He erupted with rough laughter. “Oh, please, the scene where you held my brother in your arms—or was he holding you?”
“You were spying on us?” she cried, sitting up, aghast and then feeling her cheeks flush.
“I wasn’t spying on anyone, Virginia,” he said sharply. “I wanted some air, but the two of you were so engrossed I decided not to step outside. It was a perfect night for a pretty pair of lovers.”
She gaped. Her mind raced. “How much did you hear?”
“I heard nothing,” he said sharply. “Did you enjoy his kisses, Virginia?” he demanded suddenly.
She gasped. And her racing mind realized how it might have looked to Devlin—as if they were lovers, in a prolonged embrace. “What happened last night was between me and Sean,” she managed, still stunned, “and it is none of your affair.”
“But I approve of the match,” he said. “I always have and heartily so.”
She stiffened, his words hurtful. Then she recalled that he had said that Sean was in love with her—and he was right. She stared at him. Surely he was not jealous? The instant she thought it, she almost laughed. Jealousy was a result of affection or love, and this man did not care for her in any way—although Sean would disagree. Carefully, she said, “Sean is only a friend—a dear friend, my dearest friend.”
He made a derisive sound. His face was so taut the flesh looked like it might snap free from the tendon and bone that lay beneath.
“But you are right. Unfortunately, he has come to have very strong feelings for me, feelings that I do not return.”
“Why not?”
“Why not?” she gasped, and then she was so angry her fists balled up. His gaze moved to them, then back to her own eyes. “I am not a whore. Or have you really forgotten that you took my virginity, Devlin?”
He flinched and their gazes held, and unfortunately, Virginia thought him to be far more in control of any emotion than she was.
“How can I forget,” he asked, “when you are forever reminding me?”
She ached to slap him. She did not. “I think that night precluded any possibility of my ever falling in love with Sean.”
“Why?”
“Why?” She was in disbelief.
“Yes, I asked why. The past needs to remain dead and buried, Virginia, and very shortly you will be free to go where you please. You were very sad to leave Askeaton—and Sean.”
Virginia hesitated, still incredulous, hurt and angry.He is not indifferent to you. It is a sham, a pretense.
She couldn’t believe Sean, but dear God, she wanted to. But if he cared at all, why would he be doing this? Why would he be pushing her toward his brother? Softly staring at him, she said, “There is magic at Askeaton, Devlin. In the five months I have been there, it has come to feel like my home.”
His gray eyes were impossible to read. Then his mouth twisted into a parody of a smile. “Well, that is good. Because when the ransom has been delivered, you may return there happily, if that is what you wish.”
“Is it guilt?” she asked. “Is it guilt that drives you now? Do you think to have your brother clean up the mess of your making?”
“That’s enough,” he said harshly.
“That’s it, isn’t it?” she cried, stunned. “It’s guilt! You have some heart after all! You said you were sorry—Sean says you are sorry—you even said you deserved that slap. So you know you have behaved monstrously. But you would never offer marriage—not that I wish you to!” she added hastily. “But if Sean did, why, how convenient for you! You could forget there was a day when you became the kind of man your mother would not recognize, that your mother would—”
He seized her by both shoulders. “Enough.”
She tensed, the grasp of his large hands causing her heart to slam, and for one moment, her body shifted toward him, expecting him to pull her close and kiss her. Instantly, her mind told her otherwise and she pulled back. As instantly, his gaze plunging to her mouth, he let her go.
“Never bring up the subject of Lady de Warenne again,” he warned.
She hesitated. “I met her.”
He paled.
Oh-ho, this was interesting indeed! “She is a very kind woman. I liked her very much.” Virginia became sly.
