Page 34 of Captive Bride

William Dawsona??s soft gray eyes rested on Christina. He still held her hand in both of his.

a??Youa??d make me the happiest man in Cairo if youa??d allow me to sit with you during the performance, and perhaps take you home afterward. With your brothera??s permission, of course.a??

a??Well, Ia??a?? Christina looked to John for help, but he sent her a warning look to remind her of the promise shea??d made. She smiled weakly. a??I would be delighted to accept your offer, William. It seems I have my very own escort nowa??doesna??t it, Kareen?a??

Kareen nodded with sympathetic eyes. a??Yes, and a charming one, at that.a??

She knew Christina wasna??t ready for this. She still carried a broken heart so openly. Kareen wondered how John had managed to talk Christina into coming tonight. It was good for Christina to get out, but she wasna??t ready yet to trade polite quips with an escort.

On the way home, Christina listened absentmindedly to Williama??s story of some adventure in the wilds of Texas.

She couldna??t recall anything about the opera, except impressions of brightly colored costumes and loud music.

Her thoughts had wandered every time shea??d glanced at the comb in Kareena??s hair.

Couldna??t she forget Philip even for a little while?

a??Wea??re here, Christina.a??

She was glad shea??d agreed to let William bring her home. John would want to be alone with Kareen for a while, and shea??d have been in the way.

a??Would you like to come in for a glass of sherry, William?a?? she said, feeling guilty about the many times shea??d refused to see him.

a??I was hoping youa??d ask me just that.a??

Inside, Christina went directly to the liquor cabinet, but William came up behind her and pinned here there with one hand on either side. He poured two sherries, then stepped back to hand her one.

a??Ia??d like to toast this moment. How Ia??ve dreamed of it,a?? he murmured. His eyes caressed the bosom revealed by her low-cut gown.

a??I hardly think it worth toasting, William,a?? she said nervously.

Christina moved away and sat down in Johna??s favorite chair for what little protection it offered. She suddenly remembered that Mrs. Greene was visiting friends and would probably stay the night.

a??Youa??re wrong, Christina,a?? William said, taking her hand and pulling her to her feet. a??Tonight will be a night to remember for both of us.a??

Suddenly he pulled her into his arms. His lips found hers and bruised them in a demanding kiss. Christina felt shocked and repelled. How had she let herself into this situation? She pulled her mouth away, but he still embraced her, pressing her body against his.

a??William, pleasea??let go of me.a?? She tried to speak calmly. But she knew she was alone with him, and fought a rising panic.

a??Whata??s wrong, Christina?a?? He held her at arma??s length, running his gray eyes boldly over her body. a??Therea??s no need to act the coy virgin with me.a??

a??Youa??re too bold, William Dawson,a?? Christina replied coldly, jerking out of his grasp. a??You have no right to take such liberties with me.a??

a??I havena??t begun to take the liberties I intend taking.a??

William reached for Christina, but she ran to put the big chair between them.

a??I must ask you to leave,a?? she said curtly.

a??Is that any way to act, baby doll? Ia??ll take good care of you. Ia??m not a rich man, but I can certainly afford a mistress. After a while, if youa??re a good little girl, I might even marry you.a??

a??You must be crazy!a??

He laughed. She could see the lustful desire in his face. He shoved the chair aside and moved forward with his arms outstretched. Christina turned to run, but it was too late. William grabbed her around the waist and jerked her back against him.

His wicked laughter infuriated her. His hands explored her breasts and belly while she struggled to get free.

a??Do you like it rough? Is that what youa??re used to, baby doll?

One more man isna??t going to matter after all those stinking desert outlaws youa??ve spread your legs for.

Tell mea??how many were there? And which one sired the bastard youa??re carrying?

Ia??m sure the little fellow wona??t mind if I sample his mamaa??s goods.a??

Christina froze at his last words. She stood perfectly still. Not even a breath escaped her, and the words kept ringing in her ears. Bastard youa??re carrying bastard. A baby!

a??So youa??ve decided to be reasonable. Well, youa??ll enjoy having a man after all the scum youa??re used to.a??

Suddenly Christina burst out laughing. It had been a long time since shea??d heard the sound of her own laughter. William swung her around roughly and shook her by the shoulders.

a??What the hella??s so funny?a?? he demanded. But she laughed hysterically, tears running down her cheeks.

And then they both heard the sound of Johna??s carriage pulling to a halt in front of the building.

a??You bitch!a?? William whispered furiously, pushing her from him.

a??Yes,a?? she replied gaily. a??I certainly can be a bitch when the situation warrants it.a??

a??Ia??m not through with you yeta??there will be another time,a?? he said coldly.

a??Oha??I doubt that, William.a??

John walked into the room, his eyes going first to Christinaa??s amused face, then to Williama??s scowling expression. He wondered briefly what had happened, but refrained from asking.

a??Still here, William? Well, ita??s earlya??care to join me in a drink?a??

a??Well, Ia??a??

a??Oh, go ahead, William,a?? Christina cut in playfully. She hoped he was squirming. a??Ia??m going to retire, anyway. Ita??s been a most unusual evening. Not quite enjoyable, but informative. a??Night, John.a??

She turned and went to her room. She closed the door, leaned against it, and could still hear the men in the drawing room.

a??What did she mean by that last remark?a?? John asked.

a??I have no idea.a??

Christina pushed herself away from the door and twirled around and around, just as she used to do when she was a little girl.

Her skirt floating around her and pins flying from her hair, she continued twirling until she reached her bed.

She fell backward onto it, giggling in sheer delight.

She felt her belly with both hands, searching for proof of Williama??s words.

There was only the slightest little bulgea??no proof at all. Had William only presumed her pregnant because shea??d lived four months with a man?

Christina jumped off the bed and quickly lit the lamp. She ran to the windows overlooking the street and snatched the curtains closed. Then she tore off her gown and chemise and stood perfectly naked before the full-length mirror in the corner.

She examined her body, but could see no change.

Turning sideways, Christina pushed her stomach out as far as it would go, which wasna??t much, and then sucked it in.

There was her proof. Her stomach wouldna??t go in as far as it used to.

But she frowned, for that could just be added pounds instead of a baby.

After all, her appetite had increased this last month. She had to think this out.

She blew out the light and crawled into bed, pulling only a light cover over her unclad body. It was funny. Now that she could wear a nightdress again, she no longer wanted to. She was used to sleeping with Philip and having no clothes between them.

But if she were carrying Philipa??s child, there had to be other signs.

It hit her like an explosion. All the signs were there, but she had put them aside with excuses.

The dizziness, the nausea, she had blamed on the weather.

She had missed her monthly time twice, but had reasoned it was because she was so unhappy.

She had missed her time before, when her parents died.

She had made excuses because she was afraid to let the idea of being pregnant even enter her mind. But now she was overjoyed to have something to live for. She would have a babya??a baby that would remind her of Philip forever. Nobody could take that away from her.

But how far along was she? She was late right now for the third month, so there were only six months to go. Six beautiful, joy-filled months until she gave birth to Philipa??s son. She knew she would have a boy, and he would look just like his father.

With that happy thought, Christina turned on her side to sleep, a smile on her lips and her hands gently cradling her stomach.