They came to a dead end.
“This can’t be right.” Olivia’s voice lowered in disappointment and dread at having to go back the way they’d come. “Itmustlead somewhere.”
“The door could be boarded up on the other side.”
“Oh no,” she murmured. Must they go back?
He held the candlestick high.
“Is that a handle?” Olivia pointed to a brass object bright in the candlelight’s glow.
“I believe it is.”
He reached for it and gave a hearty tug.
A panel snapped back. Weak-kneed with relief, she stumbled out after him and filled her lungs with fresh air. Sunlight streamed through the window, alighting on the bed and expensive furnishings. They stood in Redcliffe’s bedchamber, having exited from the oak-paneled wall.
She eyed him with suspicion. “Did you know where this led, my lord?”
He widened his eyes. All innocence. “A cruel thrust. This surprises me as much as you, Miss Jenner. My ancestors were royalists. This would have been a way to escape the Roundheads. One of many such tunnels, I expect.” He blew out the candle and put the candlestick on a bureau. “Shall we investigate the others?”
His gaze teased her.
“Please come and tell me about it. I will be very interested to hear what you find.”
He grinned. “You weren’t afraid?”
“I don’t scare so easily, my lord,” she lied.
His green eyes filled with laughter and something else, far more unsettling. “No?”
Stepping close to her, he reached up and gently removed a cobweb from her hair. “You have an admirable, adventurous spirit, Olivia.”
At his use of her first name and the longing in the husky tone of his voice, her breath became trapped in her lungs. She was alone with him in his bedchamber. It was entirely improper. Well, this entire situation was, and she had only herself to blame. Why had she allowed him to lead her astray? Her reason deserted her around Redcliffe.
“You are an amazing woman,” he said softly. “Capable of so much more than your life permits.”
“No…I’m not.” Her skin warmed, and she raised her gaze boldly to his. The air around them filled with anticipation. She yearned to stay and discover what she was capable of. To be with him.Go, go now.
“Indeed, you are.”
He reached out and clasped her arm as she turned to the door. The warmth of his fingers through her muslin sleeve held her back.
“I must go down.”
His hand slid down and tugged her wrist, bidding her stay, and put an end to her flight. “Wait.” His voice was a low plea. Eyes the deep green of the sea sought hers, then settled on her mouth while his thumb stroked her galloping pulse.
She stilled, guilt and apprehension warring with insatiable desire.
He leaned down and kissed her. A tender touch of lips, a sharp intake of breath, and his mouth lingered on hers.
His lips were firm, demanding. Her hand sought his shoulder, her fingers gripping his coat as desire and need threatened to overcome her. His kiss tempted her into a sensual world she knew nothing about, beguiling and dangerous.
When he moved away, the heat in his green eyes caused a pulse to beat low in her stomach. She touched her lips with a finger, as warmth spread across her chest and up her throat. Did she blush? It would show her inexperience and no doubt amuse him. Had she, by her behavior, invited such impropriety? She came to her senses with a shock and stepped away from him. “You mustn’t.”
“Mustn’t I?” His voice was low, husky, inviting.
The warning voice in her head stabbed through her wavering desire.Oh, he was so persuasive. What woman could resist him? He was a charming rake.
