A Forbidden Life by C.J. Archer

Author:C.J. Archer [Archer, C.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: C.J. Archer

Chapter 11

Lizzy fell asleep almost as soon as she tumbled into bed. She awoke some time later in a tangle of blankets, shaking with cold and fear. She’d dreamed about Rafe again and the day he’d left London seven years ago. The cold, dark look in his eyes haunted her even now that she was awake. She told herself he wasn’t always like that. He’d shown kindness to her since his return.

Yet…

What would happen if she did something he didn’t like? How far would he go? How bad would she need to err before he turned violent?

“Lizzy? Is everything all right?” He stood in the doorway dressed in his new clothes. Unlike the night before, he did not have a blade in his hand and he did not rush in thinking she was in danger. He merely hovered at the edge of her bedchamber, a powerful presence in the darkness. Surprisingly, it brought her comfort.

Would she be forever undecided between her fear of him and her trust in his ability to protect her?

“Yes,” she said. “It was just another dream.”

He stepped closer but kept back a little from the bed. “It might help to talk about it.”

“I don’t think so.”

He was silent a moment then, “Did you have these nightmares at home?”

“No.” She got out of bed and untangled the blankets. By the light of the moon she could see his face was turned to her, watching. His eyes may have been shrouded in shadows but she didn’t need to see them to know desire dwelled in their depths. She could feel it vibrating off him.

Too late she remembered the new shift didn’t modestly cover her breasts. Did his vast catalog of skills stretch to seeing in the dark? There had been no doubt at Kate’s house that he’d noticed her cleavage. Everyone had.

“I’m sure it’s because of the danger we’re now facing, and the uncertainty,” she said.

“Hmm? What’s that?”

“My bad dreams are caused by our current danger.”

He cleared his throat. “You’re right. It’s nothing to do with—” He sucked in a breath. “With anything else.”

Neither of them spoke or moved. Perhaps he would come back to her, comfort her, assure her all would be well again. Kiss her.

Heat spread from her breasts to the tips of her ears and down to her toes. Her nipples tightened, tingled, strained against the shift. Thank goodness for the darkness.

Rafe reached up to the door frame as if he needed it for balance. “Lizzy…”

Now. Come to me. Here. “Yes?” she asked, breathy.

“Lizzy…I’m sorry for what happened at Shakespeare’s house. I should not have…”

He was sorry for the kiss? “Oh. Yes, of course. I’m sorry too.” Sorry she had enjoyed it so much and hadn’t wanted it to end. Sorry she could not get it out of her head, despite her nightmare, despite being afraid of this man.

“James would kill me if he knew I’d forced myself on you.”

Oh lord, poor dear James. Guilt stabbed her squarely in the chest. “Kill you,” she said, dully.

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