“Until Marianna.”
“Truly?” she whispered.
“Truly.”
Happiness surged through her. He meant it, and though it might not be true, it was wonderful to hear praise from his lips. “You should see her windows in the chapel. That’s where her best work is displayed.”
“And where you took the Jedalar.”
Her smile faded. Everything always came back to the Jedalar, casting a cloud over every joyful happening between them. “Yes.”
“Why?”
She looked away from him. “Do you wish me to skin that rabbit or not? I’ve gotten quite skilled at the art in the past weeks.”
For a moment she thought he was not going to allow the evasion, but then a smile lit his face. “I know.” He knelt on the hearth and drawled, “By all means. Such crudities are totally beyond me.”
Her spirits lightened as she recognized the lazy, mocking tone she had heard a thousand times at Cambaron. The coming conflict between them was inevitable, but it was not to be yet.
Eat.” He frowned. “You’ve had only a few mouthfuls.”
“I’ve had enough.” It was true she had eaten only a little of the rabbit roasting on the spit in the fireplace, but she was satisfied. Her appetite must have lessened due to the scant fare on the journey here. “You eat the rest.”
“You’ve got to be hungry. You’ve not had a bite since last night.”
“How do you know?” Then she shook her head as she guessed. “You were that close to me?”
He shook his head. “Niko.”
“I feel very stupid. I never realized anyone was following me.”
“You weren’t stupid. Niko is an expert tracker, and we stayed several miles behind. You did better than most men would have done.” He looked away from her into the fire, and the next words came awkwardly. “I was proud of you.”
Her eyes widened. “You were?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“I suppose it’s due to a few unimportant qualities I’ve noticed in you. You never give up. You have a fine mind, and you’re brave as a lion. Oh, and one more reason.” He still was not looking at her. “Because you belong to me.”
She tensed. “I don’t belong to you.”
“Not yet. I have to make it so.” He looked up and held her gaze. “Will you wed me, Marianna?”
She stared at him, stunned. “Wed?”
“I’ve decided it’s the only way you’ll stay with me. You would never break your vows.”
Her astonishment caused her to blurt out the first thing that came into her head. “Your mother broke hers.”
“She had reason. My father was the worst kind of bastard. I’m not stupid enough to follow his example.”
“You don’t mean this.”
“Why not?”
“You’re the Duke of Cambaron. You know such a marriage is unacceptable.”
“You’ve been listening to that balderdash Dorothy has fed you,” he said roughly. “I accept such a marriage, and I’m the only one who counts. The rest of the world can go to perdition.”
She shook her head.
“Do you think you’re unworthy of me?”
She lifted her chin. “Why should I think that? I’m probably too good for you.”
He chuckled. “Then we agree.”
“But it’s not what I think. They will-”
“I’m tired of listening to what ‘they’ think.” His expression turned grim. “I want you as my wife and, by God, I’m going to have you.”
“Because I wouldn’t be your mistress.”
“I wouldn’t be satisfied if you consented to that now. I want more.”
“Why?”
He was silent, as if searching for words. “I love you,” he finally said haltingly.
She felt an incredible burst of joy. It was a miracle, an unbelievable gift. She wanted to-
It
A deep thrust of pain tore through her as she realized how gullible she was to have had that initial response. She swallowed to ease the tightness in her throat. “How very convenient.”
He muttered a curse beneath his breath. “Convenient? I’ve never said ‘I love you’ to any woman before, and you say it’s convenient? It’s not convenient. Do you think I want this? It hurts like the devil.”
It did hurt, and the pain was growing with every moment. “You said I wasn’t stupid, and yet you expect me to believe you,” she burst out. “I won’t be duped again, Jordan.” She tightened her lips to keep them from trembling. “I always thought you honest. I didn’t think you’d lie to get me to give you the Jedalar.”
His eyes glittered with anger. “Christ, I can
“But you don’t know how to put the puzzle together. You need me for that.”
“I need you.” He added, “But not for that. If I have to do it, I’ll figure it out for myself. It’s not-” He stopped as he saw her expression. “I’m wasting my time. You don’t trust me.”
“Can you blame me?”
He smiled crookedly. “No, I suppose it’s too much to ask. It’s clear I’ll have to prove myself.”
She shook her head wearily. “There’s no time.”
“Nonsense, we have all the time in the world.” He took a few moments to subdue his exasperation and annoyance. “After we finish with this business, I shall set out to court you.”
After they finished with this business, he would not even wish to look at her. The thought sent a surge of panic through her. She wanted to reach out and touch him, fill herself with warmth to ward off that chill future. “No!”
His lips tightened grimly. “Resign yourself to it. I’m going to find a way to have you. I’m even willing to be as civilized and correct as even Dorothy could wish. What the devil else do you want from me?”
She said unsteadily, “I want what we had at Dalwynd.” She paused, then added, “Now.”
He went still. “Even though you have no trust in me?”
She nodded. “I don’t have to trust you to know that you will bring me pleasure.”
“Oh, I’m to be a toy for your pleasure?”
“Isn’t that what you wanted of me at Dalwynd?”
“Not entirely. As a matter of fact, during that period my motives were often muddled even to myself.” He shrugged. “But I have no objection to the role. You can be assured I’ll endeavor to please. Take off your clothes.”
She stared at him in bewilderment.
“Well, since you’re so eager, you surely didn’t expect me to waste time seducing you?” He started to unbutton his shirt. “You evidently have no need of sweet words.”
“I don’t remember you ever giving me sweet words.” The words of seduction he had spoken to her had all been raw and shimmering darkly with sensuality.
“But you listened to them with all the attention of an acolyte to Venus.” She became aware of the faint bite beneath his usual mockery. He stripped off his shirt. “I’ve never seen a woman so eager to be convinced.”
“You’re trying to hurt me.”
“Why should I try to- Yes.” His lips twisted. “But why should that make a difference?” He sat down and began to remove his boots. “A bit of conflict can be exciting as a prelude to bed play.”
It did make a difference. She did not want bitterness and pain to mar this last encounter.
“But perhaps I’m wrong. Perhaps you want more from me.”
