"The Passion" - читать интересную книгу автора (Jordan Nicole)Chapter Three When he summoned me to his chamber, my heart lodged in my throat. It was irrational, Aurora knew, to brood over a stranger she had met for a brief moment and would never see again. Yet even in sleep she could not forget him. Aurora tossed and turned the entire night, her dreams dark with images of Nicholas Sabine struggling to break his chains while she was powerless to help him. When the hangman's noose tightened around the strong column of his throat, she woke with a start, her heart pounding in fear. Unable to bear the grim visions any longer, Aurora hurriedly dressed and went downstairs, where she found Percy eating breakfast before he left for his offices. She joined him at the table but declined anything but coffee. "Will you go to the fortress today?" she asked, trying to keep her tone casual yet knowing she failed. Percy gave her a concerned look. He hadn't approved of her visiting the prisoner yesterday, even on a mission of mercy for a man who was his friend. Indeed, he'd been a bit startled to hear of her boldness. "This is not like you, Aurora. I know you must be aware of the impropriety of your behavior. Normally you show more consideration to your position in society." Aurora lowered her gaze, knowing her cousin was right. Yet she hadn't been herself since she first laid eyes on Nicholas Sabine. She couldn't explain her desperate concern even to herself, let alone to her cousin. "I simply abhor seeing anyone treated in such a terrible fashion," she prevaricated. Percy's gaze held sympathy. "My dear… you should prepare yourself for the worst. Word was sent to Barbados yesterday, asking the admiral's permission to hang Sabine. We may learn the answer today." She felt her stomach clench with fear. She had hoped he might be spared that dire fate, if only because of his prominent connections. "I promise I will let you know the verdict as soon as I hear," Percy assured her. Aurora nodded, not trusting herself to speak with the ache in her throat. She was glad when Percy turned the subject to more mundane matters, and gladder still when he took his leave. When she was alone, she rose and went to stand at the breakfast room window, gazing out, unseeing, at the sun-swept lawns with their tall, swaying palms and splashes of scarlet bougainvillaea. She was mistaken to have visited Nicholas Sabine in his prison cell, she realized. Not simply because of the impropriety, but because she'd only gained more vivid images that made him harder to forget. It was impossible to stop thinking about him. She could still feel his overwhelming presence – the forbidden sight of his bare, sun-bronzed skin, his quiet touch on her cheek, the tenderness in his dark eyes… Aurora bit her lower lip, chastising herself for her foolishness. Hadn't she learned it was better not to care too deeply for anyone? She had lost the two people who were most dear to her. Her mother several years ago. Then, more recently, her betrothed, Geoffrey Crewe, Earl of March. Her long-planned future had shattered when Geoffrey perished at sea. She'd been engaged to him practically from the cradle. As her father's nearest though distant male relative, Geoffrey was next in line for the dukedom and the vast Eversley estates. And Father was determined to keep the title for his grandsons, since an ignoble physical condition had left him unable to sire any more children. Aurora understood why he so badly wanted a son to continue the line of inheritance that had been unbroken since the reign of Henry II – and why she had always been his biggest disappointment. She would have been happy to have been born male, for then she could have avoided the fate her father had determined for her. She hadn't even recovered from the tragic news of Geoffrey's death when her father quietly accepted on her behalf the suit of a noble crony – the illustrious Duke of Halford. No matter that she could scarcely bear to contemplate marriage to such a man, or that he had already outlived two young wives, losing one to childbirth and one to a bizarre drowning accident. Halford was wealthy enough to buy a duke's daughter, and his lineage went back even farther than Henry II. Her father didn't see the union as punishment. He claimed he merely wanted to see her settled and well provided for, safely wed to a title and fortune when the Eversley title passed out of their direct family at his death. With a bitter sigh, Aurora wondered if in truth he simply wanted her off his hands, so he would no longer be reminded of his failure. When Percy and Jane had invited her to visit their home in the West Indies, she'd accepted gratefully, not only hoping her grief would heal more readily in fresh surroundings, but also wishing to delay her unwanted marriage as long as possible. The intervening months, however, hadn't diminished her revulsion at the necessity of becoming Halford's bride. She dreaded returning to England now, where her illustrious suitor was reportedly growing impatient to publicly announce their betrothal, but she'd run out of excuses to tarry. Clenching her hands into fists, Aurora turned away from