“Oh, thank God!” She wrapped her arms around him and held on tight.
“I take it you’re feeling better?”
“Yes, now that I know where I am.” She leaned back in his arms.
“Good, because I’ve got a few questions for you,” he said as he kept walking with her in his arms.
“What questions?”
“Who is this Aranthur chap, for one thing?”
Butterflies flapped their wings against her rib cage. “I—I’m not sure,” she lied. She felt the heat of a blush in her cheeks as she remembered the searing kisses she’d shared with Aranthur.
But it was really Jack, so it doesn’t count.
She would tell him everything, but not now, not here among the ruins, where others could overhear.
Then she saw his smirk and realized how well Jack knew her. He’d become an expert at reading her expressions. She was a lousy liar, and he was an expert observer.
He lowered his voice. “I’ve never heard you mention him, and I must admit, I’m jealous.”
Jack is jealous?She couldn’t help but be surprised at his admission.
“Don’t look so surprised. You must have realized that you’ve completely turned my world upside down, Miss Gabriella D’Angelo.”
I can’t wait to tell him how much I love him.
“So, who is this man?” Jack growled. “Is he someone from your past? Is he the reason you’re here?”
In more ways than one.“Must you always suspect the worst of me?”
“It wasn’t me that left that cruel and indifferent note.” His self-deprecating laugh revealed his pain.
“I’m so sorry. I thought I was doing the right thing at the time,” she whispered. “To allow you a way forward. I was such a fool. Can you ever forgive me?”
“Forgive you?” He gave her a fierce kiss, too short for her liking.
“Does that answer your question?”
“Jack! Someone will see.”
“They’re all back in the cave. I carried you out as fast as I could out of that tomb.”
She placed her hand on his cheek. “Jack, I need to tell you the truth, about me, about everything. No more lies. There is too much at stake.”
“No lies—now that would be a welcome change.” He grinned.
“I’m sorry about that too. I was afraid.”
“Gaby, please trust me. I won’t judge you or think less of you, regardless of the truth.”
Gaby nodded. “I trust you, Jack. Now take us home.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Maremma, Italy
October 20, 1902
