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He fought the pressing need to face her. The hope that, before he left, she might change her mind and tell him all. If he turned now, he’d see her robed in soft light and shadow, her lovely features set with familiar, touching stubbornness.
He’d not be able to leave without kissing her.
“Good night, Gisela.” Without looking back, Dominic strode into the inky street. A soft “good-bye” followed him before he heard the door shut and the bolts slide into place.
Darkness swallowed him like the mouth of an enormous beast, concealing all but the areas limned by moonlight. He trudged on through the streets, following the distant shouts, clapping, and rowdy laughter until he came to The Stubborn Mule Tavern.
He looked forward to a stiff pint of ale.
As he crossed the dirt yard by the stable, his gaze fell upon the men standing outside the tavern door. Light streamed over the exquisite green cloak of a man turned in profile, handing coins to a smiling, loose-hipped bar wench.
Crenardieu.
Dominic smiled. The Frenchman would know as much as anyone about Gisela. Or, should he say, Anne.
CHAPTER 8
Twirling a daisy between her fingers, Gisela strolled farther into the meadow grasses. Butterflies danced ahead of her, lifting from the wildflowers to form a white veil, drawing her on into the meadow. Bumblebees ambled from bloom to bloom. How good the warm sunlight felt upon her back.
Someone was watching her.
Someone close by.
Unease shivered through her. She turned, tensed, ready to run. A man strode toward her, the long grasses dragging with a soft hiss against his legs. Her pulse quickened.
At first, she couldn’t make out his features. She barely dared to hope… But, as he neared, she knew her heart spoke true.
Dominic!
He grinned, so handsome in the brilliant sunshine. She couldn’t resist smiling back. She started toward him, her steps light, joy glowing within her. Drawing near, she threw herself into his arms. He embraced her, pulling her snugly against his broad chest, spinning her around so her feet left the ground. How wondrous it felt to be in his arms.
“I love you,” he said, kissing her cheek. “I love you, Sweet Daisy.”
“As I love you.” Tears streamed down her face. “I have missed you.”
Gently, he set her down. How safe she felt standing in his arms. Cherished. Complete. His gaze heavy with desire, he swept his hands into her hair, holding her head between his palms. Her breath seemed to float up like a butterfly, then suspend, waiting…
He lowered his head, and his lips brushed hers. She should not kiss him. Must not. There was danger in kissing him, no matter how much she wanted to. Her conscience cried a warning. Yet, his delicious touch stole every word of her refusal. He kissed her slowly, deeply, and she couldn’t deny kissing him back. He tasted of sweet promises. Of pleasure. Of love that knew no end.
He exhaled a ragged breath before urging her down to the ground. Her body draped easily, like tumbled silk, onto the bed of crushed grasses. She ached for his touch, his kiss, the pleasure he’d shown her long ago. Her yearning seared like scorching sunshine. Oh, how she wanted him.
He plucked the daisy from her hand. Holding the bloom between his fingers, his trembling hand slid down to her bodice. “Lie with me, Gisela. Be mine. Now. Always.”
Her skin longed for his touch. However, caution welled, intruding on her anticipation of bliss. “Dominic—”
“Sweet Daisy.” His hand slid lower, to her cleavage. There, between her breasts, he tucked the flower. Trailing a finger over the upper swell of her bosom, he said, “Tell me what happened to you. Tell me.”
Hopelessness crushed her rush of pleasure. “Dominic—”
“Tell me.”
His hand skimmed down to her right breast. Horror bloomed inside her, as insidious as a weed, choking the last of her joy. She tried to speak, to warn him, but she couldn’t force air into her lungs.
The fabric of her gown disintegrated, as though burned away by the sun. Her scarred flesh lay bared to him.
Dominic’s face crumpled with revulsion. He looked at her, his gaze harsh with loathing. He pushed her away.
With a gasp, Gisela’s eyes flew open. She blinked away the wetness clinging to her eyelashes while she heaved in another breath. Her body shivered through an anguished aftershock.
