She started to turn away, but he caught her shoulder, annoyed by her immediate withdrawal. “After all we have gone through, everything we have confided in each other, what could you possibly nae be able to tell me?”
She yanked free, her stance regal. “And can you share the reason why ’tis crucial that you deliver the writ?”
With Scotland’s freedom at risk, ’twas nae a choice he could make. “Nay, but my reasons are bound by honor.”
“Are they?” Her eyes blazed with anger. “I have your word that the message you carry is of great importance, yet you refuse to tell me its contents or your destination.”
“As I explained, if we were ever caught, your ignorance of my goal could save your life.”
“I understand duty, monsieur,” she said, her words crisp. “The weight of its responsibilities, the hard decisions it can bring.”
Monsieur! Blast this entire situation. And what right did he have to demand anything from her when he couldna reveal the reason he traveled to France? With Alesia already wary, he should have allowed their conversation to move onto safer ground.
But she intrigued him—and frustrated him—like no lass had done.
Ever.
Including Elizabet.
A muscle worked in his jaw. Fine, she wanted him nae to ask, he wouldn’t. He had his own life and she had hers. Colyne walked beneath a tall pine and then into the warmth of the sun. Was part of her secret that she was married?
The light spring breeze sifted through the blades of grass as the rays of the sun warmed his face. Inside, his bones had chilled to ice. He halted. “Do you love someone else?”
Regret etched her face as she stopped before him. “Non,” she breathed, “I swear it.”
Thank God. Though his mission prevented him from remaining with her, he couldna bear thinking of her being in love with another.
Her eyes searched his with soft desperation. “If we only have a short while left, let the time be filled with good memories.”
Sadness swamped him at her grief-stricken words, and then he paused. Their separation was one of choice. Excitement pouring through him, he caught her shoulders and gave her a hard kiss. “Once I have delivered the writ, I will come back for you.”
The happiness in her eyes faded to caution. “With so much danger ahead, ’twould be unwise to make any future plans.”
“I want to see you again,” Colyne said, perplexed by her reply. After his heartbreak over Elizabet, Alesia had made him feel more than he’d ever believed possible. And with their growing friendship, as well as the heat of their kisses, he found it difficult to believe her feelings for him didna go deeper as well.
Mayhap her hesitation came from nae wanting to involve him further in her troubles. A needless worry. “Lass, when this is over, I will find you.”
At Colyne’s passionate declaration, Marie stepped back.Mon Dieu, however much she wished it, once they parted, she could neversee him again. Heart aching, she swallowed hard. She must tell him of her betrothal to Gaston de Croix. And when Colyne learned of her impending marriage, would he glare at her in disgust? Curse her deception?
Or hate her?
Tears burned her eyes at the latter. She’d made a mess of this.
On the morrow they would part and she would never see him again. Shattered by the thought, she struggled for composure. Though she’d known him but days, somehow, he’d come to matter.
Matter? A pitiful word considering the emotions he made her feel. With Colyne, she felt whole, complete. The bond they’d forged would be with her forever. To add to the torment, never before had a man made her want his touch.
Colyne had.
Desperately.
Through lowered lids she studied him, memories of him half-naked leaving her body tingling with awareness. Too easily she could envision him taking her to his bed.
From the intensity of his kisses, he must desire her. If he asked, could she give herself to him, aware she was promised to another? More, was she wrong to make love with a man who wanted her for the woman she was, not for the royal tie she could bring him?
Thoughts of the upcoming marriage brought naught but visions of a cold, empty life, one void of a man who truly cared for her. Saddened, she fell into step beside him as Colyne started walking.
They had this one night. If they made love, she would savor the rightness of it. Any consequences would be hers to bear. And on the morrow she would tell him of her betrothal.
