Stefan appeared that night soon after Leanora had taken her leave. He found Bryony sitting on the couch, gazing into the hearth fire, a pensive expression on her face. As though sensing his presence, she glanced over her shoulder, a wary expression in her eyes.
“Something troubling you?” he asked, moving to take the chair alongside the couch.
She shrugged, her gaze sliding away from his.
He regarded her for a moment, and then let his mind brush hers. And grinned. She thought he was a witch, that he had used magic to control the rain when they went walking the other night. Well, she was right, in part. But he had no wish to discuss it.
“Where were you?” Bryony asked, then bit down on her lower lip. She hadn’t intended to ask him but the words had slipped out.
He arched one brow. “Did you miss me, fair Bryony?”
“Of course not.” It was both the truth and a lie. She told herself the only reason she missed him at all was because she hated spending so much time alone in his creepy old house.
His smug expression told her he knew the truth. “Leanora tells me you asked her to bring you canvas and paints and she did so.”
Bryony nodded, hoping she hadn’t caused the girl any trouble.
“I will see that in the future you have a ready supply of both. Is there anything else you wish?”
“Nothing, my lord. Save my freedom.” She enjoyed doing needlepoint, but she refused to ask him for anything.
“Stefan,” he reminded her.
“No. Stefan.”
“Does it bother you to say my name?”
“Yes. It makes it sound like we are…friends.”
“And that bothers you?”
“We arenotfriends. We are prisoner and keeper.” He was the most exasperating man! How was it possible for her to be afraid of him and attracted to him at the same time.
“Ah. Do you not have the freedom of the house?”
She nodded reluctantly.
“I do not keep you in chains. Or beat you. Or abuse you.”
“But you will not let me go!”
“No.”
“Why? Why must you keep me here?”
“As I told you, I have been alone a long time. I rather enjoy your company.”
She stared at him. His voice was quiet, yet she sensed the pain beneath it. Had he lost a loved one? A wife? Was that why he had been alone? “Surely there are people you can turn to who would welcome your company. Who would comfort you.”
“What of you, fair Bryony? Will you not comfort me?”
“I…I would not know how.”
“I could teach you.”
His gaze moved over her, his eyes dark and filled with secrets. It sent a shiver down her spine. Struck by a sudden, nameless fear, she shook her head.
“I thought not. Leanora told me you wished for books to read. I will take you to the bookseller’s shop in the city. Tonight, if you wish.” His gaze challenged her. “Unless you are afraid to go with me.”