the window. Ordinarily she would have gone riding to work off her feelings of frustration and helplessness or joined Jane in making her weekly round of charitable calls, a responsibility Jane took very seriously as the lieutenant governor's wife. But Aurora didn't want to be away from the house if word came about the American prisoner. Instead she fetched a shawl so that she could pace the grounds in view of the front drive. It was hard, though, to remain passive, to sit idly by while the world was ruled by men. How different her life would be were she a male, Aurora reflected fiercely. How much more freedom she would have. She would have relished possessing a measure of control over her existence. Were she a man, she would have had the power to influence her own future… and others' as well. Perhaps then she could actually have helped Nicholas Sabine, instead of being forced by propriety to accept a woman's lot and wait impotently at home for word of his fate. The afternoon was well advanced by the time Percy returned home. Aurora had been watching for him anxiously from the drawing room and so was able to meet him at the front door. "I am glad to find you here, my dear," Percy said quietly. "I thought you might have accompanied Jane on her calls." "I wanted to hear the news." Waving off the footman who stood ready to take his hat, Percy met her gaze with reluctance. The grim expression on his face told her without words the news she dreaded hearing. She pressed a hand to her mouth to hold back a cry. "Aurora, I'm sorry," he said simply. "The admiral was disinclined to be merciful." For a moment her cousin remained silent, as if giving her time to compose herself. Then he took her hands in a gentle grasp. "My dear, this is obviously a wretched time, but I have a serious matter to discuss with you." Still numb with shock, Aurora scarcely heard what her cousin was saying. "There has been an unanticipated turn of events." He paused, a troubled look on his face. "Nicholas Sabine has a… request to make of you." "A request?" she repeated hoarsely. "I spoke with Nick after the admiral's decision became known," Percy explained in a low voice, "and he sought my opinion of a rather wild notion. I did not refuse him outright, for I thought you should hear him out and decide for yourself. It is an extraordinary proposal… but then these are extraordinary circumstances." "I… don't understand. What does he wish to ask of me?" "He would like your help, actually. It seems he has a duty he must fulfill, yet now he will no longer be alive to do so." "What duty?" "Sabine has a ward, a half sister who lives on Montserrat. The young lady urgently needs the protection of someone of your consequence, as well as an escort to England. And since you are planning to return there shortly… Well, there is more, but I don't want to influence you unduly. You should hear the proposal directly from Sabine himself. If you are willing to listen, I will accompany you to the fortress at once." "You mean now, at this moment?" Aurora asked in confusion. "Yes, now." He released her hands. "Time is growing short, I'm afraid. The hanging has been put off until tomorrow, but after that…" His voice trailed off, yet Aurora was grateful that he failed to put the rest of his sentence into words. She had never again expected to see the bold American who had touched her life so fleetingly. Thus it was with a heavy heart that Aurora returned to the fortress prison. She felt a hollowness in the pit of her stomach as she preceded her cousin into the dim cell. Nicholas Sabine stood with his back to her, a shaft of sunlight gilding his fair hair. He was fully clothed this time, she noted absently. Someone – perhaps Percy – had provided him with a coat and a pair of Hessian boots, so that he more closely resembled a gentleman of means than a savage pirate or a condemned prisoner. When he turned slowly to face her, however, he still had the same powerful effect on her; she felt her heart quicken in her chest as she met the dark intensity of his gaze. "Thank you for coming," he said in a quiet voice. He glanced at her cousin. "Might I presume further upon our friendship, Sir Percy, and ask that you allow us a few moments in private? Lady Aurora will come to no harm, I give you my word." Percy nodded, although reluctantly. "Very well. I shall wait outside in the corridor, my dear." Her cousin withdrew, leaving the door partly ajar. Sabine's half smile was fleeting, almost ironic, as he noted the precaution. Returning his gaze to Aurora then, he gestured with his hand, indicating the cot. "Would you care to sit down, Lady Aurora? I think you might want to be seated to hear what I have to say." "Thank you, but I prefer to stand," she replied politely. "As you wish." His dark gaze was riveted on her as he contemplated her in silence. Aurora withstood his piercing assessment with uncertainty, wondering what he intended to ask. When he didn't speak, her gaze went to the bandage at his temple. It seemed clean and a bit smaller than yesterday, as if it had been freshly changed. She was about to inquire how his head wound was faring when he spoke. "What has Percy told