Page 20 of The Mercenary

How had he surmised as much?

“If you’d like to discuss your offer now . . .”

“I made no offer,” she said, turning.

Although the room was lit only by candlelight, she could see his face clearly.

“How did you know?” she asked, stumbling over the last word. Though he was covered, Guy’s shoulders and arms were bare. Thick but well-defined muscles moved in tandem as he turned on his side toward her.

“That you were awake or that you were considering making an offer?”

His ever-present grin was nearly impossible to resist. Despite herself, Sabine felt the corners of her mouth tugging upward.

“That I was awake. I am most certainly not considering any offer.”

“Your breathing,” he said, staring straight at her lips. “It was much too fast, though not nearly as fast as it will be if you decide to engage in our marital responsibilities.”

What would it be like to kiss such a man?

“As we do not plan to stay married, it seems a risky proposal,” she countered. “At least for one whose belly could easily swell with a babe.”

Even though she was completely covered by her nondescript shift, as well as a soft linen coverlet, Sabine felt naked beneath his gaze.

“That is your only concern?”

His eyes locked on hers.

“One of many.”

She didn’t move as Guy reached over, his fingers brushing her shoulder as he lifted a few errant strands of her hair.

Sabine’s chest rose and fell as she waited for him to move his hand away. Instead, he began to twirl the hair about his fingers, never taking his eyes from hers.

“There are ways to ensure that does not happen.”

Sabine knew as much from her mother, who had been unusually free with her knowledge.

“There are other concerns as well.”

He continued to wrap her hair around his fingers.

“Such as?”

“It would not do well for us to form an attachment.”

His abrupt laughter pained her more than it should.

“I am sorry.” He stopped, but not before the sound was ingrained in her ears. “I forget you hardly know me at all.”

“And if I did?” she bit back, annoyed.

“You would know I do not form attachments. To anyone.”

He lied. “Not even to your order?”

His hand froze.

“Do you forget I heard . . . everything?” Perhaps she had pushed too hard. Or perhaps not hard enough.