Page 55 of Love Unraveled
“Your presence was not one of coincidence? You were a part of capturing the traitor?” Gaston asked.
“I was.” Sophia sat straighter. “How do you know him?”
It was Gaston’s turn to smile. “I am the one who fed him the information, to trap him.”
“Non!Incroyable!”
Gaston’s face grew grim. “He was a dangerous man. You have put yourself at much risk,non?”
Sophia raised her eyebrows at him but said nothing. She had never felt in jeopardy. And Raimondo had followed her like a hound to scent.
“You must stop,” Gaston said, brushing a stray hair from Sophia’s face. “I will take it from here.”
Sophia laughed at the suggestion. Gaston had always been overprotective.
“I mean it, Sophie. I will not have you in harm’s way.”
“You’ll not have me in harm’s way?” Her hackles rose. “I have lived my life quite fine without your protection. And I will continue to live it as I please.”
She did not get the expected spark from Gaston. Instead, he pressed his forehead against hers and sighed heavily.
“It is only that having found you, Sophie, I don’t want to lose you.” He pulled back and tucked a finger under her chin, lifting her head until she was looking directly in his eyes. “I love you, Sophie Auclair.”
Could it be in disclosing what she’d worked so hard to hide that they had come full circle and could have a fresh start? She wanted it to be true, but despite knowing her love was irrefutable, she hesitated. To repeat his words would give him power over her. Power she’d never given anyone but him. Power she was suddenly afraid to give him once again.
He leaned in and kissed her lips gently, whispering words of love as he whisked back and forth over her lips. When he was through, he smiled sadly at her. “It is not easy for me to accept you have no need of me.”
“That is not true,” she said, and he placed a finger on her lips before she could say more.
“We will work together, you and I. I shall attend the rout too.D’accord?”
Sophia nodded. “Agreed.”
“In the meantime, I will see if I can make you love me once again.” A smile played at the corner of his lips. “For tonight, though, I will leave you with your thoughts and me with mine. There is much to think about.”
“You don’t have to leave.” Sophia did not hide the need in her voice. For while she could not yet say the words to him, her body certainly knew where it stood.
“Oui, I do.” Gaston stood. “Tomorrow, we will do something special.Non, don’t get up.” He kissed her cheek. “Je t’aime beaucoup,” he whispered in her ear and left the room.
Later, as she lay unable to sleep, the wind rattled the windows. She imagined she was the girl from long ago who’d padded across the room to let in her young lover. He’d whispered those words, and she had held them to her heart as she’d gifted herself to him. She had never regretted giving herself fully, nor saying those words in return. Tomorrow she would be brave enough to let go and tell him.
She rolled onto her side and stared at the window. She was determined there would be more nights for them. A lifetime of them.
“I love you, Gaston,” she whispered, liking how they sounded. Eventually, the weight of fatigue settled, and she drifted to sleep.
Chapter Forty-Two
I shall do one thing in this life—one thing certain—that is, love you, and long for you, andkeep wanting youtill I die.
—Thomas Hardy,Far from the Madding Crowd
“Where are wegoing?”
Gaston tsk-tsked. “It would not be much of a surprise if I told you, would it?”
Sophia laughed. It had been years since she’d allowed someone to take control of her day. Even when she was not seeking information, she kept strict charge of her schedule. She was a meticulous planner and was the one who led the way. Her friends always enjoyed her outings and events. But today was Gaston’s. She had agreed to do whatever he wanted.
The weather was gloriously warm for May, yet Gaston had insisted she bring her cape. He’d also encouraged her to carry a parasol. So whatever he had planned, it must involve being outdoors. The carriage jolted to a stop. Raimondo opened the door, and they both got out.
