Why was she bringing him here—at night? Unease spread through him, and he whipped his attention around them, searching for anything out of the ordinary, and listening for any odd sounds. Shadows gathered all around them, which made him that much more fidgety.
She slowed her horse, and he copied. He studied the tall, four-story tower. Vines grew all over it. How long had it been since someone had taken care of the place? Yet, curiosity tugged at him; he wanted to see inside and, even more than that, find out what connection Clarissa had with this place.
When she stopped her horse, he quickly jumped off his and assisted her down. Keeping her hands in his, he gazed into her shadowed face and smiled. “I’m dying to know why we came clear out here just to be alone.”
She shrugged. “It’s like I mentioned earlier. It’s the only place I know about where we won’t be disturbed.”
“I’m taking it that you have been here before.”
She nodded. “A few times in the past couple of years.”
“Nobody lives here?”
“No.” She looked up at the tower. “It’s been abandoned for at least fifteen years. Maybe more.”
“Then I should go first to protect you from anything that might be living in here.” He placed his hand back on his sword.
“Oh, Ryder.” She laughed and hugged his arm. “Always my hero.”
He grasped her hand, pulling her behind him as he walked to the tower. He unsheathed his sword and cut a few hanging vines that were in his way before getting to a wooden door. As he slowly opened the door, the hinges squeaked, echoing through the abandoned structure.
Clarissa held up the lantern. When the light shone inside, Ryder half expected bats to come flying out, but so far, nothing like that disturbed their entrance. Once inside, the lantern illuminated the small room. Not a stitch of furniture was in here, but against the wall climbed a steep staircase, leading higher into the tower.
“We’ll take those stairs,” she said.
He glanced at her and frowned. Nothing but shadows stood in their way. Where exactly was she taking him that was so important? They could have found many private places to meet during their journey here. “Are you certain?”
“Ryder,” she replied with a laugh, “will you trust me? I promise, I’ve been here before.”
“I don’t know. Something doesn’t feel right.” The unease flowing through him turned into something deeper. More fearful. Yet Clarissa acted as if this place was familiar to her, and that nothing was amiss. Perhaps he shouldn’t worry.
She playfully elbowed his mid-section. “Do I need to lead the way, then?”
Her playfulness reminded him of when they were in school together, and he grinned. Yet, at the same time, he really didn’t feel right. He didn’t know why, but...perhaps they should leave. He’d learned to always follow his instincts.
“Rissa, darling, I think we should—”
“Oh, come on.” She walked ahead of him and started up the stairs.
Maybe he was being too skittish. She had a surprise planned for them, and with any luck, he’d find a moment to propose to her. He couldn’t stand the thought of her being with any other man, especially Prince Ormond.
He bit his tongue and didn’t say anything, but allowed her to show him the way. When they finally reached the top floor, he sighed and leaned against the wall. Once the lantern brightened the small room, he frowned. Apparently she hadn’t planned a surprise because just like the other floors, there was nothing that appeared to be out of the ordinary. But unlike the other floors, this room did have one single chair and table, and a cot up against the wall.
He switched his attention back to Clarissa, who placed the lantern on the ground before looking up at him with wide eyes. “Well,” he began, “is this what you brought me all this way to show me?”
Her smile stretched tight across her face. “Yes.” She took his hand and pulled him toward one of the walls. “But there is more.”
“More?”
“Yes.” She pushed him up against the wall, straightening his arms and pressing them by his sides. She took his sword away and dropped it to the floor.
Shock was a mild word for what he felt right now. Why was Clarissa acting so boldly? Was she trying to seduce him? This definitely wasn’t like her at all.
“Close your eyes,” she whispered as she brushed her fingers across his eyebrows.
He might as well follow her instructions to see where this would lead. Hopefully, she didn’t have seduction in mind. He couldn’t allowthatto happen. Not until after they were married.
“Come on, close them.” She rose on her tiptoes and placed a tender kiss on his cheek.
