Page 57 of Isabel and the Rogue

Instead, Sirius grasped Isabel gently by the elbow and ushered her farther down the row, until they came to an armchair tucked into a narrow corner. A ginger cat lay nestled in a circle on the seat, and though Sirius was loath to chase it away, he wanted Isabel to be comfortable. So Sirius scooped up the grumpy feline and set it on its feet, and he rolled his eyes when it bared its teeth at him before sauntering away. Without waiting for her leave, Sirius sat, Isabel bundled in his arms. Her skirts made the position a tad uncomfortable, but his need to hold her overrode any discomfort.

“Sirius, really?” she scolded, her mouth pursed in reproach. Yet she didn’t attempt to escape his grip.

“Mr. Johnson is getting a bite to eat. I told him I would keep an eye on the shop,” Sirius said, squeezing her side, “so we have all the privacy needed to read that letter.”

Isabel rotated her head to look at him. “You truly want me to read it to you?”

Sirius resented the doubt in her voice, but did not mention it. Instead, he tucked a silky strand of black hair behind her ear and nodded. “Go on, then.”

With a sigh, Isabel unfolded the letter again, smoothed out the corners with her fingers. “It may take me a moment to translate.”

“There’s no rush,” he said, making a show of settling more comfortably in the chair.

A fleeting, perhaps fond, smile lit her face. Clearing her throat, she began.

Señorita Luna,

I hope this letter finds you well. Current circumstances have made communication a trying affair, so forgive me for not being in touch more frequently. However, Padre Ignacio has told me that you have a new suitor.

The word suitor made Sirius clamp his teeth together.

I’m sure I don’t have to tell you to employ your charms to learn of his connections, but circumstances here are precarious. We must rely upon our friends, and perhaps your new suitor can be of assistance. I know your father would be very proud to know your affiliation with this gentleman has borne fruit.

Isabel’s mien paled at the mention of her father, and Sirius dared to hold her a bit tighter. How dare Ramírez use her father to manipulate her. Sirius allowed himself a fleeting moment to daydream about choking this faceless man—

However, if you do not feel comfortable pursuing an attachment or his attention wanes, then maybe your sister, Señorita Gabriela, would meet with more success. Do not hesitate to use any advantage at your disposal.

Sirius snatched the letter from her hand, folded it carefully, and slipped it back inside her reticule. “That’s quite enough of that, I think.”

He’d expected Isabel to respond with indignation at his high-handed ways, but instead she sank back against his chest and covered her face with her hands. Grappling with what to do or say, Sirius settled on burying his face in the curve of her neck, his arms locked snugly around her.

The sound of Isabel’s throat working met his ears, and while he didn’t think she cried, it was obvious her emotions had been rattled. Sirius longed to ask her what she was thinking, but held his tongue. She would tell him when she was ready, if at all. And Sirius would learn to be satisfied with that.

He suspected he’d have to content himself with whatever Isabel was willing to give him.

Isabel tipped her head back to meet his gaze. “I can’t imagine why I thought I could do this. Me, timid, awkward Isabel Luna.”

“Stop that,” Sirius growled, dragging his hand up to cradle her face. “There is nothing about you that is timid or awkward. The Isabel Luna I know is fearsome. Sharp-witted. Quotes Frankenstein with clever ease.” When Isabel chuckled, he ran his thumb over her smile. “You dazzle me. Please don’t allow the words written in that letter to speak louder than the words I’m telling you right now.”

Her obsidian eyes glinted with her unshed tears. “You’re just saying that because you’re kind to everyone. I know, because I’ve been paying attention.”

“Not close enough, it seems.” Sirius held her gaze for a long moment before he leaned forward to slowly press his lips to hers. It was a short kiss, and still it rocked him to his core. “Instead of hearing Ramírez’s words in your mind tonight as you lie in your bed, hear mine, Isabel. The man who doesn’t want anything from you aside from your happiness.”

It was a lie. An acrid lie, for Sirius wanted too much. Much more than he could ever venture to deserve.

Determined to chase away his morose thoughts as well as hers, Sirius rose and set Isabel on her feet. “Johnson will return soon, and we certainly don’t want him to find us curled up like two rabbits in a burrow.”

Isabel shook out her skirts while her gaze never left his face. “Certainly not.”

Gripping his lapels…while he tried to keep a grip on his self-possession, Sirius gestured to the shelves with a jerk of his head. “Will you help me select some books to send to Dancourt Abbey?”

A sunrise emerged across her expression. “I would love to.”

Sirius smiled, thankful to steal a bit more time with her.

14

Isabel had left the bookstore that afternoon with her heart much lighter than it was when she had entered it. Sirius had successfully managed to dampen the stress she felt over Fernando’s letter by simply being his charming self. They perused the bookshelves for a long while, exchanging lighthearted banter, and Isabel quizzed him on whom he intended to buy books for. With that knowledge, she made recommendations, a feeling of triumph glowing in her chest whenever Sirius commended her taste. Eventually, Mr. Johnson returned and chimed in on occasion with his own picks, but overall he was content to allow Isabel and Sirius to search about his store and fill the air with their teasing.