“In the morning, I’m taking you to your uncle in Paris.” His voice was firm and final.
She got to her feet, tossed her hair back, and placed her hands on her hips. “You will not go back on your bargain now.”
Everyone in the tavern turned toward them. Donald gave the room a sideways glance and leaned forward.
“If you don’t sit down and talk quietly, one of these very robust men will be more than happy to fulfill what they think is our bargain.”
Andrea lifted her chin and gave the onlookers a cold, icy stare. They returned to whatever they had been doing. She slowly sat down.
“I will not turn back now. If you don’t go with me, I will ask one of these men to take your place.”
Donald had no doubt she would follow through with her threat. He toyed with his tankard and pursed his lips in deep thought. Finally, he finished his ale and stood.
The look of horror on her face was priceless. He leaned close to her ear.
“You have made a spectacle of yourself. Once again I come to your rescue.” He took her hand and brought her to her feet, then kissed her forehead and led her back to her room.
They stood in front of the door. A wet stain remained on the floor where her clothes had been.
“Stay here.” He went inside and returned in three heartbeats.
“The room is empty.” He stood back for her to enter then closed and locked the door behind her.
Andrea stood staring at a table by the fireplace. It was set with a decanter of mead, as well as some bread, cheese, slices of cold meat, and fruit.
He studied her face. There was an element of surprise. It was her sense of pleasure that startled and pleased him.
“Étienne offered something from the kitchen even though it’s closed at this hour. After what happened at the river, the last thing I wanted was for you to be with people we didn’t know. I wasn’t about to leave you alone either. Bette understood and prepared this for us.”
“I didn’t realize I was hungry.” She sat down while he poured the wine. “Do you know Étienne and Bette well?” On her trencher was a slab of warm bread topped with a dab of melting butter, boiled vegetables, and a thick, hearty slice of roasted meat. She began to eat.
“Claude comes to the inn often. I came with him earlier in the year.”
“For an archery tournament. I overheard Étienne.” Her voice was soft and low.
He expected her to be relieved not see her chin quiver.
“What is it?” He prayed she didn’t cry. He wouldn’t know what to do. In two strides he was at her side and brought her to her feet.
“I was scared at the river.”
“I wasn’t going to let anything happen to you.” She stepped close to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. Surprised, he held her close.
“Not for me, for you.” Words escaped him. Her declaration was like an arrow hitting its mark. He lifted her chin with the crook of his forefinger and stared into her eyes. They told him so much: they spoke of her innocence, trust, and desire.
Slowly he leaned toward her until they were only a breath apart. Her eyes closed in a daze. His heart thundered as she waited for him, wanted him.
Tentatively his lips touched hers. Her response was inviting, and warm. He drew her closer and slowly deepened the kiss. For a moment, nothing else existed but the two of them: no gems to return, threats to their lives, nor relic to find.
Heat traveled through his veins. His desire fought with his common sense. He raised his mouth from hers and she moaned her disapproval. That was when all was lost.
He showered her neck all the way down to the hollow of her throat with gentle, soft kisses that left her breathless. He drew back again and spent a moment studying her face. Andrea gazed at him, flushed. She was beautiful.
He let out a deep breath. One of them had to keep their head about them. They both had to think clearly. Emotions were the last thing he needed at the moment.
“It has been a long day.” She stepped away from him, her lips swollen from his kisses.
Andrea was right, of course. Donald stood still, letting his heartbeat return to normal.
“I’ll stand outside while you ready yourself for the night.”
“I won’t be able to sleep.” She looked away from him, fidgeting with her skirt.
“Yes, you will. I can see you are tired. I’ll return when you’re finished. You won’t be alone. I’ll spend the night on the servant’s pallet. Consider me your lady-in-waiting.” He bowed with a flourish.
She brought her hand up to stifle a giggle. He let out a sigh of relief and headed for the door.
“We must find the relic.” Her voice was low and determined.
He stopped midway across the room. Her reaction was more than a streak of stubbornness. Andrea was aware of something and was not sharing it with him.
She tilted her head and gazed at him with a knowing smile.
“Why? What is so important about this relic?”
“You put the pieces together. I thought it curious that we were both directed here. I became uncomfortable when I realized Maurice had brought the jewelry to Mother Simone and she told him she couldn’t help him. And then there are the thieves following us and trying to steal jewelry that has no value. The only conclusion I can draw is that the jewelry’s value is not in how much the pieces can be sold for, but for something else.”
“It has sentimental value to Lady Abadia, because of the loss