you?" Sabine asked. "Only that you need my help for your sister." "I do." He eyed her speculatively another moment, then turned to pace about the small cell like a caged cat – lithe, graceful, on edge. "You may call me mad, but I ask you to hear me out fully before you decide." His sense of urgency communicated itself to her, making her uneasy. "Very well, Mr. Sabine," Aurora prodded. "I am listening." "I suppose I should begin by telling you a story – a love story, if you will. But I fear it may shock a lady of tender sensibilities. Are you game to hear it?" "Yes," Aurora murmured doubtfully. He continued to stalk the floor, keeping his voice low as he spoke. "There once was a man – an American – who went to England and fell in love. The lady returned his affection, but any union between them was doomed from the start. Not only was she quite young, but her family would never have permitted her to wed beneath her class. Even more damning, he already had a wife and a young son, with another child expected shortly. "Refusing to dishonor her or his marriage vows, he left England, determined to vanquish his feelings and never see the young lady again. But business concerns required his return a few years later, and he discovered her nearly in despair. She was to wed an older gentleman whose physical deformities rendered him a monster in her eyes: As his bride, she would reside on her husband's remote estate, away from everything she held dear. "She couldn't bear to be imprisoned in such a marriage and believed her life was at an end, without her ever having lived, or ever knowing passion. And so she begged the man she loved to show her what true intimacy was. Unable to resist her plea or deny his feelings any longer, he became her lover." Sabine paused in his tale and glanced at Aurora, as if to gauge her reaction. When she managed to keep her expression noncommittal, he went on. "Their illicit affair lasted only a few months, for he had to return to his family and to his responsibilities. Shortly afterward, however, the young lady discovered she was with child." Aurora winced inwardly. She could well imagine the scorn an unwed young woman would face if her "Not surprisingly the lady's engagement was promptly dissolved. To quiet any scandal, she was married off to a younger son of an Irish nobleman and banished to the Caribbean to live, while her outraged father washed his hands of her. The lady died last year, without ever being reunited with her family. She left behind an only child, a daughter." "Your sister," Aurora said gently. Sabine drew a slow breath. "Yes. My half sister, to be exact. As you've guessed, the lady's lover was my father." "Did he know about the child?" "Not at first. But she wrote to him when her husband passed away, telling him what had happened. My father supported her financially for years, even though he couldn't publicly acknowledge the child. He felt it necessary to keep the secret from his family, to spare my mother the shameful knowledge of his love affair. He died four years ago, but on his deathbed, he told me about his daughter and exacted a promise from me to take care of her." Again Sabine flashed that ironic half smile that tugged at Aurora's heart. "I could hardly refuse to honor his dying request, could I? Truth tell, I was never the ideal son. Our relationship was always… strained because I had no serious interest in taking over the shipping firm he had built. My father, you see, was a nephew of the sixth Earl of Wycliff, but with little prospect of inheriting the title. Before the war with the Colonies, he immigrated to Virginia to make his fortune. And he far exceeded even his own dreams, building a formidable empire from almost nothing. Yet I preferred the life of an adventurer to following in his footsteps. When he died, though, I felt compelled to assume the responsibilities I had always neglected." "Did you meet your sister then?" "Indeed. My first act was to visit her on Montserrat. She bears the name of Kendrick, the Irishman her mother wed, but she's always known the story of her birth. Her mother wanted her to understand she was a child of love." "Captain Gerrod said you went to Montserrat to see a woman," Aurora remarked thoughtfully. Sabine's mouth curled at the mention of his nemesis. "Yes, my sister. She is almost grown up now – nineteen – and actually quite a beauty. She's also my ward. Her mother succumbed to a fever last year, shortly before the war started, and left Raven's wardship to me." "Raven? That is an unusual name for a young lady." "Perhaps, but it fits. She was born with hair black as a raven's wing, a throwback to one of my family's Spanish ancestors, apparently. And she is unconventional in more than just appearance. When I first met Raven, she was a complete hoyden, more at home in a stable or in a beach cove playing pirate. But lately she's made an earnest attempt to conform and conduct herself as a proper English lady. She's determined to realize her mother's dream for her – to be accepted by her English relatives and take her rightful place among the nobility. And one major obstacle has been overcome. Raven has been invited by her