An excited thrill rushed through her being. He had waited!
Orion paced at the top of the hill, and she admired his strong, wide shoulders and long legs. Then he turned and looked her in the eye. He was not smiling. He almost looked angry.
What had she done?
“What is in the satchel?” he asked.
Nina had forgotten that she held it. “Castoffs. They usually do not fit so I alter the dresses best suited for me.” Her cheeks heated when she looked down at what she was wearing. Her clothing didn’t resemble anything the ladies had worn to the wedding, or that had been worn by the females who visited just now. He must think her quite odd as most women would simply take in seams for a proper fit. Nina deconstructed and redesigned.
“I wish more ladies in Society had your style.”
Nina knew that he teased, but he no longer looked angry.
“Who were the five women who came from the trees looking as if they had stepped out of ancient Greece?”
Her eyes widened. “How did you know?” She was certain they had not revealed themselves until he was gone.
“Like they, I hid in the bushes and behind trees.”
Panic settled in her chest. “For how long?”
“Until my family turned for home.”
She could only pray that he’d not heard anything that was discussed.
“Who are you, Nina?”
She bit her lip as there was no easy answer.
“Why can Cassian visit the sacred grove, but no other man?”
She looked into the once warm brown eyes, but they had darkened with what she assumed was determination to find the answers she would not give. “I cannot tell you.”
“Cannot or you will not?” Orion demanded.
She may not have to ask him to never come back. He may make that decision on his own. “Both.”
“Why?”
It pained her not to say anything, but who she was, how she came to be here, and the identity of the others were to remain a secret. If she told him, it could be dangerous.
Except, he was a Drakos. They were their protectors.
Then she corrected her thoughts. The women were their protectors, not the gentlemen.
“I am sorry. I cannot answer your questions.”
Orion’s beautiful face hardened, and his lips tightened into a firm line as he settled his hands on his hips and stared at her.
“I will find out on my own,” he finally said.
She notched her chin with confidence. “No, you will not.” He had been a part of Nightshade Manor his entire life and if he had not followed Nephele yesterday, he’d still not know that she existed. If his family did not find it necessary to tell him, then neither would she. Besides, it was not her place to reveal any secrets.
“I will learn the truth of all of …” he paused, spread his arms, and looked around. “Of all of this. On that you have my word.” Orion then turned and strode down the path to the grotto.
Tears sprang to her eyes suddenly, but Nina could not comprehend why. Was it because she didn’t want him to go? Yet, it was also best that he did and that she never saw that beautiful gentleman again.
With a sniff, she returned to the temple. The others waited for her.
