To Heal a Heart by Anthea Lawson

Author:Anthea Lawson [Lawson, Anthea]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Victorian Romance, exotic locale, wounded hero, Crete, passionate love story, 19th century, gothic romance
Publisher: Fiddlehead Press
Published: 2016-12-16T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Caroline woke slowly, aware of strong, warm arms around her, the steady rise and fall of Alex’s chest at her back. She did not know when she had ever felt so secure, so known and cherished.

Last night had been a revelation. The awakening of her body to such pleasure, the primal knowledge of what it meant to be a woman, joining in that ancient dance with a man. She was changed now, transmuted. She opened her eyes.

Shock held her unbreathing, motionless—and then her heart began to race as she understood, the dizzy blood pushing through her.

“Alex!” She sat bolt upright and set a hand to his shoulder. “Wake up—look!”

“What?” His voice was heavy with sleep, and then it seemed her words penetrated. His eyelids flew open and he sat in one smooth motion. “By God.”

Water-dappled light striated the rock above them, and she blinked as she gazed over the pool. A single shaft of sunlight descended, paring the blackness and throwing radiance into the water. Light.

She laughed aloud and flung her arms around him. “There’s a way out. We are saved!”

A quick tightening of his arms and then he sobered. “It could be very high up—we may not be able to reach the opening.” He rose, gathered his clothes, and dressed with quick efficiency.

She followed more reluctantly, the feeling of her garments closing around her somehow odd and uncomfortable. The act of buttoning her blouse made her more self-conscious than she had felt even lying naked beneath him, taking him into her. The memory warmed her cheeks. She let out a silent sigh and joined Alex at the water’s edge.

“Drink before I wade out.” He knelt, taking his own advice.

She cupped her hand and scooped water up to her mouth. Cold, flavored with minerals, but welcome. She had not realized how thirsty she was until the moment when liquid filled her mouth. Another handful, another, until at last she sat back on her heels, satisfied. Now hunger woke, but she pressed her lips together. They had nothing to eat. And at any rate they would soon be free. She held tight to the thought.

Alex was prowling the shore, casting glances at the light, then up at the cave ceiling. A delicate fringe of stalactites gleamed, pale white, against the far wall, their reflection a muted lace in the still water.

“Over here.” He splashed to the corner and stood, hands on his hips. Light filtered over his upturned face—nothing as strong as full daylight, but strong enough for hope to infuse itself more deeply into her heart.

“Can you see the opening?” Bunching her skirts, she joined him.

“There’s a ledge here, and it’s definitely lighter up above.” He leaped, reaching for the lip of stone, but it was too far and he fell back with a splash.

“Boost me up,” she said. “I’ll tell you what I see.”

He tilted his head, eyes nearly black in the dimness, then nodded. “Grab hold of my shoulders and I’ll lift you.” He laced his fingers, making a cradle with his hands.

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