Finally breaking free, she muttered, “Your satchel?”
“In the woods.”
She nodded in approval, and they strode toward the gates.Arm in arm.Like brothers.
The silent walk back to the woods gave Adam time to consider what had just happened.
His emotions were as varied and volatile as a spring storm.He was terrified on her behalf.Grateful for her rescue.Irritated that she’d abandoned him.Awed that she’d carried off such a complex disguise.
The woman was daft.And yet she was marvelous.Inspired.Ingenious.Daring.
Once they reached the cover of the forest, he stopped and turned her toward him.Bracing his hands on her shoulders, he grinned at her horrible costume and gazed into her sparkling eyes.
“I didn’t think ye meant to come back.”
She furrowed her brows.“How could I not?”
His heart swelled.“That was brilliant.I don’t know how ye managed it.But ye’re a godsend.”
“And ye,” she gushed.“Ye were quick to join the ruse.Ye sounded so moonsick, I almost believed ye.”
“Maybe Iammoonsick.”
Then he pulled her forward and kissed her soundly on the mouth, beard and all.
He expected, after an instant of shock, she might share in his relief and return the kiss with equal enthusiasm.
She did not.
But Adam was no fool.He was not a seducer of unwilling maids.So he ended the kiss, searching her eyes with a frown of concern.
There was no conspiratorial joy in her expression.No clever mischief.No smug victory.
She looked positively stunned.
Then her gaze lowered to his lips, and her eyes filled with something else.Something he recognized at once.
Smoky longing.
Chapter 6
Eve felt forbidden heat in her body again.Blood rushing through her veins.A heavenly hum in her ears.Drowsy desire in her eyes.
Despite years of wearing the garments of others—ladies, servants, archers, monks, even courtesans—she’d never kissed a man before.
Why would she?She was a nun.It was wrong.Right?
God forgive her, it didn’tfeelwrong.
And she wanted to do it again.
She closed her eyes and leaned forward, opening her mouth in invitation.
He answered with a kiss so tender, she wondered if she imagined it.But nay.His touch was real.His breath was warm.
Even that light brush caused a ripple of yearning to reverberate through her.Her heart quickened.Her skin tingled.Her breasts swelled.A delicious throbbing began betwixt her thighs.
Fearing he’d pull away, she angled her head, deepening the kiss.But then she feared hewouldn’tpull away, that she’d be swallowed, body and soul.She faltered, unable to decide whether to stop or go on.
