Rolfe bit his tongue and did notreply.
He knew better than to be hasty with trust. He reminded himself ofRosalinde.
“And so you fall silent,” she said. Rolfe flattened himself against the wall, but she came closer, evidently assuming that he had continued down the hall to the bed chamber. She shook her head. “Straight to the bed, as though there was nothing else of import in this match than pleasure. I had expected more from you, sir, and do not mind confessing asmuch—”
Annelise passed him, just steps away in the darkness, as she chastised him. Rolfe waited a moment, then snatched her from behind, spun her around, and kissed her. He poured all his desire into his embrace, hoping to convince her that his scheme of seduction wasbest.
When he lifted his head long moments later, Annelise leaned against his chest. “You are persuasive, sir,” shewhispered.
“I would make your surrender worthwhile,” Rolfe whispered and caressed the soft curve of hercheek.
Annelise laughed. “You make me forget my plans and my resolve far too easily. I think you do not fight fairly,sir.”
“Would you rather I abandoned thebattle.”
“No, sir. In fact, I pray that you do not.” This time, she stretched to touch her lips tohis.
Rolfe was aroused that she initiated the kiss. Indeed, the lady showed more ardor than even he had come to believe and when he next had the chance to speak, Rolfe’s voice was husky. “I am not too proud to confess that I sorely missed you and your touch this day,Annelise.”
“Then you should not have leftme.”
“Would you believe me if I said I had nochoice?”
“Where did yougo?”
“I had an errand that could not bedelayed.”
“Butwhere?”
“Beyond thewalls.”
“But where? You did not take your destrier or palfrey. How could you have gone any distance withoutthem?”
Rolfe’s heart chilled. “My destrier?” he echoed, realizing that she had not been idle during her day alone. “You were in thestables?”
Annelise laughed a little. “I searched every corner of this palace for you, sir, though the only living souls I found were in the stables.” She must have interpreted his silence as surprise. “Even I have the wits to recognize the steed of a knight, sir, as well as his armor and weapons. He is quite a lovelystallion.”
Rolfe did not know what to say. How would he explain the absence of servants? What could he say about his absence? He did not wish to lie to Annelise, but her curiosity wasconfounding.
“Will you not tell me?” she askedquietly.
“I cannot.” Rolfe sighed. “I would if I could, but I cannot.” It was true and he hoped she understood as much. Rolfe was certain that Annelise was trying to study him, seeking a glimpse of his expression. When she sighed, he wished that he could see her expression. The shadows were as much a curse as abenefit.
“It was disappointing to find you gone this morn,” she said, leaning her brow upon his chest. She was so close to him that he could feel her heat and her hair fell over his hands. He bent to kiss her brow and was inundated by the scent of her skin. He wondered if the scent of Annelise would always be such a potent temptation to him. “Although the flowers were beautiful. Thank you forthem.”
“They are roses,” Rolfe said, feeling a wave of gratitude that she had accepted his meagerexplanation.
“Roses are not so large and lush asthat!”
“They are in Outremer. Do you likethem?”
“They are magnificent.” She touched her lips to his throat and heat emanated from that spot, making Rolfe hold her moreclosely.
“I would love you again this night,” he whispered. “Perhaps more than before, but only if youagree.”
“Of course,” she replied, her breath fanning his skin. “Of course, my lord husband. My passion abed is yours tocommand.”
Her agreement was all the encouragement Rolfe needed. He swept Annelise into his arms and strode for the bed chamber, determined to ensure that the lady learned even more ofpleasure.
