Page 17 of Promise of a Knight
“I will not go in there with ye. Everyone will see it. I’ll be scandalized!”
“To the garden then.” He pivoted, tugging her toward the back of the Great Hall and outside into the gardens.
The night sky glowed orange and the scent of smoke was thick. Alex held her wrap up to her nose and mouth to keep from inhaling too much of the acrid air. The further Alaric led her into the garden, the easier it was to breathe.
“Shouldn’t ye be helping put out the flames?” she asked.
“I’ve been charged with finding out who did it.”
“The flames were intentionally set? Then why are ye here with me.”
“They were intentionally set. I’m trying to find out who did it.” His meaning and the way he looked down at her were clear.
“Ye think I had something to do with this?” Her lower lip trembled. Dear God, she couldn’t start sobbing now!
“Did you?”
Tears welled in her eyes and she clamped her lips closed. Did she? She’d certainly wished for a distraction to get the princess out of her rooms. Had she set the flames? Nay, of course not. But that didn’t mean that her ill-wish hadn’t brought the devil to their very door.
Alaric gripped her chin, forcing her to look at him. “Why are you crying?”
“I did pray for a distraction.” The sobs came then, in a torrent, and she spoke through them, her voice wobbling. “But I didn’t set the flames! I’m not a killer. I’d not have harmed any animals.” She pressed her hands to her face, swiping at her tears.
Alaric pulled her into his embrace and she felt as though she’d been tugged home. He was so warm and strong. Being in his arms, she felt safe, comforted. He let her cry her tears all over the front of his shirt, telling her everything would be all right. That wishing for a distraction was different than setting a fire.
Alex looked up at him, their faces only inches from each other. “Why are ye so nice to me?”
He smiled. “Because I like you.” And then he was kissing her. His mouth brushing tenderly over hers, before his tongue swept between her lips to lick delicately. A tamer kiss than earlier tonight. But just as mesmerizing.
She felt herself sinking against him, kissing him back. What was it about this man that made her throw off inhibition? That made her feel so… cared for? Home… She’d never felt this way with anyone else.
He kissed the tip of her nose and brushed away her tears with the pads of his thumb. “Tell me, Alexandra, why did you need the distraction?”
Lord she loved the way he said her name… But the question? She didn’t want to answer.
“I know you’ve distracted me twice tonight with your sweet kisses… What is it you’re running away from? Tell me. I’ll do everything in my power to help.”
Alex felt as though she’d been socked in the stomach. If Alaric knew what she was running away from, he’d not help her at all. In fact, he’d drag her to the nearest dungeon.
