Page 79 of Anice’s Bargain

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Anice hesitated in replying only because she knew that a ready answer would make her look like the fool. After such an incredible betrayal, she ought to be wary of his explanation about siding with his father rather than her. Except that everything in her drew toward trusting him again, reclaiming what had been briefly enjoyed and rapidly shattered.

“Tell me about Morna,” she said.

James shifted further from Anice. “Why?”

“Because what happened between you was impactful.” Anice reached for him. “My scars have been laid bare for you and it’s helped you to understand who I truly am.”

“Ye want to see my scars?”

Anice frowned. She hadn’t meant it like that. “I want to avoid accidentally prodding them.”

He nodded. “Aye, I thought I was in love once. It was a good while back, when I was barely older than a lad, back when I was too young to separate passion from love.” He shrugged casting a nonchalance to what was obviously a painful memory. “We were to be married. My da told me she was wrong for me, but I dinna listen. To be fair, my da doesna always have good advice.”

James winked at Anice. “Except when it comes to marriage.”

She couldn’t help the heat creeping over her cheeks. Even as she ought to appear cautious of trusting him again, she could not stymy her affection.

“What happened?” Anice asked.

James paced the short length of the cell. “I walked in on her in the stables with one of my da’s reivers.”

Anice winced. “With? Do you mean—”

“Aye.” James stopped and a muscle worked in his jaw.

“You said I was like Morna.” Anice went to James. “How?”

He slid her a side glance. “Because ye’re beautiful,” he said quietly.

Anice shook her head, not understanding.

“Morna was the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen,” he replied.

A stab of jealousy plunged deep into Anice’s chest.

“I was young.” He began to pace again. “My experience with beautiful women was limited.” He gave her another wink.

Small though the gesture was, it eased the prick of hurt in Anice’s chest.

“But she was far too lovely for me.” James smirked. “I know I’m no’ a handsome man. Certainly no’ fine enough looking to warrant having such a bonny wife. It dinna bother me, though, no matter how many people told me.”

Anice opened her mouth to protest, but James shook his head.

“It dinna bother me until I realized Morna would flirt with other good-looking men.”

“And the man she was with was one of them?” Anice asked.

James nodded. “And now I’m married to ye.” He turned and faced her, his brows furrowed. “The most beautiful woman in the whole of England and Scotland combined. A woman far beyond me in all things: title, wealth, talent, and appearance.”

Anice sucked in a breath. “James, nay.”

He shook his head. “Ye are above me in every way, Anice.”

“I have never once thought that.” She stepped toward him. “I find you to be the most handsome man in all the world.” She glided her hand over the powerful lines of his arm. “So strong.”

“More so than Drake?” James prompted. “And Lord Clarion?”