid…and foolish.”
    “There is no need. You have done what you must to survive, but you are safe now.”
    Suddenly, she had a great need to be held and made no protest when he wrapped his arms about her. She nestled closer and he held her tighter.
    Holding her in this manner, he became aware of the feel of her body. His concern mingled with a growing desire. He should let her go. Hell, he should saddle her horse himself and see her down the road.
    Instead, he pressed a kiss on her head in a reassuring manner. She looked