The American Bride - By Karla Darcy Page 0,63

unenviable position you are in, they would at least have enough sense to do everything possible to make amends. They would certainly not enter a room and immediately upbraid their employer."

Cara flushed at the justice of his words. It seemed her impetuous tongue was going to continue to get her into trouble. She raised stricken, teary eyes to Julian's enraged face.

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

"Oh, sit down." Julian's voice was tired and he ran a hand around behind his neck as he straightened. He stared at her a moment longer then threw himself back into his chair. His gaze was frosty as she sat on the edge of the leather chair across from his desk.

Although it was only breakfast time for the rest of the household, Cara felt as though an entire day had passed. Anxiously she clutched her hands together in her lap. She felt Julian's eyes boring into her huddled figure but she refused to meet his gaze. The silence lengthened in the tension-filled room.

"I would love to remain here and beat the truth out of you." Julian's softly spoken words sent a thrill of terror through Cara and she raised wide eyes to his face. For a moment, staring into the startled depths, he felt his senses whirling in confusion and he lost his train of thought. Then nerving himself he continued. "However I have been summoned to London and I am leaving immediately."

Cara's breath was expelled in a feathery sigh. She had prayed for a miracle but had not entertained much hope. Perhaps now she could find a way out of her dilemma. Julian watched her through narrowed eyes. Noticing the girl's returning color he snorted in annoyance.

"I am sure that you will put the time to good use. I expect that by the time I return you will have concocted quite a suitable story to explain this...." Words failed him and he waved his hand in exasperation.

Cara refused to be baited, staring back at Julian, then lowering her eyes when she sensed the light of battle within his own dark brown ones.

"Wouldn't it just be easier for us both if when you returned you found I was already gone?" Cara ventured reasonably.

"No!" Julian exploded.

The girl rose from her chair ready to flee but he was too quick for her. As she raced for the door, he was before her so that she skidded to a stop almost catapulting herself against the hard wall of his chest. Julian grabbed her shoulders, catching his breath as an electric shock coursed through his hands and arms as he touched her.

Seeing the blaze of passion in the brown eyes, Cara tried to twist away but he drew her toward him until her mouth was only inches away from his own. Julian could feel the girl's heart pounding in her body and watched as her face whitened and her eyes darkened with fear. He seemed to be sinking in the pools of blue-green as he bent his head to touch her lips in a kiss of infinite tenderness. He caught her as her knees buckled, holding her in an embrace that was at once protective and yet passionate.

"Whatever am I going to do with you, Miss Farraday?" he asked in genuine bafflement.

Cara forced her spinning senses into some semblance of order. She leaned back against his arm, breathing through reddened lips that still pulsed with the imprint of his kiss. "Let me go, Lord Wilton." Cara used his title, hoping to remind him of the impropriety of his actions.

"I'm sorry, Miss Farraday, but that is something I find I am loath to do." However he did release her, leaning casually against the doorframe.

"I was hired as your wards' governess and you have found me unsuitable," Cara began, running her tongue over her suddenly dry lips. "You must let me go."

"It is true that I find you totally unfitted for the role of governess," Julian snapped, his teeth flashing in a wolfish grin. "However I have discovered other qualities in you which make you eminently suitable for another position."

Cara gasped at his insulting words. Her face burned knowing that her own actions had left her open to this compromising situation. She might be foolhardy but she was definitely not to be considered a woman of easy virtue. Affronted, she drew herself up, cloaking herself in dignity.

"You, sir, are a married man. I hope with all my heart I have misunderstood your intentions."

"I think, my dear, you are fully cognizant of my intentions."

His