Page 78 of Isabel and the Rogue

“I’ve never felt comfortable opening up to others. Sharing my feelings or thoughts.” She squeezed her earlobe between her fingers. “Despite how close we are now, my sisters and I were not friends as children. My father sowed discord between us, so we were more at odds with one another than sisters ought to be.”

“He kept you friendless and isolated.” Sirius’s mouth lifted into a sad smile. “I’d guess it was easier to keep you all obedient that way.”

“Indeed. We all strived so hard, in our own ways, to make him proud. And none of us were successful.” A sigh made her lips tremble. “I didn’t know that, though, until we came here. But that knowledge hasn’t made it any easier to be open and honest with Ana and Gabby. In many ways, it’s harder because now that I truly know them, I would be crushed if I disappointed them.”

“You could never disappoint them, sunshine.” His tone was firm, for Sirius needed her to understand. “I see it every time Gabby looks at you. She’s so proud of you.”

The darkness could not hide the pink that touched her cheeks.

A comfortable stillness enveloped them, and Sirius stroked his hand over her shoulder and down her arm, thankful to have this quiet moment with her. Eventually, Sirius remembered the book he had slipped into his cloak before leaving his house, hoping he would have a chance to share it with her. “I brought a book with me,” he said, breaking the silence.

“You did?” There was a smile in her voice. “Will you read to me?”

Contentment surged through his body. “I’d be happy to.”

Slipping from her embrace, Sirius padded to his discarded cloak, plucking the book from its pocket.

“What is it?” Isabel asked as he rejoined her on the bed.

“Don Quixote.” Sirius handed it to her before turning to switch the gas valve on the bedside lamp. “It’s a first edition. I found it when I was in Varna. One of the only good things to come out of my wretched time there.”

A bemused look passed over her features. “Westhope was searching for a copy.”

Sirius tilted his head. “Was he?”

Isabel nodded, settling into his side. “He had rare book hunters here and in Paris looking for one.”

An odd warmth spread to his fingertips as he opened the book. Sirius grinned as he met her gaze. “Well, then, make sure not to mention you’ve seen one before him.”

19

Isabel awoke before Sirius did, certain she had heard someone outside her bedroom door. She had made sure to lock it the night before, but she didn’t put it past Gabby to pick the lock. Somehow, Isabel was certain her sister would know such a skill.

Thankfully, the house remained silent and still, and Isabel eventually relaxed into the embrace of the furnace pressed close against her back. Sirius had his arm wrapped around her waist, his nose tucked to the delicate spot in the back of her neck. A smile curved her lips. She could get used to this…if only she believed this could be for forever.

Isabel mashed her lips together as she replayed the words Sirius had shared with her just hours before. He’d been an attentive lover, coaxing pleasure from her body until she hadn’t known which way was up. But somehow he’d been different. Intensity simmered in his cerulean gaze. It turned his touch electric, his kisses overwhelming. Every move he made hinted at his desperation, but desperation for what? It was almost as if he were afraid she would leave for Mexico directly, and his hold on her had been ironclad. Sirius hadn’t returned her love confession, and such an omission would normally have sent her into a downward spiral of screaming insecurities. Yet he had shown her, hadn’t he? With every kiss. Every caress. Every strangled moan spoke of his love.

Suddenly, Isabel was at a loss of what to do. She still wanted to return to Mexico—yearned to—and hoped that one of her many missives was received in time. Isabel prayed that it was Presidente Juárez himself to invite her to return, because her father would be less likely to object. But if the president did issue an invitation, could she turn it down if Sirius made an offer of his own?

Isabel thought she might be able to. And that would not do.

Carefully twisting about in the circle of his arms, Isabel studied Sirius’s slumbering form. His face was soft and peaceful, his unfairly long lashes fanned across the crests of his cheeks. His breath slipped from between his parted lips, and Isabel smiled. Sirius looked so innocent in sleep. So incredibly dear.

And he was dear. Sirius Dawson was the gentlest, kindest, most intelligent man she knew, and it would have been impossible not to fall in love with him. His confession of heroism made her heart ache in her throat. Sirius believed himself unworthy of the accolades he’d received, but Isabel saw them as his due. His role in the battle that returned him to England injured may have been exaggerated, but everything he had done since, from caring for his men and other veterans of the war, to working for the Home Office to uncover enemies of the Crown, and helping young women with more ambition than skill, told Isabel that Sirius was worthy of every good thing.

So how could she possibly ask him to give up the home, the sense of purpose, he had created for himself?

Gently extracting herself from his embrace, Isabel reached for her chemise, slipping it over her head before she pulled on her stockings. She was just sliding her corset around her waist when a pair of masculine hands smacked hers away.

“I wish we didn’t have to rise,” Sirius said, nibbling along the side of her neck as he pulled the laces taut. “I could stay in bed with you all day.”

Isabel arched her head back into his touch. “That sounds wonderful, but I don’t wish to court trouble, especially with my sister so close.”

Sirius paused in the middle of tying her corset laces. “Ugh, yes, I would prefer to avoid Miss Gabriela as well.”

Stifling a laugh, Isabel rested her head on his chest. “Tío Arturo is supposed to arrive later this morning so that we may discuss the cabinet’s next moves. I’m sure Ana and Gideon will be here, as well.”

Kissing the top of her head, Sirius said, “There is only so much you can do from the other side of an ocean, but with so many clever people in the room, I’m certain you all will think of something.”