And other men had known her thus?
Breathe. Look away.
Jealousy’s blade pricked at his heart and he longed to stab back. Never worthy—neither in the present time nor in the past.
Now she bedded the King. Edward had been devoted to his wife Eleanor, but he was a man and had had a few discreet mistresses since her death. Alice held no title, held no country—she would be quickly dismissed if she hadn’t been already.
So why request that Hugh spy on her?
Too many questions. He had people to protect in the schemes he played. Though everything in him told him to walk away, he needed more information.
‘What are you doing?’ Alice asked when he came up beside her.
‘Following you,’ he said.
After what she had just said she’d expected more scornful words, and for him to allow her to walk away. ‘Why?’
‘You dismissed your servant, so I’ll accompany you.’
She wanted to ask on his reasoning again, but stopped herself. He had been angry mere moments before, and she had given him cause to leave. Or at least to be shocked.
She’dbeen shocked at what she’d said. She’d never even been kissed, and now she’d practically told him she’d lain with legions.
Anger spiked through her confusion. So what if shehadbeen with legions? He had rejected her; had no claim on her.
But all that didn’t matter. Because now it was as if Hugh was another man altogether. His eyes were unreadable, the muscles in his jaws were relaxed. Everything about him was relaxed. He was up to something. This wasn’t right.
‘I don’t want you here.’
‘You want privacy? Perhaps because you were intending to buy a present for me?’
Aggravating man.
‘Come, we don’t even need to talk,’ he said. ‘A lady shouldn’t be unaccompanied in town.’
Sheneededto be unaccompanied. It was exactly what she wanted to be. ‘I’m finished in the town.’
‘Will you be returning home?’
‘Yes.’Lie.
‘I’ll take you there.’
It was too early for her to return home. Hours would be wasted if she did, and she didn’t have time for this. If she’d had an abacus to slam down, she would have.
‘Perhaps I’ll go to Mitchell’s.’
Hugh tensed beside her. Just a little—just enough for her to notice. Why was she noticing?
‘Then I’ll accompany you,’ he said.
She stopped walking and looked at him. It was her turn to raise her brows.
His brows were drawn, chin lowered. His eyes almost unreadable, that storm inside him brewing.
‘I’ll accompany you there,’ he repeated.
There was no getting rid of him. She’d have to occupy herself with the project, when she’d meant to go by the property tomorrow. It would be late by the time she arrived, and she’d hardly be useful.
