Page 57 of Façade

He shook his head. “Oh no you don’t, I won’t be so easily fooled. You can’t truly be interested, which gives me reason to suspect you of a far more sinister motive: that ofstalling.” He gave my earlobe a playful tug.

Until this moment I’d entirely forgotten my initial purpose of doing that very thing, but the last thing I could admit to him was that I genuinely wanted to know more about his dull yet somehow fascinating hobby.

I forced a smile. “It appears you’ve become well-versed in my schemes, which gives me little incentive to hide my true intentions any longer.” I reached into his saddlebag, but my fingers had only just grazed the smooth stone resting on top when he blocked my hand. I barely registered his touch before he hastily withdrew it.

“There’s no need to trouble yourself.”

“I’m certain your poor horse is of a different opinion—it’s already being forced to bear your inflated ego; too many rocks might just cause it to collapse from the weight.”

He laughed. “Only you would accompany an offer to serve with an insult.”

“I have to give myself enough incentive to express my gratitude.” But it wouldn’t hurt to do so with words as well as gestures, even though the thought made me suddenly uncharacteristically shy. I lowered my gaze. “Thank you for the berries…and for letting me sleep beside you.”

He was silent a beat. “You’re welcome.”

A moment passed. I knew I should return to my own horse, but against my better judgement I found myself lingering. “Have you been able to find some interesting rocks on our journey? It appears stuffed to the brim.” I gave his saddlebag a little poke. Sure enough, it was bulging. The man was truly obsessed.

I’d kept my voice low so as not to be overheard, but the considerate gesture only brought me additional grief when he leaned closer and lowered his own voice. “Why are we whispering?”

“I’m unsure how many of the guards know about your…obsession. I’d hate to damage your prestigious image.”

He laughed boisterously enough to draw the very attention I’d been doing my best to avoid, for the truth of the matter was I was still somewhat embarrassed to be seen behaving amiably towards my husband. Ryland, on the other hand, seemed entirely oblivious to the covert looks cast by our entourage.

“You’re surprisingly cute. I truly appreciate the consideration.”

Cute?No one outside my pretend parents and the court with their insincere flattery had ever complimented my appearance. “I’m not cute.”

“Hmm, I beg to disagree.” He gave my ear another tug. “Now enough stalling, we’d best be on our way.” When I made no motion to move, his lips twitched again, and after a moment’s struggle he allowed his full smile to emerge. “Stubborn as always…or perhaps you’re awaiting a gallant gesture. Shall I assist my wife with her horse?” He wriggled his eyebrows.

“That won’t be necessary.”

But my protests were in vain; whenever he made his mind up to do something, he did his best to see it through, a trait we unfortunately shared. I expected him to escort me like a proper gentleman, but instead, the next thing I realized, he’d scooped me into his arms. I immediately flailed in an attempt to escape.

“What are you doing?”

“Carrying you to your horse. It seems a rather husbandly thing to do.”

“Nowyou care about such things?”

He shrugged and closed the remaining distance to my waiting steed, all while I did my best to hold myself away from the heat emanating from his firm chest, a rather difficult task when despite my best efforts I felt the strangest need to curl up against him…just as I’d spent the night.

It was a fierce relief when we finally reached my horse, but he made no motion to lift me into the saddle, as if determined to extend my torture.

“Aren’t you going to put me on the horse?” My breathless voice nearly swallowed the words.

“I’m debating whether it’s prudent to allow you to ride alone when you’re rather determined to escape. Perhaps I should ride with you.”

I nearly groaned.Oh, please no. I doubted I could survive such an experience. “You trusted me yesterday.”

“Trustis not the word I’d use.” His breath caressed my skin as he leaned towards my ear. “However, it’s something I want to extend, so I shall do so with only a warning: if you run, Iwillcatch you.”

The thought of him catching me was far more pleasant than it ought to have been; my fear over those dangerous emotions only strengthened his effective threat.

With a final snuggle that caused me to gasp in surprise, he lifted me easily into the saddle. His touch against my waist left me slightly dizzy. I tried to convince myself it was the elevated height rather than him causing my lightheadedness, and that the sole reason I seized hold of his hand was to keep him from pulling away and disrupting my precarious balance.

His eyes widened in surprise before his mischief once more overcame him. “Are you afraid you’re going to fall off, or is it my continued proximity you desire?”

A blush seared my cheeks. If I didn’t know any better, I’d wonder if the odious man wasflirting. I couldn’t admit—even to myself and especially not to him—how comforting I found his presence, growing more dear the closer we became.

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