Page 28 of A Knight’s Reward

The heat of his palms warmed her through the gown and shift she wore underneath. His touch thawed some of the numbness inside her, threatening to melt it. Oh, God. If only she could accept the comfort he offered.

“You fear your husband,” Dominic said quietly, as if he needed her to confirm what she’d unintentionally revealed.

Deny the truth, part of her shrilled. Do what you must—say what you must—to keep Dominic from knowing about Ryle. However, Dominic’s touch, offering trust and compassion, held a coaxing persuasion all its own.

“I call no man ‘husband,’” she bit out. “Not anymore.”

“What happened?” he whispered.

Misery, anger, and shame tangled up inside her. She fought a sob.

Dominic spat an oath. He gently massaged her shoulders; he must have felt the tension cinching her muscles into knots. “Tell me what he did to you, Sweet Daisy.”

Nay!

Gisela twisted in his hold. His hands fell from her shoulders, and his arms dropped to his sides. He did not, however, step away.

Her bottom pressed against the table’s edge, she faced him now. Her gaze met the swell of his bandaged chest. His masculine scent rose from his skin, tempting her with memories of lying naked beneath him, of the mingled fragrance of their bodies when they’d made love.

Fisting her trembling hands, she looked up at him.

He didn’t scowl or quirk a domineering eyebrow. Nor did his gaze sharpen with command. He stood absolutely still, his silence more powerful than words, for he clearly believed he had a right to stand so close. Long ago, with the meadow grass beneath them, the wildflowers watching over them, the sun streaming down upon them, he’d become integral to her existence. As vital as rainwater to a daisy.

“Gisela,” he coaxed.

His breath warmed her brow. She fought for emotional detachment. For the safety of distance. Forcing out the words, she said, “I cannot.”

Dominic’s gaze darkened. “Do you fear he will know what you have told me? I will never betray you.”

She hated the bitter words burning her tongue. But, she had to force Dominic away, to quell the dangerous emotion into submission, before it crested beyond her control. She’d rather die than give Ryle the opportunity to kill Dominic. “What is between my former husband and me is not your affair.”

Instead of recoiling in anger, an indulgent smile spread across Dominic’s face. “Aye, Sweet Daisy, ’tis. Ever since I laid eyes upon you in the market.”

Why? You belong to another woman. I mean naught to you. Throwing up her hands, she cried, “You cannot help me!”

“How can you be certain? I know Geoffrey very well. Mayhap he can intervene.”

“Nay! Ry—H-he… is a very dangerous man. His temper⁠—”

“Is he the cause of your fear? How, Sweet Daisy, did he show you this fearsome temper?”

She looked away. How her disfigured breast ached. The pain cut into her with the bite of a dagger. She longed to press her fingers over the scar, to ease the discomfort, but ’twould only rouse Dominic’s suspicions further.

Her gaze fell to the side table beside her pallet. His necklace lay there, the bit of embroidered linen very white against the oak. She had no right to keep his memento. Brushing past him, she crossed to the table, collected the necklace, and handed it to him.

With a wry glance down at his bandages, he said, “Will you put it on for me?”

“Of course.” Stepping behind him, she fastened the jewelry. Her fingers brushed his tangled hair spilling over his broad shoulders. Magnificent shoulders that bespoke years of physical training required of a knight. Would he notice if she lingered, just for a moment, and appreciated his beauty?

Gisela, do not be foolish!

He turned to face her, his fingers touching the ragged scrap that brushed the edge of his bandages. “I have missed my necklace. It seemed as though part of me were missing.”

Do not say such lovely things. Blinking away the threat of tears, she said, “I am astonished you kept it all these years.”

He smiled. “Your token brought me luck in battle.” His tone softening, he added, “I am certain it brought me back to you.”

Oh, Dominic!