grandfather to live in England." "Her mother's father?" "Yes. He is Viscount Luttrell, of Suffolk. Perhaps you're acquainted with him." Aurora searched her memory. "I've met him, but I never realized he had a daughter." "Because Luttrell disowned her twenty years ago. But recently he had a change of heart. When he learned of his daughter's death, he regretted never attempting to reconcile. His health is failing now as well, and he wants to meet his only granddaughter and see her established in society. Raven's aunt has agreed, albeit reluctantly, to formally present her, but it's questionable how readily Raven will be received by the ton, given the dubious circumstances of her birth. She's anxious – passionate, even – to make a good match so she will be welcomed by the society that shunned her mother. Her path would be far smoother, certainly, if she had someone of elevated social status to befriend and advise her." "And you wish me to be that person." "Yes." His dark eyes met hers with unwavering intensity. "I don't care much for being a supplicant, Lady Aurora. It doesn't set well with me. But I would be grateful if you would extend the same kindness to my sister that you showed me yesterday." Nicholas Sabine was obviously a man accustomed to getting his own way, Aurora thought Helplessness would not be a sensation he would welcome. Yet she had no difficulty answering his entreaty. Her heart would have to be hard indeed to be unmoved by the girl's situation. "Of course, Mr. Sabine. I would be happy to do whatever I can to make her entry into society successful." His face softened only a degree. It surprised her that his relief wasn't greater until she remembered his other concern. "Percy mentioned that your sister needs someone to accompany her to England, as well." "She does." He resumed his pacing, his movements tightly controlled. "Before the war began, I had planned to transport Raven to England on one of my own ships. But as an American, I would hardly be welcome there now. My cousin Wycliff's too occupied trying to defeat the French to fetch Raven, and it could be years before you Brits finally prevail against Napoleon. I have a cousin on my mother's side, but he's American as well." Sabine started to rake a hand through his hair, stopping when he encountered the bandage. "I had arranged with Wycliflf to utilize a ship from his Caribbean fleet while I merely provided Raven armed escort across most of the Atlantic. In fact, I went to Montserrat to arrange the final details of the voyage with her. Unfortunately I was set upon by Gerrod's crew. And now that my fate has been settled…" Aurora felt her throat tighten at the thought of this vital man losing his life. "Well," Sabine continued with a hard smile, "despite this setback, I intend to do everything in my power to fulfill my promise to my father and ensure my sister's welfare. Which is why…" He paused again, this time studying her from beneath his thick lashes. "… why I would like to make you a formal offer of marriage." Aurora simply stared, not comprehending. After the space of a dozen heartbeats, she realized she had indeed heard him correctly. She drew an uneven breath. "Are you serious?" "Deadly serious." His beautiful mouth twisted without amusement. "I assure you, I do not take the prospect of matrimony lightly. I have never before proposed marriage to a woman – and would not be doing so now, if the circumstances were not so dire." Still stunned, Aurora could only stare at him. She opened her mouth to say something, then shut it again. Moving over to the cot, she sat down as he had first suggested, needing the support after all. Her mind was racing with shock, bewilderment, as she tried to form a reply. "Mr. Sabine, I don't…" "You said you would hear me out before you gave me an answer." She lifted her gaze to his. "Yes, but… Are you not aware that I am expected to marry when I return to England?" "So Percy informed me. You are promised to the Duke of Halford. But I understand the engagement is not yet official." "No. We could make no public announcement while I was in mourning for my late betrothed. But my father is set on the match." "But what about you, Lady Aurora? I gathered that you were reluctant to wed your father's choice. Was I mistaken?" "No, you weren't mistaken," she admitted in a low voice. Sabine moved to stand before her, holding her rapt attention. "Then consider the advantages of a union between us. You wouldn't have to wed Halford. That alone should prove a strong incentive. I remember the duke from my last visit to England three years ago. He must be more than twice your age, and as arrogant and puffed up with his own consequence as any nobleman I've ever had the misfortune to meet. Is that what you want, a lifetime of imprisonment as his wife?" When she didn't answer, he continued. "There are other advantages as well. I assure you, I would make the inconvenience to you financially worth your while. I am a wealthy man, Lady Aurora, with a fortune that probably exceeds Halford's. I took the liberty of discussing the possible particulars with your cousin, and he's satisfied that the settlement I'm prepared to make