From the way her attention dropped to her lap and her unsteady fingers twisted the material of her dress, he sensed her fright of being alone with him. Twin spots of pink highlighted her cheeks courtesy of veiled moonlight filtering through the shadows of the coach’s curtained window, indicating her attraction to him—and her innocence.
“What an improper topic of conversation. Of course I’m a… Um, you know… I have never been touched.” She lifted her chin in defiance. “And I shall remain that way until I’m married.”
He held up his hands in mock surrender. “Fine. I will not touch you again.”
After he made the promise, emptiness invaded his chest and arms. He didn’t want to release her to another man so soon. Although he should never touch her, something about her kept his interest, and he yearned for more. He had never tried this hard with any other woman. Most females fell easily for his charms, and as he had expected, they only wanted him because of his wealth and fame with the opera. However, Maxey was different, and he liked the challenge.
“Is your wedding day forthcoming?” he asked.
She shook her head. “I have yet to meet the man with whom I would like to share the rest of my life.”
“Forgive me for inquiring on such a delicate subject, which is obviously uncomfortable for you to talk about.”
“I’m not uncomfortable. We can discuss this if you would like.”
He wanted to grin, but kept his expression solemn.Brave woman.“Maybe after my uncle is caught and proven guilty, you will be free to start looking for the right man to fill your life?”
“Perhaps.”
Silence stretched for another few annoying minutes, driving Nash to distraction. Maxey made it evident with her creased forehead and sulky, pursed lips that conversing with her would do no good.
Obviously, she didn’t want his touch. The thought appalled him, but he must allow her to make the first move from this point forward. His ego wasn’t used to rejection.
He turned and focused his attention out of the slit through the curtains. The rider was farther back than before, but keeping up with their tracks.
Nash slumped in the corner of the seat and closed his eyes. Why couldn’t he tempt the beauty sitting across from him?
Shaking his head, he tried to push her from his mind, but the harder he tried, the more he remembered her softness against his frame as he held her tight, and especially the way her mouth fit perfectly with his. Her sweet taste was like nectar from the gods.
Growling softly, he adjusted himself on the seat. How could he get these images of her to leave his mind? Especially when her jasmine scent lingered in the air, teasing him, tempting his every thought.
He blew out a gust of air and looked at her. Wide, luminous eyes rested upon him, but she quickly turned her head. She couldn’t hide the glimpse of interest he detected in her expression. Why did she fight her feelings? It was obvious that she was just as attracted to him as he was to her, so why couldn’t she admit it?
In a way, she had confessed her feelings. She had told him that his singing hypnotized her at the opera. Suddenly, an idea rooted in his mind, making him straighten in his seat. Maybe he would change his charming tactics a bit.
He moistened his throat and prepared to sing one of the Italian arias performed in the opera. To begin, he hummed the tune. Maxey slowly turned her head in his direction, her expression guarded, but she remained silent. When he started singing, he kept the volume low, even though he knew their follower would not be able to hear. He detected a hint of question in her wide eyes, but she didn’t speak.
As he sang the aria, he held her eyes prisoner. He put all of his feelings into the song as he tried caressing her with each word. His mind drifted to the place where men couldn’t hunt him, where he could be free…and where one special woman wanted to love the real Nash Burke. Once again, music soothed his soul.
Soon, her expression softened into a smile, and her body relaxed, eyelids drooping, the lines of her forehead smoothing out. The song came to a low finish. She dabbed the tip of her finger at the corner of her eye, removing a tear.
“What was that song about?” she asked. “I’ve heard you sing it several times, and although it’s very beautiful, I don’t understand Italian as much as I would like.”
“As you know from the opera, my character is leaving for war. He is promising his true love he will return to renew their relationship. He swears he will marry her upon his return.”
“The song is very powerful. When you sing, you project deep emotion.” She brushed her fingers against another tear sliding down her face. “Are you really just an excellent performer, or did you have a childhood love to whom you could relate?”
He laughed softly. “In my youth, I had many infatuations, but they meant nothing.”
“Then how do you sing with such conviction?”
He moved from his seat and sat next to her, laying his arm across her shoulders again. “My character is not only going to war, but he is leaving his family and home. That is something I have known, and I still feel the heartache. Although it was my choice to leave, I still miss my family, and I have not stopped mourning my parents’ deaths.”
“Forgive me.” She placed her hand on his chest. “I should have realized.”
With tender care, he took her hand and kissed her fingertips. “Would you like me to sing you another song?”
Her smile widened. “If you don’t mind.”
