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And into her head the warning formed once more—be careful.
But they were words, only words. What power had they against the warm clasp of his hand? What power against the expression in his eyes, holding hers? What power against the surge of emotion thrilling through her as she took in what he had just said to her?
None.
Yet she had to listen.
Anguish pierced her. She said nothing. Dared say nothing. Dared show nothing. Instead, all she could do was feel the strength of his grasp on her hand, feel the warmth flowing through her, meeting the chill that was forming inside her.
Anguish pierced again.
Xavier wanted her. Wanted her for more than what he had already given her. How much more she did not know—only that he was telling her the fantasy was not yet over.
If only—
Her heart clenched. How could she? How could she fly away with Xavier? This time she’d had was time stolen from the reality of her life—she had always known that. Armand’s magic wand had lifted from her all the burdens that had crushed her, allowing her this wonderful, rapturous piece of time with Xavier.
But Armand would return.
Would he bring the news she so desperately longed to hear? She couldn’t know. She could only wait.
Never had it seemed so hard, her promise not to phone him. To wait, as she had promised him.
Emotion edged like a knife blade, cutting her in half. Tearing her in two.
She slipped her hand from Xavier’s.
‘I didn’t know,’ she said, in a low, troubled voice. ‘I didn’t know you wanted more than what we have had here.’
He gave a curious smile, half mocking of himself.
‘No more did I, cherie. But now—’ his voice changed ‘—I do know.’ He reached for his coffee and took a draught. ‘I do know.’ There was decision in his voice. Resolution.
The stone formed again in Lissa’s chest. A line of some ancient verse stabbed in her mind: If the gods wish to torment you, they grant you your dearest wish.
She could say nothing. What was there to say? Nothing. Not yet, at any rate. Not now. She would not spoil this precious remaining time. Would keep it safe to the last moment.
She lifted her eyes to Xavier. She could not have him long—but while she did she would take from this time everything she could. Emotion blazed in her eyes suddenly, and for one heady moment she met his. Something dissolved inside her.
‘Thank you,’ she said in a low, intense voice. ‘Thank you for asking me to come with you.’
She could say no more, only gaze at him, her eyes expressive of everything she felt. His coffee cup clicked as he set it back on the table with a sharp movement. With an equally abrupt movement he got to his feet. He held out his hand to her again. Imperative—demanding.
Inviting.
‘Come,’ he said. It was all he had to say.
She got to her feet, her pulse surging, and let him take her where he wanted to take her—where she would always want to go. The place she longed above all to be. In his arms.
Lissa turned off the shower and wrapped herself in a voluminous bath towel. Her thoughts were troubled. Emotions criss-crossed through her, powerful and disturbing.
Xavier wanted her—desired her. She knew that. Knew it every time he took her in his arms. And he had said he wanted to take her with him when they left the island.
But how can I? How can I until I know … until Armand phones me …?
Surely he must phone soon?
I have to know—I have to!