would leave you a wealthy woman. You would have complete financial independence from your father. Just think. You would no longer be obliged to remain under his thumb or wed his choice of suitors." The thought of no longer being subject to her father's dictates was vastly appealing. Even so… "I suspect," Sabine pressed, "that you would find me a more agreeable husband than Halford. But even if not, it isn't as if you would be tied to me for life – Or actually you would. But our marriage would last only a few hours, a day at most. After that you would be my widow." Aurora flinched at his casual reference to his intended hanging. He was making light of his desperate situation, clearly. But when she searched his strong, masculine face, she realized he did not want her pity. His entire focus was only on seeing to his sister's welfare. "I realize I would be taking advantage of your kindness," he murmured, reaching down to take Aurora's hand in his larger, more powerful one, "but I am lamentably short of options." Unnerved by his touch, she withdrew her hand and rose, moving past him to pace the floor herself. "I've told you, Mr. Sabine," she said with what she thought was reasonable calm, "I would be happy to help your sister… without any formal arrangement between us. Surely it isn't necessary for us to wed." "Perhaps not, but it would greatly improve the odds of securing Raven's future. If you are related to my ward through marriage, you would have every right to guide and influence her foray into society. In fact, if you were willing, I could turn her wardship over to you." Sabine let that sink in before adding, "That might be impossible if you marry Halford. I imagine he would object to his duchess associating with a… an unusual young woman like Raven. He's a stickler for propriety." "So he is," she agreed absently. "As your husband, he could forbid your having any connection with my sister." Aurora raised a hand to her temple. Halford not only could forbid her, but no doubt Visibly schooling his impatience, Sabine forced his mouth into a semblance of a smile. "Perhaps you might be more amenable if I took a different approach. If I attempted to flatter you and cosset your sensibilities." She stiffened defensively and shot him a glance. "My sensibilities do not require cosseting, Mr. Sabine." "No?" For the first time his smile reached his eyes. "I didn't think so." Then he sighed and dropped his voice to a murmur. "I do regret having to propose to you under such distasteful circumstances. Ordinarily I would try to employ all my powers of persuasion, but I'm afraid I haven't the time to try to charm you. I wouldn't be lying, however, if I claimed to be utterly besotted by your beauty." Aurora found herself staring at him, wondering if his admission was mere cajolery. Doubtless Nicholas Sabine had a ruthless charm that he could wield to lethal effect. Taking a deep breath, she returned to the conversation at hand. "I cannot simply agree to marry you, Mr. Sabine. There are other practicalities I must consider." "Such as?" Such as the fact that Nicholas Sabine was not the kind of man she would ever willingly choose as her husband. She had never met so compelling a man, or one who had made such a forceful impact on her. There was a sense of danger about him, an intensity that was intimidating, if not frightening… although his ferocity now might be driven by his concern for his sister. "If I were seeking a husband, a pirate – an American one – would not be my first choice. By your own admission, you are a violent man." "I don't recall ever making such an admission." "What of the man Captain Gerrod mentioned? He said you nearly killed one of his crew while resisting arrest." Sabine's jaw hardened, but he met her gaze unflinchingly. "A man was wounded, true, but at the hand of his own crewmate. I was unarmed when I was set upon by some half dozen seamen. When I fought back, one drew a knife, and in the melee, another fell against the blade. I saw what happened just before I blacked out. I suppose I was struck over the head with a bottle." He raised his hand to his head wound, indicating the damage the bottle had done. Then his expression softened. "I understand why you would be reluctant to accept my hand. I'm a man about to be hanged as a pirate – not at all the sort a lady like you should be associating with." He laughed softly to himself. "Indeed, if you were my sister, I would not allow you within a mile of me. But in my own defense, whatever acts of privateering I committed, I did to save my father's legacy. Your countrymen are set on destroying everything he worked for, and I swore to him I would keep his empire flourishing under my direction." His dark eyes were intense as he gazed at her. "My fatal mistake was in thinking I could elude the British navy on Montserrat. I was careless. It's ironic, actually. I had taken a room at a tavern and was preparing to call on Raven when I was recognized by one of Gerrod's officers. The same lieutenant whose life I'd spared a month earlier when I saved the Aurora frowned. It had been a noble gesture to save an enemy crew, certainly, but that did not make Nicholas Sabine