Page 168 of A Perilous Passion

Though it was some hours yet till dawn, a few gulls were awake already, mewing and croaking, preparing themselves for the sunrise. A slight breeze blew in from the coast, bringing with it the salty tang of the sea. It was exciting, even magical, being outside while everyone else was asleep.

Particularly since she was alone with Rafe.

She glanced at him again and realized he was furious. Her heart contracted painfully.

Tightening her fingers on his sleeve, she whispered, “I’m truly sorry for all this. I couldn’t think what else to do.”

“I said don’t speak,” was the hissed reply. “I thought I heard a twig crack just now.”

He was being most uncooperative. How was she to apologize, if she wasn’t allowed to talk?

Frustrated, she muttered, “There must be any number of animals out there. Why does everything have to be spies and danger?”

He glanced down at her. “Must I gag you, Charlotte, and throw you over my shoulder to get you home in silence?”

Infuriating man! If he kept up this level of boorishness, she might forget about apologizing, altogether.

Or…

Perhaps it could be done without words.

Sliding her hand down to his, she stepped smartly off the path, pulling him beneath the branches of a maple tree. Small winged seedpods danced about their heads as she pressed a finger against his lips.

His body radiated rejection, but she clung to him, rose up on tiptoe, and brushed her lips across his.

She waited, her mouth hovering mere inches from his lips, their breaths mingling. A second became ten, then a minute, then stretched into eternity…and still he made no answering move.

He didn’t want her.

She’d just shamed herself completely.

His heartless denial of what was between them crushed her. She’d ruined everything by her reaction when he wanted to read Justin’s letter, and by endangering his mission when she’d brought Justin to him tonight.

But what if that wasn’t the reason for his coldness?

What if Rafe still liked her and was hurt when she’d flaunted her former sweetheart in his face.

Oh dear. This needed thinking about.

When she got home. For now, Rafe’s refusal to respond to her kiss was too painful to bear.

But when she tried to withdraw, he grasped her elbows in a vise-like grip.

“You’re not to do that again. Ever. Understand?”

“Not kiss you?” she asked, her breath catching with hurt of her own.

“That, too. But what I meant was, never seek me out again. It’s far too dangerous. For us both.”

“I’m sorry.” She struggled to escape his grip, but he wouldn’t let her. She’d clearly not gain her freedom until he said his piece. She ground her teeth in frustration.

“This is no game,” he growled. “Lives are truly at risk, and you’ve hazarded more than your own tonight.”

“We needed your help.”

“You could have sent Tom Harris with a message as I’d instructed. Or do you enjoy sneaking about after dark like a seasoned felon? Perhaps you’re accustomed to it?”

What did he mean by that?