Page 3 of The Miracle of Love
“It isn’t that sort of book. It is about finding true love, the forever and abiding sort. Nothing whatever to do with the lewd activities you indulge in with your sordid paramours. And what was that dark splotch on your backside? It looked like a snake curling around your thigh and its face imprinted on the…um, cheek of your derriere.”
“You peeked at my arse?”
She blushed furiously. “Of course, I did. I wasn’t going to close my eyes all the way just because you told me to do it. For all I knew, you could have had a hatchet in hand and intended to murder me.”
“I am not in the habit of murdering my aunt’s guests, and that dark splotch is a cobra, to be precise.”
“A cobra? What an idiotic thing. Who paints a snake on their rump?”
“I did, obviously. And it wasn’t idiotic. It was…” Well, it certainly hadn’t been his brightest idea. “Grace, are you trembling?”
“Apparently so.” She clasped her hands together and nodded. “You gave me a scare.”
“I’m sorry. I mean it sincerely. I had no idea you were in here. I was exhausted and merely slipped in to what I thought would be my empty bedchamber. I was desperate for sleep and to let down my guard or else I would have noticed you curled in my bed. Do you never toss about? I’ve never seen a bed in such pristine condition before.”
She nodded. “I do sleep rather soundly.”
“Like the dead,” he muttered. “I never meant to frighten you. Please know, I will not hurt you. You will always be safe with me.”
He wanted to reach out to the lovely girl and take her hand, but she did not trust him yet, and he did not want her screaming again. “I promise. I will never harm you. However, I am disappointed. You gave me your word and then you broke it.”
She tipped her head and looked up at him in indignation. “Why are you so offended? Would you not do the same if our roles were reversed and I was nakedly slipping between your sheets and…well, never mind. I don’t suppose it works quite the same way in reverse. Stop grinning at me. This is serious. Rest assured, I will not be taking off my clothes around you ever. Do you hear me? Not ever. My point is, would you not say anything to save your life?”
He raked a hand through his hair. “I suppose. Yes, I would. You are forgiven.”
“I have done nothing that requires forgiving. But I will be generous and forgive you. Do not sneak into my bedchamber naked again.” She paused a moment and gave her lip a light nibble. “Well, do not sneak in here clothed either. By the way, I will not stop you if you wish to put on your shirt.”
He grinned again. “Who are you exactly? My aunt and mother referred to you as Grace, but Grace what?”
“That was your mother? Of course, Mrs. Quinton. She’s lovely, but I suppose you know this. So is your nephew, Sam. He is quite adorable.” She covered her face with her hands. “Oh, why did you not stop me? I’ve just lied to your mother.”
“Believe me, she doesn’t really want to know the truth.” Deklan set the candle on the night table. “Sam is here?”
She nodded without looking at him, causing her lively curls to bob upon her slender shoulders. “Yes, at the opposite end of the hall with the older children. The youngest are upstairs in the nursery. Miranda has a full house just now.”
He reached for his shirt. “Then where am I supposed to sleep?”
“Well, it cannot be in here. Try the library. There is a sofa and several comfortable chairs.” She scrambled off the bed and tiptoed to the door to place her ear to it. “I think your aunt and mother have disappeared back in their rooms. Gather your things and go. Shall I help you?”
He joined her by the door but kept enough of a distance so as not to alarm her. Still, he was close enough to inhale her strawberry scent. Lord, she smelled nice. “You haven’t answered my question. What is your family name?”
To his surprise, tears welled in her lovely eyes. “I am too ashamed to say. Please go. I suppose we shall see each other at breakfast, and your aunt will tell you everything. You mustn’t forget to pretend we have never met.”
“I can keep my stories straight. You’re the one who needs to remember.”
“I know. I am not very good at deception.” She nodded. “How did you acquire those scars on your body?”
“Ah, that is a sensitive question. I am not at liberty to say. You mustn’t ask.” He tossed on his shirt, then moved away to don his boots and stuff his jacket in his travel pouch. He grabbed the pouch and his hat before striding back to her side.
Grace watched him the entire time. “You move about so silently.”
It was a trait he had acquired by necessity for survival. “Hush, Grace. I am going to open the door now. Do not say a word.”
“All right.” She took a step back. “I’ll lock it behind you.”
“You’re still talking.” But his heart surged in his chest as she gazed up at him with those big green eyes.
Oh, hell.