a saint. "Gerrod called you Captain Saber. That is hardly the title of a gentle man." "Saber is a nom de guerre, merely that. Calculated to make the enemy consider twice before attacking my ships." Her expression troubled, Aurora searched his face. "But you were charged with murder as well as piracy," she murmured. "Regrettably men die in war, Lady Aurora," he returned coolly. "I make no apology for my privateering. And I assure you, Gerrod and his ilk are hardly innocents themselves. Any number of Americans have been killed by the British navy, some of whom were my friends. I've had crewmen, illegally taken by your press gangs, who were savagely beaten like animals, some who died in service – Sabine stopped himself and took a slow breath. His anger under control, he moved to stand before her, "My own past is not entirely spotless, but I have never been guilty of murder. And I have never shown violence toward any woman, ever. I promise you solemnly, you have nothing to fear from me." No, Aurora reflected. Nothing to fear but what he made her feel. His mere nearness made her pulse race, made her skin warm and her body feel flushed with awareness. "And keep in mind," he pressed, "the short duration of our union. Even if I were the kind of man you claim, you wouldn't have to suffer my company for long. I certainly can refrain from acting the savage pirate for the brief term of our marriage." Aurora felt an ache in the vicinity of her heart. She couldn't believe this man would soon die. He radiated vitality and vibrant life… "What you are proposing sounds so… cold-blooded," she said finally, grasping at straws. He shook his head. "Think of it as a business arrangement. Ladies of your class commonly enter into such agreements." It was "Not precisely." She heard him draw a slow breath. "I should make my meaning clear, Lady Aurora. Our marriage would not be in name only. To be legitimate, it must be fully consummated." Her gaze locked with his, searching. His fathomless eyes were steadfast, unwavering in their intensity. "I want no question of the legality of our union," he said levelly, "or the possibility that it could be set aside. Your father is a powerful man, as is Halford. I don't care to see my efforts to secure my sister's future go for naught." Her heart faltered in its rhythm as she understood his meaning: they would share a bed as husband and wife. Taken aback, Aurora stared at him. She had seriously been considering his desperate proposal until he added that disturbing condition. The possibility of physical intimacy with this man unnerved her. The thought of giving herself to a stranger – But was that not what she would be required to do when she wed Halford? This man, no matter how intimidating, was infinitely more appealing than the aging duke. She felt her pulse quicken dangerously. Sabine was still watching her. Holding her gaze, he took her hand and raised it to his lips. But instead of kissing her fingers, he turned her hand over and kissed the tender inside of her wrist. His lips on her sensitive skin felt like a brand and sent hot and cold shivers through her. "Will you consider becoming my wife for a night, sweetheart? I think I can safely promise that you would not find your introduction to the marriage bed onerous." Her breath caught in her throat at the images his promise conjured in her mind. That and the seductive sensuality in his eyes held her so spellbound, she couldn't reply. His gaze dropped to her lips. "I regret I'm not able to court you as you deserve. A woman as lovely as you should have an equally lovely setting… moonlight, roses, whispered promises…" He leaned toward her, his breath fanning her lips… When Aurora stiffened instinctively, however, he stopped. Instead of kissing her, he spoke in a velvet-edged voice. "I cannot believe you truly fear me, Aurora. Not a woman of your rare courage. I saw the fascinating change in you yesterday, from proper lady to avenging angel." Warily she searched his face. Stubble still shadowed his jaw, giving his handsome features a dangerous aura. He might claim not to be a pirate, but he still resembled one. She was not often intimidated, but this man disturbed her with his vital masculinity. She was even more unsettled by the forbidden sensations he aroused so easily in her. The raw, powerful sexuality emanating from him was palpable, the tension between them very real. "Give me your hand, sweetheart. Touch me…" Taking her hand, Sabine guided her fingers to his face. "I am flesh and blood, just like you. Not so very threatening." He was indeed threatening. He made her breathless, fluttery inside. And yet there was something warm and tender in his eyes that allayed true panic. "This doesn't frighten you, does it?" he asked, drawing her fingers to his lips, letting her touch him there. "No…" she murmured truthfully. "What of this?" When he brushed her mouth with his, his lips were warm and soft – soft as the caress of a butterfly's wing. An unmistakeable yearning flooded Aurora, along with an unfamiliar hunger she could only call desire. She stared at him, dazed, as he drew back. The husky texture of his voice stroked her as brazenly as