He hoped she wouldnot.
Wolves howled in the distance, as if to remind them both of the perils of theforest.
Rolfe continued, speaking with a confidence he did not entirely feel. This lady, he suspected, was unpredictable—which, in truth, only added to his interest. “But if you remain within the walls until the morning, you must wed me first. I would not have it said that I had despoiled a maiden so lovely asyourself.”
Annelise strode back toward him, those eyes flashing with a vigor that made him want to kiss her senseless. “But I cannot leave now! You know the wolves would attackagain.”
“You gave your word,” he remindedher.
Annelise halted before him and lifted her chin, clearly intending to look into his eyes. “Please do not be insulted. My choice has nothing to do with your disfigurement, however horrific it must be.” Rolfe frowned in confusion as she continued. “I can never marry a man who does not love me. It is thatsimple.”
“And how,” Rolfe murmured, “would you know whether a man loved you to yoursatisfaction?”
“I would simplyknow.”
“How? Give me a tangible example of a man’slove.”
“He would protect me fromharm....”
“Save you from hungry wolves,perhaps?”
Annelise glared at him. “Perhaps.”
“Whatelse?”
“He would ensure that I was sheltered andfed.”
“Ah!” Rolfe pivoted to survey thepalace.
“Gifts,” Annelise said, sounding as if she had gritted her teeth. “A man smitten with his lady would bring hergifts.”
Rolfe could not resist reminding her. “Perhaps like a hot bath when she most desiredone.”
Annelise exhaled in such evident frustration that he almost laughed. “You twist my words, sir! You cannot love me. We have known each other meremoments.”
“Yet it is said that the greatest journeys begin with a singlestep.”
Annelise eyed him, apparently having no argument to make againstthat.
“Perhaps,” Rolfe continued, “the truth of a man’s affection might also be found in the marital bed.” He saw her swallow as he raised his hand to her chin and felt her shiver beneath that light touch. “Your position is precarious, my Annelise,” he murmured. “You would neither wed me nor leave my abode before morning. Surely you know that I could take whatever I desired of you, with no nuptial vows between us. Who would come to youraid?”
Annelise caught her breath but did not retreat. “But you wouldnot.”
Rolfe was intrigued that she was not afraid. “How do youknow?”
“You are not that manner ofman.”
“How do youknow?”
She frowned. “You would have done your worst already. You might not have offered me sanctuary. You showed me kindness when you did not needto...”
“And you come to trust me. I think we already take steps upon our journeytogether.”
She flicked a glance at him that was so filled with vexation that Rolfe didsmile.
“But we both know that you cannot possibly love me,” Anneliseinsisted.
“Yet the end result is the same, is it not?” he whispered. “Surely love, like all matters of merit, manifests in tangibleresults?”
