Surrender Becomes Her by Shirlee Busbee

Author:Shirlee Busbee [Shirlee Busbee]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 2009-08-18T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

Marcus stared from her to the locket, frowning. His gaze settling on her face, he said, “I’ll say it again—don’t you think it’s about time you tell me what is going on? Whitley obviously felt that this locket holds some power over you.” His gaze narrowed. “Is this what you were looking for in his room?”

She hesitated, looked at the locket, then away. “Not exactly,” she finally said. “I told you the truth when I said that I didn’t know what he had, just that he meant me harm and that he had something that could, indeed, harm me.”

“And this locket could harm you?” he asked incredulously.

“Yes. No. Oh, I don’t know!” She took a deep breath. “But I couldn’t take the chance that Whitley did possess something, some item that would…” She looked away again, biting her lip. “It is very complicated,” she finally said.

Marcus snorted. “Apparently.” His gaze traveled over her averted features. “I don’t suppose you’d like to explain this complicated matter to me?”

She gave a bitter laugh. “No, I wouldn’t.” Her gaze hard and direct, she added, “I will not lie to you; if I can avoid telling you, I will. If I have my way, it will go to the grave with me.” At the objection she saw on his face, she sighed and said wearily, “I know. And before you say it, I’ll agree that it is unfair and obstinate of me, but believe me, Marcus, if our positions were reversed, you would do the same thing.” She looked at the locket and asked softly, “May I have it?”

He regarded her thoughtfully for a moment and then wordlessly handed it to her. The locket was warm from his hands and Isabel stared down at it for a long time, her gaze tracing the intricate pattern engraved on it. Memories came flooding back and tears filled her eyes. Pressing the locket to her bosom, she smiled shakily at him. “Thank you,” she managed in a thick voice. “It is very precious to me.”

Marcus bowed. “You’re welcome.”

“How,” she asked, the locket still clutched to her breasts, “did you get it from Whitley? He would not have easily given it up.”

Marcus grinned. “You’re quite right about that, but I can be, ah, very persuasive when the necessity arises.” His grin faded and he crossed the room to stand in front of her. His expression grave, he said, “Isabel, you know that I will never allow Whitley or anyone else to ever harm you. Are you certain that you will not tell me what is going on?”

She hesitated, and then Edmund, having wandered into the room, said from behind them, “Mother, Grandfather is sleeping quietly right now. Do you think I could leave him long enough to wash my face and dress for the day?”

Isabel started, guilty relief flashing across her face. Rushing over to her son, she said, “I think that is an excellent idea. You run along and I’ll go sit with him while you are gone.

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