Page 51 of Enamored
“So far, he has foiled you.”
“No. I have no intention of allowing his men to take you back to Vordinberg. We’ll find a way to escape them, and I shall ride with you to warn the king.”
“I don’t want your help. I don’t want to see you ever again.” Her low response was harsh.
I turned toward her, wanting her to see the desperation and truth in my eyes. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
She stared straight ahead. “You didn’t mean anything.”
I took hold of her arm and twisted her, forcing her to face me. I had to make her understand the truth. Now. Before we were interrupted. “I meant everything.”
She shook her head. “You were following Rasmus’s orders—”
“Every second of every minute I’ve spent with you the past few days is because I’d rather be with you than any place else on earth.”
The door handle rattled. Rasmus’s men were closing in. I leaned in, and thankfully she didn’t back away. Instead, her eyes regarded me with pain—pain I’d caused her.
“I want you.”
“You want me?” Some of the pain in her eyes dimmed.
“You’re all I’ve ever wanted.” I didn’t have time to temper my words. “’Twas what made leaving Vordinberg difficult as a child. And ’tis what made coming back difficult. Because I want you and know you’re not mine to have.”
She opened her mouth to respond but no words emerged. Instead, she scrutinized my countenance as though she could find the answer there.
Someone pounded on the door. “Sire, His Excellency gave us specific orders to accompany you and the princess at all times. For safety purposes.”
I glanced at the door. We had only seconds left.
“I admit,” I rushed to say for her ears alone, “I’ve had a difficult time denying Rasmus control over my life.” Perhaps, deep down, I’d hoped to prove I was worthy, make him proud, or earn his love. Yet nothing I’d done had ever brought me closer to having a father who cared about me. I finally had to accept the truth that I’d never gain his approval, and I needed to stop trying.
Elinor stared at the door and then me.
“But I no longer care what Rasmus wants.” My whisper came out harsher than I’d intended. “All I care about is you.”
I’d do anything for Elinor. Even die for her.
Chapter
18
Elinor
The blood onMaxim’s cloak was dark and spreading wider. His wound needed tending.
The knock sounded again, louder. Maxim didn’t move to answer it. From the hardening of his jaw and the dark defiance glinting in his eyes, I sensed he wanted to let go of the hold Rasmus had on him. But could he truly accomplish it? Or was this another ploy to bend me to his will?
Maxim could manipulate a person’s thoughts more superbly than anyone else. Even now, how did I know he was speaking the truth and not simply telling me what I wanted to hear?
“I do not know how I can ever trust you again,” I whispered.
“I’ll prove to you that you can.”
Could he? The unspoken question hung in the inches that separated us.
“I vow it.” His expression turned earnest. But again, he was an expert at reading people and assessing their weaknesses. Was he trying to play upon my weaknesses?
“Sire, open the door.” The wood frame rattled.
