Masque of Betrayal by Andrea Kane

Author:Andrea Kane
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2012-10-18T06:30:36+00:00

CHAPTER

12

THERE IS NO REASON to be nervous, chaton. I have not the slightest doubt that my mother will love you.” Dane leaned back and stretched his arms nonchalantly across the back of the elegant coach seat, regarding Jacqui with tender amusement.

From the opposite seat, Jacqui settled herself into a position of exaggerated ease. “I am not nervous,” she countered, smoothing her skirts for the sixth time.

“I’m glad to hear that, love.” Dane swung over and slid alongside her, tugging her tense body against him. “Because I don’t want to waste this rare hour alone together on nonsense.” He nuzzled her hair. “I have a far more delightful diversion in mind.”

“Have you gone utterly mad?” Jacqui jerked away as if his touch burned. “We’re on our way to see your mother, for heaven’s sake!”

“True. However, the trip to Greenhills will take the better part of an hour, at best. So,” and he moved closer again, drawing her to him and kissing the side of her neck, “I plan to take full advantage of these wonderful moments we have to ourselves.” He leaned past Jacqui to draw the curtains of the carriage. “We’ve hardly seen each other, much less been alone together, in nearly a fortnight … since we announced our betrothal.” He kissed the curve of her shoulder. “I ache for you, chaton.” Before Jacqui could speak, he’d covered her mouth with his.

“Dane … we can’t.” Jacqui pressed the heels of her hands against Dane’s chest in a firm show of protest. She’d missed him too … dreadfully. But she needed a clear mind for the evening ahead, and she knew only too well where their kisses would lead.

Dane gave her a look of tender understanding. “We won’t.” He caressed her cheek with his knuckles while he slipped his other hand into his coat pocket. “I only want to hold you. And to give you this.” He took out a small box and snapped it open.

Cushioned on its velvet bed was an enormous glittering emerald, its shimmering fire intensified by the halo of tiny diamonds encircling it in a shower of twinkling stars.

Dane took the ring from its nest and slid it onto Jacqui’s finger. “A fiery jewel for my fiery kitten,” he murmured, lifting her fingers to his lips.

“Dane … it’s lovely.” The surge of emotion that assailed Jacqui, though still unwelcome, was becoming a more frequent and persistent visitor. She stared at the ring in silence, watching Dane’s lips caress her hand. “It’s far too extravagant.”

Dane smiled. “No common betrothal ring would do for you, my unconventional love. This one suits you perfectly. It has your flame, your spirit.” He kissed her palm. “I was beginning to think I would never have you to myself long enough so that I might give it to you.”

“I’m sorry, Dane.” Jacqui sighed, “I know I’ve been constantly surrounded by seamstresses and well-meaning shopkeepers. Not to mention Greta, who is always barking out advice, and my father, who is too nervous and overwrought to offer me much assistance.

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