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Resentment welled inside her, so sharp, she almost choked on it.

Releasing the chemise’s hem, Dominic turned to face her. “Why, I wonder, would Crenardieu guard your shop?”

“I do not know,” she managed to say. Liar! her conscience screamed. How can you speak falsely to the man you love? The only man you will ever love, until the day you perish?

A sad, taut smile touched Dominic’s mouth. “I vow you do know, Gisela.”

A sob lodged in her throat. Aching loneliness filled her soul. She sensed the emotional distance furrowing between her and Dominic, cleaving like an axe through the loving trust that had defined their relationship before.

Fie! Circumstances were different now. How could she not speak falsely, when her lie would save Dominic from Ryle?

She crossed her arms and rubbed her sleeves with her hands. “Crenardieu has no reason to distrust me.” That, at least, didn’t further embroider her falsehood.

“So you say. Yet, from early morning ’til I came in just now, at least two men stood in the street and kept watch on your premises. They pretended to be repairing a broken wagon. I pursued one of them and tried to wrest an explanation from him, but he was not forthcoming. A short while later, he was back in his spot, watching.”

“Oh, God,” she whispered.

“Crenardieu would not order his thugs here, Gisela, unless he had reason.”

She tried to speak, but desperation froze her mind. All the words that might rush to her defense evaporated like dew.

Dominic’s gaze challenged hers. “From the moment we met, I sensed you withheld something from me. ’Tis more than your running from your husband.”

A tremor shook her.

He stepped forward, his fierce strength of will rolling toward her out of the shadows. “Are you indebted to Crenardieu in some way? Is that why he watches you?”

Trying to swallow down a moan, she shook her head.

Dominic raked his fingers through his hair. His face contorted as though his next words were unbearably painful. “Are you and he…” He clenched his eyes shut before opening them again. “Are you his… lover?”

“Never!”

“Does he fear my relationship with you, then? That I might take what he believes is his?”

A frantic laugh bubbled inside her. If only Dominic knew how perfectly his words related to the hidden silks. “Honestly, Dominic, I would rather eat a slug than lie with Crenardieu.”

A faint smile tilted Dominic’s lips. “Good. Otherwise, I would be very disappointed in you.”

Gisela smiled back. Warmth spread within her, akin to a flower unfolding and reaching for the sky. How she loved Dominic’s wry humor. How she loved… him.

Tell him now, Gisela. Tell him what he deserves to know. Before you lose your courage. Before Ewan scampers through the doorway.

Drawing a trembling breath, she said, “Dominic, you were right about a secret. One I have kept from you far too long. I shall deny you the truth no longer.”

CHAPTER 11

Asigh broke from Dominic, a sound expressing the relief whooshing through him. At last, Gisela confided in him. ’Twas best she reached this decision on her own, rather than him having to coerce her.

Letting his hands fall to his sides, he stepped closer. “Thank you, Gisela, for trusting me.”

She gave a jerky nod, causing her hair to shift about her shoulders. He remembered the brush of her tresses against his hands. The way, years ago, she had looked up at him, her blue eyes shining with limitless love and trust.

When she looked at him now, he saw wariness in her gaze, as well as haunting shadows of anguish. Whatever she was about to tell him was difficult for her.

Silence spread through the shop like a thick blanket. “’Tis about Crenardieu,” he gently pressed.

“Um… Nay.”