For the first time in his life, Draven allowed the thought of matrimony to tempt him. “You would condemn her to life with me?”
“‘Twould certainly be better than life spent with her father. You at least would allow her a moment or two of fun I’d wager.”
“Perhaps, but at least with her father she would live out her life. With me there would be nothing save an early grave.”
“Draven, you are not?—”
“Don’t say it, Simon, for I know the truth. You see in me what you wish to, but I know what lies within. I feel it as a constant companion.”
Simon clapped him on the back. “You angst too much. You need to learn to relax and just enjoy life. Take one moment and live.” He jerked his chin toward the trees.
Draven turned his head to see Emily rejoining them.
“You could learn much from the lady,” Simon said in a low tone. “She knows how to make the most of what God has given us.”
Draven considered his words.
Simon made it all sound so simple, but the consequences were too high. If he listened to his brother and married, there was much more than just a slim chance he would one day kill her.
So far, he’d maintained his temper around her, but she held no fear of him, and he cringed at the thought of her one day pushing him past his limit.
‘Twas a chance he’d never take. One he refused to take.
Emily didn’t say a word as she neared the men. Draven looked away.
She exchanged a frustrated look with Simon before speaking to Draven. “Can we enjoy food now, or do you plan to ride for the rest of the day?”
Draven ran his hand through his hair, but still refused to meet her gaze. “My horse needs more rest. Take your time.”
She threw her hands up at Simon, then impulsively made a gesture as if she were going to choke Draven.
Just as she reached for his neck, Draven turned to see her gesture.
Emily drew her arms back to her shoulders and smiled.
Draven gave her a suspicious stare. “What were you doing?”
“Nothing,” she said sweetly.
He looked to Simon. “What was she doing?”
“Nothing.” Simon gave her a wink.
Sighing wearily, Draven headed toward his men. “I don’t have time for this.”
Emily turned to Simon as soon as Draven left their earshot. “He’s a stubborn man.”
“To the very core of his soul.”
“What am I to do?”
“Keep at it. Sooner or later, he’s bound to give in and admit his feelings.”
Emily watched as Lord Draven talked to his knights. He seemed completely oblivious to her presence. “What if he has no feelings for me?”
Simon laughed. “I assure you, if that were true, he wouldn’t avoid you so.”
“Are you certain?”
