Page 24 of Keeping Kate

“If I could pay you, would you swear to the military that I have done no crime?”

“I was the arresting officer. I cannot defend you.”

“Tell them you made a mistake. After all, you did.”

“Shall I lie for you, and benefit by funds from your bank account, if you have one? That’scriminis particeps,my girl, which is Latin for–”

”I know what it means. I read and understand Latin, French, and Italian.”

“Excellent! An accomplished lady. Then what the devil were you doing sneaking about a military encampment, dosing my tea and stealing my papers?”

“I gave you a soothing tonic. You looked tired.”

“Kind of you. At least you admit it. This way,” he said, reaching the uppermost stair. The door to the outside was a few feet away. He brought her up and turned.

“I did not intend to steal anything that night.”

“Then you just intended to memorize it.”

“I—you surprised me with that pistol.” She looked up, resting her hands on his chest, iron links knocking. “Captain Fraser, please let me go. Leave me here, and I will slip away,” she pleaded quietly.

Somehow his hands found the sweet curve of her waist, settled there. He watched her—those beautiful eyes, pale gray, were extraordinary in the torchlit space. For a moment, he felt as if he had captured a fairy creature—her innocent allure cast a net all about him, making him feel like the one captured.

Blast it all. “Come on, there is no time.”

“Please. I must be free,” she said.

She glowed, this girl, vibrant and exciting, shining like a candle flame on that dark landing. His body throbbed with a memory of taking her in arms. No one had ever enticed him so, attracted him so—even Amy, who had once possessed his foolish, pining heart. All Kate had to do was smile, sweep those dark lashes over silvery eyes, and his thoughts blurred.

Rain pounded beyond the doorway. They had to hurry. Yet he paused, brushed his fingers over her cheek. Then forced himself to pull away.

“We have to go,” he said, grabbing her elbow.

“I do not think I want you for my lawyer,” she muttered.