Page 458 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“His grandmother is French, which is why he was able to stay in France during the war,” Nicholas said.

“French?” Jo repeated. That meant—she closed her eyes. Sweet heaven. “He does not speak with an accent,” she said.

They reached the massive hearth where a low fire burned and Nick released her hand. “He was born in England.”

“Why did he go to France?”

“I heard rumors that his father died and his mother abandoned him there,” Nick replied.

“A sad fate,” she said, but felt not one wit of compassion for him.

“When I saw him in Paris, he was quite anxious for news of England. He asked after your family, as I recall.”

Her heart jumped. She looked up at Nicholas with an even expression. “I do not recall my father speaking of him. I imagine he asked because of your association with my family.”

Nicholas seemed to consider. “Nay, I don’t see how he could have known.”

“I cannot say,” she replied. “Why do you not like him, my lord?”

“He is condescending—”

“Never say he is condescending,” she interjected.

Nicholas lifted an amused brow. “Have you something to say, Lady Josephine?

“Nothing of consequence.” She waved a dismissive hand. “Only that I can see why you wouldn’t like him. You two are much alike.”

Nick’s mouth thinned. “We are nothing alike.”

Regret stabbed at her “No,” she quickly agreed. “I was only teasing.”

“Aye.” He smiled, and her insides liquefied.

“That is not to say you do not have faults,” she quickly added.

“Then you must save me from myself.”

Josephine narrowed her eyes. “You will not get off so easily.”

His eyes darkened. “I pray not.”

She gave a small gasp. “My father will shoot you if he sees you look at me like that.”

Nicholas chuckled. “If that were the case, he would have shot me long ago.”

“There will not be a repeat of what happened this afternoon.”

“You have some new torture in store for me?”

“Not a torture of that sort,” she retorted.

Nick took her hand and kissed it. “Being in your presence is torture enough.”

She snatched her hand back. “If it is such torture to be in my presence, then why do marry me?”

“Because it is the sweetest of tortures, love.”

She started to reply, then realized he was right. Marrying him would be the sweetest of tortures. But one she could not allow.