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nd varying shades of gray are mainstays. Easy dyes for our resident chemist to concoct when we receive bolts of white material from villages that grow cotton. And of course, we trade for leather and buckskin.” She collected Sheena’s offerings and slid off the bed. “I just need a few minutes.”
He dragged on his own clothes and ran his hands through what he was sure was disheveled hair. True to her word, Jade emerged a short time later. He did a double take, his pulse spiking.
“Huh,” he said. No doubt a lascivious look crossed his face. “I’ve seen that outfit on Sheena before. She doesn’t look like that.”
“I’m sure she looks much better. Everything’s a bit snug. She’s thinner than me.”
Actually, he thought everything appeared perfectly proportionate. The sweater pulled tight against her breasts, her defined waist and her shapely hips. The wide collar sat slightly off the shoulders, making him wonder what sort of lingerie Sheena had provided for Jade’s enticing chest. The black leggings and tall boots were a nice complement, completing the ensemble.
She’d pulled her hair over one shoulder and secured it with its own strands. She wore a part along the side, and her long bangs dusted her forehead and temple above the ponytail.
“You’re gawking,” she finally said.
He laughed. “Yes I am. You look…sensational.”
She smiled. “Now that was couth.” She crossed the room to where he stood. “And civil.” Her tone was playful. Jade stretched on her tiptoes, obviously necessary despite the three-inch heel on her borrowed boots. She nipped at his lower lip. “Unlike the things you did to me last night.”
He groaned. “And this morning?”
“Who would ever want to get out of bed?”
Admittedly, he’d been damn reluctant.
She was about to say something else, but another soft rap on his door cut her off. And made Darien simmer with frustration.
“Yes?” he asked between clenched teeth.
“The slayers, my Lord,” Sheena reminded him. Clearly, they’d grown impatient.
“I’m coming,” Jade said. She gave Darien a kiss and then added, “I promise to be safe.”
“I’m holding you to that.”
“And I’ll tell Sheena I’ll clean her clothes and have one of the slayers return them.”
With a shake of his head, he said, “Don’t bother. You won’t be able to get the scent out and it’ll be disturbing for her.”
“Good point.” She lingered, seemingly hesitant to go. Then she said in a soft voice, “Thank you.”
“For what?”
She smiled. “For being everything I didn’t expect.”
Leaving him to ponder her words, she opened one of the double doors and followed his assistant through the study as she thanked Sheena for her thoughtfulness. Jade glanced once over her shoulder before disappearing from Darien’s sight. Well…not entirely.
He watched her from his bedroom window when she left the castle, his eyesight keen enough to penetrate the thick clouds and blowing snow until Jade and the slayers entered the dense forest.
Dread consumed him, but what choice had he had, other than to let the two men take her away?
Chapter Seven
Per her request, the slayers escorted Jade to Jinx’s burial site, despite the inclement weather. She’d been at the castle when the memorial had been delivered. She felt horrible over having missed the service, because Jinx had been a good friend. Yet her absence had been unavoidable.
Slipping from her horse, she waded through the snow as Tanner and Walker discreetly moved away, giving her privacy. She fought to keep her distress at bay as she stared at the tall cross protruding from a snowbank.
Jade fought for an even tone as she said, “I’m sorry I wasn’t here for the funeral, Jinx. I got held up.”
A wave of tormented feelings rose within her, despite her best efforts. Tears burned her eyes and her voice cracked as she said, “I always adored you. From the first time we met. You came to my fifth birthday party and told me you could read fortunes. Of course, you had to explain to me what that meant.”
