Love Me Always Read Online Free

young girl, she’d been quite lovely but the years had only enhanced her looks. He’d literally lost his breath when she glided down the stairs, looking as regal as any woman he’d met.
    Although her stubbornness really didn’t surprise him, the outburst of her temper was something unexpected. When she’d raised her voice against her father, her displeasure nearly shook the walls of the cottage. But why? She was getting what all girls her age wanted...a wealthy, titled husband.
    Sighing heavily, Nick rearranged the reins in his hands. His uncle was going ahead with this ludicrous arrangement even though he was extremely sick. Each day Uncle Grant grew more ill, withering away before Nick’s eyes. And speaking of eyes…the duke’s eyesight had diminished as well. Nick had to practically stand right in front of him to be seen.
    “Hold up, Nick,” Gregg called his name from behind. “What’s your hurry?”
    Nick slowed his horse until his brothers caught up. “My mind wandered,” he explained. “I didn’t realize I had ridden so far ahead.”
    “It’s around the lunch hour,” Ian said. “What do you say we find a nice little inn and feed our bellies? I didn’t get to eat breakfast this morning because you were in such a hurry to get to the Martin’s.”
    “Catherine is probably hungry, as well,” Gregg added. “And you know how women are when they get that way.”
    Nick gripped the reins tighter. Would he ever be able to hear her name without dying inside? And why couldn’t he get rid of the hostility forming a knot in his chest?
    “Yes. I know how women can be. I’ll ride on ahead and locate an eating establishment.”
    With renewed anger, Nick urged his horse into a fast trot.
    An hour later, Nick brought the group of travelers to an inn five miles south, just out of their way. It wasn’t exactly the kind of eating establishment he’d hoped for, but being this far out in the country, it was the best he could find. He’d previously paid the owner more than the working man made in a month to have a clean table ready, and warm, fresh food awaiting their arrival.
    As he dismounted, his two brothers rushed to the main carriage to assist Catherine. Nick shook his head. Those two fawned over her as if she were royalty. Did they think their act of heroism would put them in their uncle’s good grace? Perhaps they found Catherine charming and attractive.
    But of course. How could they not? She had a certain graceful beauty that tore Nick apart with longing every time he looked at her. Excitement twinkled in her amazingly blue eyes as she focused on his brothers. Of course, she probably loved the way Gregg and Ian adored her, hanging on her every word.
    As the threesome walked his way, Nick grunted with disdain. Her eyes now sparkled as blue as an ocean on a clear day, instead of the turbulent color they’d been earlier this morning when Nick had exchanged heated words with her in front of the carriage.
    Gregg said something and she laughed. Nick mentally dismissed the pleasant music drifting to his ears. She was definitely trained the right way. There was no way his uncle wouldn’t be sucked in by her charm just like Grant’s doltish nephews were right now.
    As they entered and shown to their table, Nick slid on the bench across from his brothers and Catherine who sat between them. With narrowed eyes, he studied her as she merrily conversed with Gregg and Ian. Every once in a while she’d glance at him, before turning her attention back upon his calf-eyed brothers.
    The food was served and the conversation mellowed. Although Nick could tell she remembered the manners taught to her in school, it was obvious his brothers forgot their upbringing. They talked with their mouths full and rested their elbows on the table.
    Nick didn’t enter the conversation and finished eating before the others had. He scooted back in his seat and folded his arms, continuing to listen to the immature conversation Gregg and