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Stinging tears flooded her eyes. Her throat ached, as though she had swallowed a mouthful of dry straw. How she longed to drop the spade and throw herself into his arms. The compulsion to go to him burned with such force, it robbed her of breath.
However, she could never forget her husband’s merciless vow. You can trust no one, Gisela. Do you hear me? No one! This I promise you.
Ryle knew how much she’d loved Dominic; drunk and furious, he’d cursed that love time and again. Circumstances had left her no choice but to tell Ryle of Dominic, a wealthy lord’s youngest son, whom she’d cherished and lost. If, after his return to England, Dominic had located her husband and asked to see her, Ryle had the gift of manipulation to convince any man to do his bidding. A treachery she added to all the others for which she despised him.
Knowing Ryle, he’d fabricated a clever lie to explain why she’d left him. He’d have stitched enough concern for her into his tale to convince Dominic he must find her—and bring her back.
The anguish of her thoughts struck her like a fist. Oh, Dominic, how desperately I have missed you. Every day, since you left me, I have wept inside. To see you here is my most cherished dream come true.
Yet, the cautious little voice inside her repeated Ryle’s threat. You can trust no one, Gisela. No one!
Dominic’s smile had faded. Now, his expression held a tormented blend of surprise and regret.
Misery weighed upon Gisela. How she loathed what she must do. But, she had no choice. Protecting herself, and especially Ewan, was more important than her fondest wishes.
Forcing the lie through her stiff lips, she said, “You have mistaken me for someone else.”
He frowned. “Nay.”
The falsehoods snarled together in her mouth like tangled thread. Still, she managed to say, “My name is not Gisela. ’Tis Anne.”
Shock widened his eyes. He shook his head, clearly grappling with her words. “’Tis Gisela. I make no mistake.” The barest smile touched his lips. “I would never forget you.”
A treacherous, pleasured warmth bloomed inside her. Oh, what wondrous words.
How very clever of him, if he aimed to undermine her wariness.
“My name is Anne.”
“Anne is your middle name. ’Tis also your mother’s name.” He crossed his arms, then leaned one broad shoulder against the stable wall, a posture that implied a lazy ease, though she well knew she couldn’t run past him to the door. “I remember the day you told me,” he murmured. “We lay in the meadow, with the buttercups and daisies. You made me say it over and over—Gisela Anne, Gisela Anne—so I would not forget. Do you remember?”
Aye, I remember. A sob rose in her throat.
From somewhere outside came men’s voices. They drew near.
Dominic’s jaw hardened before he pushed away from the wall.
Fear jolted through her. The men approaching might be his cohorts who had followed his pursuit. Reinforcements, to help take her away, if she put up a fight.
Her shaking arms failed her. The metal spade hit the floor with a loud clunk.
“Gisela.” Dominic moved a measured step closer. “I do not understand. I thought you would be glad to see me. Why are you so afraid?”
She stumbled back. Her foot knocked the fallen implement, and she winced. “Oh, Dominic,” she whispered, all of her anguish bleeding into her voice. “Please. Turn around and leave. Pretend you never saw me.”
“Why?”
Shaking her head, she fought not to weep. “Please.”
His searching gaze traveled over her. “Do you fear someone will find us here together?” He paused, before adding, “Mayhap your husband?”
A horrified gasp broke from Gisela. When Dominic took another step toward her, desperation spurred her into motion. She bolted for the space between him and the hay bales. The musty crunch of straw, as loud as her own breathing, filled her ears.
If she were quick enough, if she surprised him before he realized her intentions—
Just as she brushed past Dominic, his arm slid around her waist. She shrieked, struggled against his hold, but before she could draw another breath, she found herself spun around.
Kicking his shins, pounding her fists against his chest, she tried to wrench free.
