“I think,” he continued, as his thumb swept over her lower lip in a seductive slide, “’tis best that I leave.”
A wise choice, a decision that would serve them both well. Except the thought of being alone left her empty, and she could feel the nightmares that’d stormed her dreams a short time before threatening to return. “I ask that you stay.”
His body tensed.
“Only to talk,” she rushed out. “If only for a while, please. I dinna want to be alone.”
Thomas hesitated. Moments ago he’d cursed the desire searing through him until he’d wanted to take. Now he damned how shaken by her nightmare, at this moment she looked fragile. “I will stay for a while longer.”
Her body sagged with relief.
Refusing to remain near the bed, Thomas gestured toward a carved bench paces before the hearth. As she sat, he stoked the fire, and then settled beside her.
Flames wavered over the wood, the simplicity of the moment calming.
With a hesitant glance, Alesone turned. “I thank you for remaining. I know you would have rather left.”
He gave a dry smile. “’Twould have been prudent, especially if anyone were to learn of my nocturnal visit.”
“You could say that you were sleepwalking.”
“Or, I could explain that, feeling poorly, I came for an herbal potion.”
Alesone arched a doubtful brow, but the concern on her face eased. On an unsteady breath, she glanced around. “’Tis a beautiful chamber.”
“Aye, this room has always been one of my favorites,” he said, allowing the memories to fill him. “It belonged to my mother.”
Surprise flickered on her face. “Why was I given her chamber?”
“’Twas my father’s doing. A choice which I admit pleased me.”
A blush swept up her cheeks. “For me as well—to care for you that is,” she blurted out.
He should accept her words, but after their kiss, and with his body still aching for her, he wanted her to admit that she wanted more. “And is that all?”
She stilled. “’Tisna fair to ask.”
Unable to resist, Thomas skimmed his mouth over hers. “When I see something I want, I find it difficult to be fair.”
Her eyes flared with nerves. “You canna want me.”
He was pushing her, but for an unexplainable reason, her evasion drove him to hear her say the words. “Why would you think that I wouldna want you?” As a Templar, it was a question that weeks ago he would have sworn he would never ask. Then, he’d never expected to meet someone like her.
“I…” Her lower lip trembled, and she shook her head. “Tell me about your mother’s chamber.”
He hesitated, wanting to press her, but with her thoughts troubled from her earlier nightmare, now wasna the time. Neither was their discussion through.
Thomas scanned the room, and the tangle of need fading beneath the memories. “My father built this chamber for my mother when she wished to be alone to read, sew, or other quiet diversions.”
A wistful smile curved her mouth. “That explains the beautiful details throughout. Never have I seen a mantle carved in such detail, or a stained window crafted with such an exquisite design. Both are breathtaking.”
“My father,” he said, struggling beneath the wash of sadness, “loved my mother very much.”
“I am sorry. Your being here must be difficult.”
“In truth,” he forced out, “’tis hard to be anywhere within Dair Castle.” There are so many memories.”
Alesone gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “Will you tell me about your mother?”
