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"Indeed I do. For several reasons. One, because you're a deplorable liar. Two, because I trust my instincts. And three, because I'd track you down in a heartbeat, and you know it."
A tiny smile played about her lips. "Yes, I do." She turned and tugged Courtney's arm. "Come. I need to see you."
Courtney complied, her shoulders shaking with laughter. "Really? I never would have known." They exited the salon.
"Are you sure you know what you're doing?" Slayde demanded, scowling as he watched the women's retreating backs.
"Positive." Julian grinned, following Slayde's gaze. "Evidently my wife has something quite pressing to share with yours."
Slayde's jaw tightened. "That's precisely what I'm afraid of."
* * *
"All right, Aurora." Still grinning, Courtney settled herself on a chair in Aurora's room. "We've completed our subtle exit. I've had ten seconds to catch my breath. Now, what's on your mind? I hope nothing you want kept secret—obviously our husbands are going to have a million questions about the hasty retreat we just bid."
"That's fine. Although I think they'll be terribly disappointed when they hear what it was I wanted to discuss with you." Aurora leaned back against the closed door, her eyes shining with excitement. "I've just come to a wonderful realization—one that has nothing to do with the diamond, or with danger, or with the fictitious escape Slayde is convinced I have planned."
"But one that has everything to do with Julian," Courtney guessed.
Aurora nodded. "I told him."
"You told him you love him?"
"Yes."
"How did he react?"
"Not in the way I'd imagined. Nor in the way you'd imagined, either." Aurora crossed over and perched on the edge of the bed. "Although you were right about one thing—I'm completely unable to keep things to myself. I blurted out my admission the instant the opportunity arose. Then again, I never can seem to think straight when I'm in Julian's arms."
"I take it you confessed your feelings during an intimate moment?"
Another nod.
"In that case, Julian was as vulnerable as you," Courtney pointed out.
"Too vulnerable, at least from my husband's perspective. Had he had his full wits about him, he'd have done a better job of cloaking his reaction—even if my declaration did come as a huge surprise."
"Which, I'm presuming, it did?"
"Absolutely. Julian looked stunned and decidedly tense."
"Did he say anything?"
"He said he was moved, humbled, and honored—and that no one had ever offered him those words before."
"That sounds promising."
"Yes, but it was what he didn't say that's plagued me all day. Immediately after I blurted out my feelings, he withdrew somehow—not physically, not even verbally; but then again, that's not Julian's style. His self-restraint isn't worn on the surface like Slayde's was. Outwardly my husband is charming and expressive. Openness comes easily to him—but only in bed and in conversation. Anything deeper is another matter entirely. Feelings, emotions—that's where his self-imposed boundaries are set. His own feelings and emotions." Aurora drew a slow, purposeful breath. "Courtney, I've had several hours to think about this, to analyze the conflict Julian is experiencing. And what I finally understand, perhaps what you already understood, is that my loving Julian presents little or no problem for him. He has only to accept my feelings while still retaining control over his. The real problem would be if he let himself love me in return. Now that would render him vulnerable, something he refuses to be—for all the reasons you and I have already discussed."
Courtney nodded. "But he's already falling in love with you. So he's already vulnerable, whether he chooses to admit it or not."
"I know that," Aurora said quietly, interlacing her fingers, pressing her palms tightly together. "And on some level, so does Julian. But he's not going to give in without a fight. Until now he's been safe, transient—no family, no home, and no possibility of
loss. Loving me would change all that. 'Twould mean relinquishing his autonomy, entertaining a risk far greater than those incited by all his adventures combined." She paused. "And there's one thing more. Do you remember what I said about Julian feeling guilty for not being able to prevent Hugh's death?"
"I remember."
"I think that's a big part of this, too. Have you ever noticed how often and how vehemently my husband vows that he'll protect me, ensure my well-being?"
