Page 35 of The Warrior Priest
“I want to,” he whispered. “So very much.”
“So do I.”
“I’m sorry.” He set me gently down.
I touched his jaw, allowing myself a moment of indulgence before withdrawing. “Don’t be sorry. It’s all right, Rhys. I understand.”
He closed his eyes and turned away.
I swallowed but the lump in my throat remained. “On second thought, I’m tired. You return the barrow. I’m going home.”
He picked up the barrow’s handles and pushed. He did not look back.
I headed in the opposite direction, not bothering to wipe the tears from my cheeks.
Chapter8
Iawoke to the feeling that I was being watched. “Rhys?”
“Not Rhys. But he did ask me to give you this.” Rufus held up a pouch bulging with coins. He tossed it to me when I sat up.
I stifled a yawn and blinked sleepily at the figure standing by the shuttered window. “Why did he send you?”
“Because Vizah doesn’t know you’re a woman and therefore can’t be trusted to be alone with you. Who knows what he might say. And Andreasdoesknow you’re a woman and therefore can’t be trusted to be alone with you. Who knows what he might say.”
Despite my glum mood, I smiled. “You’re wittier than everyone thinks.”
“Just wait until I start correcting your grammar. Everyone thinks that’s hilarious.”
When I’d asked why Rhys sent Rufus, I’d meant why hadn’t Rhys come himself, but I didn’t ask again. I knew why. Rhys was putting distance between us.
I pushed off the blankets, only to stop and arch a brow.
Rufus turned around while I dressed. “Your trick worked,” he said. “The sheriff believes the corpse is the killer.”
“Rhys told you what we did? Who else knows?”
“Just me, Vizah and Andreas.”
“He tells you three everything.”
“Not always. But the things he keeps from us are easy to guess, if you know him well enough to see the signs.”
I eyed the back of his head as I pulled on my trousers. “You can turn around now.”
“I should go.” He didn’t move, however. “Jac, can I ask what your plan is?”
“Plan?” I shrugged. “I don’t have one.”
He still didn’t head for the door. In fact, he perched on the edge of my table. “You can’t be a lad forever.”
“I’m aware of that.” I wasn’t sure if Rhys had told him I was the niece of the governor, and why I’d run away, so I didn’t elaborate. The fewer people who knew the better.
“Have you heard of Lord Zeally?”
I blinked at the odd question. “No.”
“He’s a minor lord with an estate to the east. He’s my brother.”