the hand that rose to graze the line of her jaw. "Have you never been kissed before?" "Yes… By my betrothed." "But not a true kiss, I imagine. A true kiss is more than a meeting of lips. It's a mating… of mouth and tongue and breath… An intimate knowing." His fingertips traced the line of her mouth. "I want to truly kiss you, angel." His delicate touch made her shiver. "I… You shouldn't…" His smile was soft, indulgent, tender. He had a beautiful mouth, especially when he smiled. "In circumstances such as these," he replied, "it is not improper for a man wooing his lady to claim a kiss. This is my sole opportunity to persuade you to become my bride. Perhaps the last time I will ever see you, ever touch you. Will you deny me my last chance to fulfill my father's dying wish?" "No," she whispered, helpless to resist. This time when he bent his head, she didn't stiffen or pull back. She let him draw her into his arms, let him hold her as a lover would. His kiss was like nothing she had ever experienced. His mouth was hot, wet, open against hers, bold and unexpectedly intimate. Her nostrils filled with his scent, her mouth with his brazen flavor, as shocking pleasure assaulted her senses… Her wanton response dismayed her, yet to her surprise, he was the one who abruptly ended the kiss. "Perhaps this was a mistake," he said, his voice unsteady as he leaned his forehead against hers. "I thought I would have more control…" Drawing a deep breath, he slowly drew away to capture her gaze. "No," he said with more composure, "judging from your response, I wouldn't say you feared me. You felt the same fire I did. The signs are all there. Your pulse has quickened, your skin is flushed…" Her heart racing, Aurora stood mutely, torn between dismay and desire as he so perfectly described the sensations that were overwhelming her. She shouldn't be feeling this way, experiencing these powerful, forbidden feelings for a stranger. Never had she had such a primal reaction to a man, a reaction no lady would acknowledge. "And that is only the beginning, sweetheart. There is much more I could show you. Give me that right, Aurora." His eyes had darkened with sensuality and were as fathomless as midnight, Aurora saw. Captivated, she stared into them. His voice dropped lower. "Your cousin believes he can secure a special license in time for us to wed tomorrow evening. I would consider myself the most fortunate of men if you would do me the honor of giving me your hand in marriage." Aurora shut her eyes, struggling to recover her dazed senses. Her mind was spinning, and she felt a similar chaos in her heart, a tumult of hope, fear, doubt. Did she dare consider his mad scheme? It was so very tempting, and yet undeniably daunting as well. "You are my best hope, angel. My only hope. One night. Can you give me that?" She swallowed thickly. "Must… I answer this moment?" she said at last. "The decision you are asking me to make is a profoundly serious one. I need time to consider." "Of course." His gaze held sympathy. "But however much I dislike pressing you, perhaps I should remind you that time is running short." "I know." Her tone was bleak. She stepped back, out of his embrace, and was unsurprised to discover how feeble her knees were. She didn't need Mr. Sabine to remind her of the urgency. He was to hang tomorrow – unless she consented to become his bride. Then his execution would be delayed long enough for them to wed. Her eyes were burning as she gazed up at him, her throat tight. So tight that she couldn't manage another word. Turning blindly, she made her way outside the cell, where she leaned weakly against the stone wall. A shudder passed through her as she thought of him dying - "Aurora, are you unwell?" Percy's concerned voice asked. She had forgotten entirely that he was awaiting her in the corridor. Unable to speak, she shook her head. "Come, we must get you out of this dungeon and find some fresh air." She was grateful when her cousin took her arm and led her along the dim passageway and up a narrow flight of steps. When she reached the open air, she drew a deep breath, trying to contain the turmoil of emotions that were tearing at her inside. Percy waited patiently while she struggled to regain her composure. "So," he said finally, "I take it Sabine proposed?" "Yes." Her voice held an edge of bleakness she couldn't hide. "And did you give him an answer?" "Not yet. I couldn't… not so quickly. I told him… I needed time to consider such a drastic step." "Well, of course you do. I can only imagine what a difficult decision it must be for you – to defy your father and wed a stranger. Perhaps we should go home and discuss it with Jane." She gave him a forced smile. "Yes." Percy led her to the waiting carriage and handed her inside, then took his place beside her. Aurora sank back against the squabs and stared blindly out the window. She shuddered to think how her father would react, the rages she would have to endure… Yet it wasn't only withstanding her father's inevitable explosion or marrying a stranger that made her decision so difficult. Still, it was the thought of Nicholas Sabine dying that was breaking her heart. |
||
|