Page 146 of Rogue of My Heart

Camden watched Rebecca intently as she gently unwound the bandage from his injured hand. Just as it was in the previous three days, her touch was soft and soothing, her fingers deftly working to avoid causing him any pain. Though he knew he was more than capable, Camden was glad it was Rebecca tending to him.

“It seems to be healing well,” Rebecca said, inspecting the nearly closed gash on his palm.

He nodded as she wrapped a fresh linen strip around his palm. He liked the way she fussed over him, but mostly he enjoyed spending time alone with her. During her visits, he’d told her about his brother and parents, his childhood. In return, she’d told him more about her childhood and her family.

He still attended the house party, but enjoyed the time they spent at Almerry most of all. Aside from her chaperone, they were alone in the castle. At her estate, there seemed to always be several people about, making it difficult for them to be their authentic selves.

“Soon you will have no need of bandages,” she said.

He glanced up, his gaze fixating on her plump pink lips. How he longed to possess them. He swallowed hard, then said, “All thanks to your tender care.”

Her cheeks tinted.

The sight of her blushing so prettily caused a surge of desire to course through him. He’d not kissed her since that day in the storage room. Not that the opportunity had not presented itself, but he wished to form a true bond with her. One that centered around more than passion. He wanted to be her friend, her confidant, her safe place. Bloody hell, he wanted to be her…everything.

The curiosity and desire he experienced in their earlier interactions had changed into something more, something stronger. Rebecca had captured his heart, but did he hold hers as well?

“You should eat,” she said as she placed a plate of biscuits and jam in front of him. “We missed you at luncheon. Everyone asked after you. Even Daphne made an appearance at the table.”

“How does Lady Daphne fare?” Camden reached for a biscuit, then took a bite, relishing the sweet taste of blackberry jam. He chewed slowly, giving Rebecca time to answer his question.

“She makes no complaints, but it is plain to see her leg pains her. Every time she shifts her weight, her face contorts.” Rebecca placed a cup of tea on the makeshift table in front of him. “Mother still tries to get Daphne to take the laudanum left by the surgeon, but she refuses. Says she’d rather feel a little discomfort than have her mind foggy.”

He nodded in understanding as he swallowed down the last bite of his biscuit. Camden could sympathize with Lady Daphne’s reluctance to take the drug. He had seen far too many lives ruined by laudanum. Fellow soldiers who became addicted to laudanum after being injured in battled. Many turned to opium, losing their lives in an entirely different way. Not that he thought Lady Daphne would suffer such an outcome. Still, he commanded her strength of will and refusal.

“I do not fault her for thinking in such a way. Laudanum is powerful stuff. I would refuse the drug as well,” he said.

Rebecca poured him a cup of tea and handed it to him, her fingers brushing against his as she did so. “That may be true, but I think her foolish for suffering when she need not.” Rebecca strolled across the entry hall to the trunk. “I wish there were something I could do to lessen her burden. I spend time with her each day, read to her and tell her stories about Almerry’s legend. Mother, Phoebe, and I take turns keeping her company.”

Camden rose and moved to her side. “I am certain she appreciates your efforts, as do I.”

She crouched down, tracing the trunk’s carved scroll with her fingertips. “I do not tend your wound for appreciation, but thank you all the same.”

Camden studied the trunk, his eyes narrowed as he wondered at the contents. He still wished to know what secrets it held. “Do you ever intend to inspect the contents?”

She glanced up at him through thick lashes, her lower lip caught between her teeth. “I have considered it.”

“You could do so today.” He crouched next to her. “We could do it together.”

She grinned, mischief lighting her green eyes. “The suspense is too much for you, isn’t it?” Her smile grew, lighting her eyes. “You are like a lad at Christmas, so impatient that you can not sleep.” She met his gaze and pursed her lips. “You’ve probably already looked.”

Camden shook his head, amusement dancing in his eyes. “I most certainly have not.” He crossed his arms over his broad chest. “But I may soon if you do not end the suspense.”

Rebecca laughed again and looked at him playfully. She reached out to lift the lid of the trunk a few inches, then lowered it back into place with a dramatic flourish. Her laughter filled the room.

He couldn’t help but laugh as well at her antics, admiring her mischief and wit more than ever. His body yearned for her, heat pulsing through him like an electric current every time she touched him or met his gaze with her own mischievous one. Camden cleared his throat and tried to focus on the task at hand, lest he give in to temptation and kiss her sweet lips right then and there.

“You, my lady, are a terrible tease,” he said, chuckling as he placed his hand on top of hers. “Shall we open it together?”

She sobered, her gaze searching his. “If you truly wish to know, I will empty it for you.”

“I only jest. The trunk belongs to you. I care not when or even if you remove its contents.” He rubbed his thumb in lazy circles over her hand before reluctantly releasing it and stepping away from her.

Even through her glove, she could feel the warmth radiating from his touch, sending waves of heat up and down her arm. She shivered slightly at the sensation before turning away from him and toward the trunk once more.

“Very well then,” she said with a deep breath, hoping it would steady her racing heart as much as calm her racing mind. “It shall remain a mystery, leastwise for now.”

He searched Rebecca’s beautiful face. “You had better get home and ready yourself for the ball. I shall be devastated if you miss our dance.” He stood, offering his arm to her. “Allow me to show you out.”