The Flower And The Sword. Jacqueline Navin
of his body. Something inside her ached, making the little distance between them almost painfully undesirable. Lily knew if he made a move to close the gap, she would not be able to recapture her indignation from last night. There was something pulling her toward him, and she was losing both her ability and her desire to deny it.
“Why do you tell me this tale?” he murmured.
“Because I sometimes feel with you that I am that snake and you are that man with the flute and…” She could not finish.
Rogan pulled his shirt over his head. When that was done, he explained, “I thought I had better minimize my similarity to the bare-chested Saracen.” His eyes were warm, those eyes that looked like a wolf’s. It made her shiver.
“You say the most astonishing things,” he murmured. “Do you not know the coquette’s teasing ways, the power of the great eyelash-flutter maneuver, how to purse your lips in a flattering pout?” At first, Lily thought he was admonishing her for her forwardness, but the gentle smile that played on his lips reassured her. “You do none of these things. And yet, you achieve their goal with greater acuity than the most accomplished flirt. For you, it is natural, and that makes it all the more alluring.”
His hand came up to touch her cheek with the lightest whisper of touch. Her mind was muddled; she could not think of what she should do in the face of such boldness.
“You have called me a rogue, and I have to admit I have given you cause to suspect as much. But I am no romancer.” He added with a laugh, “And I am no snake charmer.”
“I should not have said that. Catherine is forever chiding me for being too bold.”
“And yet,” he said, “I find it a most endearing quality.” He paused, as if searching for the exact words. “I do not play fast and loose with the ladies, and I am not trying to seduce you, Lily.”
“That is a relief,” Lily said, vaguely disappointed.
“Since you have always been so honest with me, I will return the favor.”
His hand was moving ever so slightly over her cheek and imperceptibly his face seemed to be coming nearer. She fastened her eyes on his mouth.
“I cannot say that I have ever found another to interest me as you do,” he said quietly.
“You say that you are no charmer, but you use flattery well.”
“Is it flattery? I was merely being honest. Honesty can flatter, when it is complimentary. I say neither any falsehood nor do I try to persuade you with my words. I simply want you to know.”
“Then you do not mean for this honesty of yours to draw me to you?” she asked.
“Does it?”
She paused. “You know it does.”
His head lowered, and he said softly, “I am glad,” just before his lips touched hers.
She had never been kissed before. Besides her fantasy heroes, there had never been anyone who would have inspired maidenly dreams of sweet, sweeping love. Therefore, she was sadly unprepared for the deep flare of sensation as Rogan St. Cyr’s lips touched hers.
She couldn’t know how much he held back. He really only brushed his mouth against hers, sensing her inexperience. But for Lily it was an instantaneous leaping of sensation within her, a trembling excitement that sprang up somewhere low in her belly and flowed like molten fire through her limbs. When he made to draw away, she let out a small sound of protest and leaned forward in a motion that told him that he should not retreat, not yet. He obliged, his pleasant chuckle rumbling in his chest as he drew her closer into the tight circle of his arms.
There was no telling what would have followed if not for the shrill sound of Catherine’s voice calling for Lily. It was like a dousing of ice, that voice, and it made Lily start and pull away. She stumbled back, staring wide-eyed at Rogan as if suddenly shocked at what they had done. Her hand came up to her mouth, touching scalded lips in wonder.
She watched as his brows drew down, his expression changed to one of annoyance.
“Lily!” The call came again.
“She cannot find me here with you!” Lily whispered.
“Lily, calm down. You’ve done nothing wrong,” Rogan urged.
“There you are!” Catherine called. Lily whirled around to find her sister standing only a few feet away. In an instant, Catherine’s eyes flickered over her, then darted to Rogan.
As if smelling Lily’s fear, her nostrils flared and her eyes narrowed. “What are you doing out here? You are supposed to be in the solar. Get back at once.”
Flushed and confused, Lily looked from one to the other. She pressed her hands to her face, backwheeling before turning to run into the keep.
Rogan watched Catherine glare after her younger sister, witnessing the unveiled moment of pure malice before she composed her face and turned back to him.
“Has my sister been bothering you, Lord Rogan?” she said smoothly. “I swear, I despair of her sometimes. She is such a child, and a bit unruly. I must speak to Father about her. We cannot have her pestering our guests in this manner.”
Rogan shrugged. “Lily was not bothering me. Do not trouble yourself.” As he made to brush past her, he said, “If you will excuse me—”
“Lord Rogan!” Catherine interrupted. “There is something I wish to discuss with you. I have been thinking on your family’s debt to me.”
Rogan stopped and turned slowly. “Debt? I am not aware we owed you any debt. No money had exchanged hands.”
“I was thinking more of a debt of decency,” she explained. “On account of my having been so mistreated by your brother.”
“I thought that issue was settled,” Rogan said tightly.
“My father and I were counting on the marriage to the duke. You cannot know what humiliation this has caused me. We had told our friends. When they learn of what has happened, there will be great scandal. I feel it is very unfair for my reputation to be stained so, especially when I have done nothing to deserve it.”
Rogan watched her carefully Instincts told him that. under the carefully groomed exterior, Catherine was as crafty as a fox. There was a vague threat here, one that did not escape his notice.
“I would think that your family would wish to make amends,” she said.
“That is why I am here. My brother’s choice of wife is as unfortunate for us as it is for you. I have no more love of scandal than you, Lady Catherine.”
She lowered her lashes. A calculated gesture, he was sure. An airy sigh issued from her ruby-red lips. “I know this has been difficult for you. I can see how much you desire to avoid ill feelings between your family and ours. My father sees it, as well. Yet, the matter still remains the same.”
Although he was irritated, Rogan forced himself to be calm. “Yes, it is true. You have been wronged, lady, and nothing I can do will change that.”
Her eyes sparkled at his kind words. Her posture changed, losing its rigidity and a beguiling smile appeared. “I am pleased you accepted my father’s invitation to stay,” she said.
Rogan nodded. “Yes, for a while.”
The smile deepened, but her eyes remained cold. “That is most gratifying. I think you shall enjoy our hospitality.”
“You have already been most gracious.” The compliment almost stuck in his throat. Remembering Andrew’s tactics the previous day, he added, “You have much cause for insult, no one would argue with that, but you have responded quite generously. I hope my family will be able to remain in your charitable esteem.”
She inclined her head at the praise. Rogan fought his irritation at this regal gesture.
“We