Now he just looked confused and slightly wary—apparently having the good sense to realize that he’d said something wrong but not knowing what. “Aye.”
“Not chattel to be ordered around. If you wanted a meek, biddable wife, I’m afraid you are going to be disappointed.” Her eyes locked on his. “Very disappointed.”
Amusement hovered around his mouth. If he laughed, she swore he would regret it.
“Believe me,” he said dryly, “I have no illusions in that regard.”
Deciding not to be insulted, she gave him a short nod. “Good.”
He drew his fingers over his chin, considering her. “And this truly upset you?”
“It did.”
“But why? I was only seeing to your safety.”
“It was the manner of your actions. Since it was my freedom at issue, don’t you think you might have discussed it with me before giving your orders?”
He frowned. “That’s what I do—give orders. I don’t consult.”
Caitrina pursed her lips and searched for patience. “Perhaps not with your men, but what about with your cousin or brother?”
He looked thoughtful. “Occasionally,” he admitted.
“Is not the same courtesy due your wife?”
The notion appeared to startle him, but it wasn’t altogether repugnant. “Perhaps.”
“The next time, you will kindly inform me of your wishesbeforeyou leave.” She smiled. “And I will do my best to change your mind if I don’t like them.”
At that he laughed. “I look forward to the challenge, lady wife, but I’m not easily dissuaded—particularly when it comes to protecting what I hold dear.”
Her heart tugged at the tender declaration, but even if warmed by his motives, she would not fall back into the oblivion of her previous life. She was no longer content to be sheltered in the dark and allow others to make decisions for her. “And I can be a very persuasive woman.”
“I don’t doubt it,” he said wryly. “Is there anything else on your mind before I see to my men?”
“As a matter of fact, there is.”
“Why am I not surprised?”
She ignored the put-upon sarcasm. “The way you left, it was so sudden.”
“I regret not being able to explain, but in this case it was necessary.”
“Surely you could have spared five minutes?”
“What needed to be said required longer than five minutes.”
“Be that as it may, the next time you try to leave with nary a fare-thee-well, I will not be so understanding.”
He lifted a brow as if contradicting her claim of understanding. “I’ll remember that.”
“What was so important to take you from here like that?”
He sighed, dragged his fingers through his hair, and then gave her lopsided grin. “My duties, it appears, will have to wait.” He strode to the fireplace and pulled out a chair, offering it to her. She took the proffered seat, and he pulled another chair opposite her for himself.
She could tell by the grave expression on his face that it was serious.
“You are not going to like what I have to say. But, please, before you say anything, hear me out.”
