Brides and Betrayal (Reconciled and Redeemed Book 1) Read Online Free Page B

emotions, they will control you – and then you will be just like you mother, destroying the lives of those around you.
    Later that evening, snuggled with her back against Hunter’s body, and wrapped in the protective shield of his embrace, she debated with the inner voices of her conscience.
    He is my husband, it can’t be sinful .
    But then she remembered her stepmother’s words when she had asked to go to prom. “You cannot be trusted on a date. You are filled with uncontrolled emotions - just like your mother. You don’t see me swooning at my husband’s touch - I know control, and so should you.”
    Hunter nuzzled her ear, sending goose bumps down her arms. She closed her eyes to the words of her stepmother and her heart.
    “Hunter, I...” She paused, wanting to tell him more about her past. “I don’t want you to think that I’m elusive.”
    “That was definitely not elusive.” She could feel the rumble of laughter coming from his chest through her back. Holly wasn’t laughing, but Hunter didn’t notice. He had pulled her hair away from her neck and was placing kisses from the nape to her shoulder.
    She turned in his arms, and he leaned on one elbow, looking down at her.
    He brushed her hair back from her face, entranced by the way it splayed out on the pillow beneath her. His words were absentminded dribbles from his brain. “I liked serving with you today.”
    “Me too.”
    “You are very commanding as the team leader.” His smile warmed her heart, and she could sense the pride in his words.
    He pulled his attention from her hair and look down at her. His countenance changed from absentminded to serious. “I think you will make an excellent business partner for Anya.”
    “Really?”
    There was concern still lurking in the depth of his eyes. “I’m scared, but I want you to see that I do trust you.”
    Her emotions welled up within her. “I will show you that I am worthy of your trust.”
    Laying down, he pulled her against him. With her head resting on his chest, and her mind whizzing through everything that just happened, she listened to the steady thrum of his heartbeat. “I know we don’t talk about my parents a lot.”
    “You don’t have to; you said that it causes you pain.” She could hear that he was getting sleepy as he said, “I understand, Holly. I know how much the sins of our parents stain us.”
    “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”
    He kissed her lightly on the top of her head. “It is hard to get out from under that stain.”
    She nodded her head, but her heart didn’t want to agree. Soon, their bedroom was filled with the sound of his snores and the almost imperceptible sound of her tears.

Chapter Four
    T he next Saturday, Seth, Holly, and Hunter met at the church to work on the outreach game. Dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, Hunter looked ready to get down to work. However, Holly found herself distracted, stealing glances at him while they were working. His dark gray t-shirt was stretched taught across his broad shoulders as he cut the wood for the bean-bag toss game.
    Behave , her conscious warned her.
    They had enjoyed a nice week, and the only hiccup in they had come when he unexpectedly dropped by the boutique. Holly had greeted him at the door with a smile, and Hunter wrapped his arm around her waist. His smile faded when he noticed two males sitting in flowery wingback chairs near the dressing rooms.
    “Grooms?” She heard the sliver of insecurity laced within his question. Holly wished he would trust her, but her inner tormentor reminded her of all the filth that covered her.
    “No, they are here to interview for the driver/server position.”
    He had tried not to let his jealousy show, but she saw it flicker in his eyes. Seeking to ease his concerns, she placed a hand on his chest and said, “Anya will mostly be working with the driver. He will help her with the catering trays and set up the platform and mirror.”
    “I see.” He tried to keep his