That he marry her?
Her heart plummeted. God in heaven!
However much she cared for Thomas, his being forced into a marriage wasna her wish. A foolish thought. As if a duke would demand his son wed the bastard daughter of his enemy?
With methodical efficiency, she collected herself. At this moment the only thing she had left was her pride, and with her having lain naked with Thomas that was in tatters. Still, when she left Dair Castle, however damaged, at least she would have that.
“Thomas, hide under the bed.” She damned the tremor in her voice.
His mouth tightened. “I willna behave like a criminal in my home.”
His home. Lost in his upset, he hadna realized what he’d said. Though his claim assured her that he’d begun to heal, it didna change the criticalness of this moment. “For me. Please.”
“Trust me,” he repeated, his voice tight.
“I want to, but ’tis too important.” She cursed the hurt on his face, pain she’d caused, except the words had been said. Given the stakes, nor would she take them back.
Green eyes narrowed. “I willna hide like a coward, even for you.”
Hurt by his charge, she shook her head. “Never did I intend for you to think that.”
“Nay?” he said, his voice cool, “How was I to view it otherwise?”
“Thomas?” his father said from outside.
Eyes narrowed, he stepped back. “Come in, Father.”
The duke entered. Confusion lined his brow as he halted within the entry and stared at Thomas. “Why are you here?”
“Your Grace,” Alesone sputtered, “Thomas was—”
“I couldna sleep and decided to take a walk. When I stepped into the corridor, I heard Mistress Alesone cry out from inside her chamber,” he said, his eyes holding hers with a flash of temper. “Worried for her safety, I rushed inside. Thankfully, she wasna in danger, but having a nightmare.”
Warmth swept her cheeks at his simple explanation. Instead of trusting him to explain, she’d allowed her mind to create outrageous worries.
The duke’s body relaxed. “After what you have endured, I am little surprised you had disturbing dreams.” He closed the door and walked over. “’Twould seem a night for unrest. Nor could I sleep. With the sun beginning to rise, I came to check on my son.”
Stunned, she glanced toward the window, noted the swath of color staining the eastern sky. Caught up in their talk that’d spun to passion, she’d lost track of time.
“When I discovered his chamber empty,” the duke continued, “and as I couldna find him elsewhere, as he is in your care, I thought mayhap you would know.”
Her care. God in heaven. Thomas was recovering from serious injuries. Instead of dismissing his assurance that he was fine and insisting that he returned to his bed, she’d allowed him liberties. Allowed? Nay, wanted, and had thrilled at his every touch.
“Your Grace, I am sorry to cause you any concern.” Neither did she wish to give any sense of impropriety. What had she been thinking?
Alesone bit back a groan. With the way he’d touched her, kissed her, made her body come alive, there hadna been a lucid thought in her mind. She’d wanted him, and if they hadna been interrupted, would have given him her innocence.
Irritated at herself, and with Thomas deservedly upset by her lack of trust, ’twas best if he went to his chamber. “I explained to your son, Your Grace, that I was fine and he could return to his bed. Except he insisted on staying until he felt that I had calmed.”
Pride filled the noble’s gaze. “My son is a good man.”
He was, one she didna deserve, a man she should have trusted moments before. Frustrated, she met Thomas’s gaze. “I thank you again for ensuring that I was safe.”
“’Tis the least I can do after you have cared for me.” He gave a curt nod. “I will let you try to sleep.”
The men exited, and the duke tugged the door closed behind them.
Alesone collapsed on her bed, her body still trembling from his touch, and however wrong the intimacy, yearned for more.
