Page 71 of The Truth About Myths
Why could he restrain himself so easily?
"Must we rush things? I don't want to do this on a bench, risking discovery." He sat, shifting away from her, his expression hidden by Eros's shadow.
The words 'I don't want this' rang in her ears. How foolish she had been. The prudish princess trying to tempt a rake. Her chin trembled, and she clutched her stomach. "Really, Henrique, for all your fame… You are revealing yourself to be a disappointment."
"It is not only your prince who has honor." His face hardened, and he stood up. "I will escort you back to your room."
Isabel smoothed her skirts down her unwanted legs, her cheeks heating with shame. "I know the way."
Chapter 25
"In friendship, as in love, we are often happier through our ignorance than our knowledge."William Shakespeare
Isabelleanedoverherdressing table, moonlight glowing over the hibiscus in her hair. Jaw clenched, she plucked it from her ear and replaced her tiara. The wire pierced her scalp. Cursing, she threw it away. Hibiscus and diamonds stood side by side on the vanity.
Panting, she splayed her hands over the wooden surface. Henrique’s hurt expression haunted her. Stupid, stupid pride. Could she blame him for acting responsibly? He had been nothing but gentlemanly, and she had implied he was only worth his lust. Covering her face, she groaned. She had given him the treatment she despised men for. Isabel stared at her bed and then at the door. The clock struck the first chime of midnight. How could she sleep if she didn't apologize?
She tucked the hibiscus under her ear and crept out of her room. The way to Henrique's bedroom passed in a daze of empty corridors and dark passages. She tiptoed to the bachelor's wing, keeping to the alcoves and shadows formed by the heavy drapery. Rustling and rushed voices prompted her to hide behind a statue. In the dim light, she could make only a couple's outline, their hands interlaced.
Holding still, she waited. When the corridor was empty, she proceeded.
Flickering light spilled from Henrique's bedroom. She paused, imagining his surprise at seeing her again. The memory of his kiss was still in her mouth, and her skin tingled where he had touched it just minutes before.
Pulse speeding, she opened the door a slit. A candelabra burned atop the nightstand. Henrique was not alone. It took a moment for what she saw to make sense. He kissed Rafaela, her scantily clad body draped over his. A stab pierced her chest, the pain so acute she feared she would crumble. His proclamations of honor masqueraded for excuses. Henrique was a blackguard. And he broke her heart.
Chapter 26
"It seems impossible to repress Iberian blood at the age of twenty."The Duchess de Dino
Henriqueclosedhismouthagainst Rafaela's onslaught and held her at arm's length. "Stop acting. Your husband isn't here."
She laughed, her red lipstick now bleeding into her chin. "Why so tense? Your experiments? Are they giving you trouble? I can help." She moved behind him, her breasts crushing against his midback, and kneaded his shoulders.
Henrique stepped forward and waved to the open door. "Good night, Rafaela."
She pouted. "Let me stay… I'll make your night really good."
Henrique pinched the bridge of his nose. "I tire of your games. You love Canastra. Do nothing to cause regret in the morning."
"Do you see these?" She cupped her breasts.
“Hard not to,” Henrique said dryly.
"I won't be like the other matrons who marry and spout a kid or two, then let their bodies go and become fat like pigs in a cornfield, secure that in this country, divorce is blasphemy, and though their husbands might take a mistress, no king or pope can take a wife from her home and children. I want more than a life of duty. I'm done waiting for Canastra. I want passion, and I want it now."
And he was the stallion waiting to perform? She better stay in line then. He massaged his temples against a wave of headache. Everything was askew in this place. The first time he’d acted withpundonor, he was rejected. Isabel wanted the rake, not the honorable gentleman. And it hurt. "The stud is closed."
"What a shame… Won't you make an exception? Both of us will be free. My husband plans a secret trip and will take your protégée with him."
Henrique froze. “Where?”
She tossed her hair and rolled her eyes. "Cordoba, Madrid, the fifth hell? I care not where."
Henrique grabbed her shoulders. "What does Canastra plan to do with Isabel?"
Frowning, she inspected him with sensual black eyes. "It is true, is it not? You are in love with her?"
Henrique released her and crossed his arms. He would take Isabel away from here on the morrow. To hell with the king and Pedro. "My relationship with Princess Isabel does not concern you."
