The eighth book in the Rescue Me (Mail Order Brides) series, is Elise, by Author Zina Abbott.
Kurt Neumann recently finished his eleven-year plus enlistment and is relieved to see the last of the U.S. Army. While he was in, although he fought when needed, he spent most of his time cooking for the troops. Having saved most of his earnings, he has a general plan in place for his future, but is in limbo regarding some of the details, including where he will settle. He meets a pretty German woman who speaks no English. Falling back on the German he learned from his German relatives, he is able to communicate. Once they realize a detective is after Elise, intent on taking her back to answer for her crime, Kurt must make a decision. Will he avoid complications by walking away, or will he help her escape?
Now, with the large knife
she used to chop vegetables for Hannah’s soup in her hand, Anja all but froze
as she listened to the approach of heavy footsteps.
“Frau Schmitt, leave your stove and join you husband up front. You
can polish glasses. I need to speak with Fräulein
Meyer.”
“Fräulein Meyer, the nurse we hired to watch the children did not
work out.”
Keeping her gaze on the
wooden cutting surface where she had been chopping carrots, Anja held the knife
in place as she dipped her chin to acknowledge his statement.
“Look at me when I speak
to you!” Volume raised, Herr Kleist,
standing at the end of the counter so he was at a right angle to Anja, grabbed
the counter edges with both hands as he leaned toward her.
Anja jerked her head up
and twisted her neck to meet her employer’s gaze. Usually, it is expected of a peasant to show deference by keeping their
eyes on the ground. She could smell the alcohol on his breath, and it was
not beer.
“There is no one to watch
our grandsons. Frau Kleist has asked
me to bring you back to the nursery. But, I do not know if I want you to leave
the kitchen. If you wish for me to agree to letting you work as a nurse again,
I expect something in return.” Herr
Kleist released his grip on the counter and began to sidle around the edge
toward Anja. “You understand what I am telling you? When I tell you to come to me, you will come, and you will give me
what I want.” His gaze focused on her bosom, he slowly lifted a hand.
Anja understood all too
well what he meant. “Nein, Herr Kleist.
I will not be your Hure.” I did not come to America to be any man’s
whore. “I prefer to stay in the kitchen.” Without loosening her grip on the
knife handle, she dropped both hands to her sides and stepped back.
“I own you. You will do
what I say.” The man, his hands outstretched, lunged for Anja.
Her breaths coming in
gasping heaves, Anja grunted out cries of distress through parted lips as she
sought to block the man’s attack with her arm. As he pressed toward her, she
stumbled backward until her backside collided with the baking hutch. As soon as
she felt him grab handfuls of skirt, she crossed her arms chest high and pushed
with all her might. She heaved a breath of relief when he stumbled back.
“You will pay for that, Fräulein.” His elbow bent and his
fingers tightly closed, he drew his arm back.
Congratulations Zina!! Sounds like a terrific read!
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