The Stolen Bride

The Stolen Bride
Susan Spencer Paul

'Twas Midsummer Night–when magic held sway…and Sofia Ahlgren dreamed of a deliverer to safeguard her from a blackhearted lord. Then, through the bonfires appeared Kayne the Unknown, who vowed to protect her, even at the cost of his very soul…!Though the dark raged within him, Mistress Sofia was his light. She alone made Kayne feel something of grace and innocence, blurring memories of war and bloodshed that haunted the depths of his being. But the bliss found under a summer moon could ne'er last forever, for keeping his beloved safe would mean a return to the heart of darkness that lay within him.

“You are all unclothed, Kayne…you have not been out in this weather?”

“Aye,” he murmured.

“But why?”

“To find a measure of peace.”

Sorrow knifed through her, far more painful than what her body had just experienced. “Oh, Kayne,” she murmured sadly, stroking strands of wet hair from his face. “’Tis all my fault. I am so deeply ashamed and sorry.”

He shook his head. “You are not the one to blame, Sofia. It is my own sickness that makes me ill within. You are my only refuge from the misery of it. I need you, Sofia.” Whispering the words this time, he said again, “I need you. But if you tell me to leave, I will go at once. Indeed, I should go. I have no right to ask anything of you.”

Sofia swallowed heavily. “I want you to stay, Kayne. But I am afraid…!”

The Stolen Bride

Harlequin Historical #535

#536 SILK AND STEEL

Theresa Michaels

#537 THE LAW AND MISS HARDISSON

Lynna Banning

#538 MONTANA MAN

Jillian Hart

The Stolen Bride

Susan Spencer Paul

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

Available from Harlequin Historicals and SUSAN SPENCER PAUL

* (#litres_trial_promo)The Bride’s Portion (as Susan Paul) #266

* (#litres_trial_promo)The Heiress Bride (as Susan Paul) #301

* (#litres_trial_promo)The Bride Thief #373

Beguiled #408

* (#litres_trial_promo)The Captive Bride #471

* (#litres_trial_promo)The Stolen Bride #535

To my beautiful daughter, Carolyn,

who came up with the title for this book,

and who fills each day of my life with joy.

Contents

Chapter One (#u469dd43c-7f9b-54ef-aea5-31f9f675348c)

Chapter Two (#u368f6d2e-b661-51ba-ae9b-1cde478ac0c0)

Chapter Three (#u8c9d7114-ec6e-5b58-ace0-fbbf033c968b)

Chapter Four (#u24571c55-e9d2-5963-83dc-c1e49c2871ae)

Chapter Five (#u58dfeeef-b441-5324-b5dd-e5629ea70c7d)

Chapter Six (#ufb54cd05-a133-568d-9f47-b75ce683a947)

Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fourteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fifteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Sixteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Seventeen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eighteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nineteen (#litres_trial_promo)