Shades of Truth (The Summerlynn Secrets) (14 page)

There were many things I could say to Colton to start out the day, maybe ask him how he’d slept or if I’d snored, but those seemed too personal for us. We were strangers. Or we should have been.

Instead, I’d memorized the movement of his hips as he walked, the angle he held his head when concentrating, and the feel of his chest muscles matched to my back as we rode. I shouldn’t know any of that, or the taste of his mouth, the brush of his tongue.

This had the potential to become very awkward. I was already struggling with my embarrassment. What must he be thinking? How could I ever bring myself to speak to him again?

In the end, it was Colton who approached the problem head on. Having watched me carefully for some minutes in an effort to gauge my mood, he said, “We kissed. There will be no apologies. Now you’re awake, we’ll continue to Muckford.” He stood with a long stretch and I couldn’t resist sneaking a peek—again!—of the lean muscles of his abdomen as his shirt climbed his waist.

Colton left me sitting at the base of the tree, so I took the opportunity to walk a ways off and relieve myself behind yet another tree. Is it any wonder I hated the outdoors? I couldn’t wash, I couldn’t use a chamber pot or toilet, and I couldn’t have food when I wanted it.

When I returned to our makeshift camp, it was to find Colton rolling up the bedroll. Brutus waited patiently near his master, fully tacked and ready to go. To give myself something to do, I stroked the horse’s neck while I waited for Colton to finish tidying up.

I moved to stand even with the saddle, waiting for Colton to give me a leg up. While he did approach, he leaned against the horse instead of cupping his hands to help me mount.

“You’re not going to be strange about this, are you?” Being a good five inches taller, he loomed over me, reminding me how delicate I was in comparison to him. Drat. I didn’t want to be delicate.

I rolled my eyes. “How can I? It’s over.”

“It’s not over. I wanted it known I would not apologize.”

Narrowing my eyes at him, I asked, “Which means?”

“I’ll let you know once I figure it out.” We stood, staring at each other, until I decided it was time to put this nonsense behind us. I put my foot in his hands and climbed into the saddle. A few seconds later, Colton slid into place behind me.

One would think I’d become accustomed to the frissions up my spine from close contact with Colton. He really had a beautiful body, or at least it felt like he did. I would know, seeing as how I’d been spending a large part of my days—and nights—in his lap.

For the majority of the morning, I was quiet. It seemed easier to close my eyes and pretend to nap than make conversation with the too attractive man behind me. So I spent much of my time planning my next moves.

When we reached Muckford, which we should later this morning, I would put my foot down, and demand to be sent home to Bolien. No more of this “Your father is a spy” stuff. My father’s activities didn’t involve me, and I was tired of traipsing around the countryside. Roughing it was not my style.

If Colton refused to send me home, and I had a feeling he would, I’d just have to escape. He really had no right to detain me against my will and I didn’t care who his father was. I would just have to point that out to Colton, and see if I could talk him around.

“How much further?” Silence was only golden up until a point. Then it became weighty and cumbersome.

“A ways.”

“Do you have anything to eat?”

“Not at the moment.”

“What are we supposed to eat? Grass?”

“If you are so inclined.” He shifted in the saddle. “We’ll stop at the next house we see, and ask for a meal.”

We hadn’t passed any houses so far.

“I am very unreasonable when hungry.” No breakfast and a paltry dinner made me cranky.

“How does this differ from your normal behavior?”

Biting my tongue, I stifled a sharp reply. I had been moody, cranky, and grumpy the entire journey and it couldn’t be completely attributed to my hunger. There was the fact my protector was opinionated, rude, and stubborn. It was a wonder we’d made it this far without murdering the other.

“Are you always this rude or am I just lucky?” My annoyance spilled over.

“You’re not the only one tired and hungry. Stop second guessing me and start working with me. I could use your help.”

“How so?” I remained skeptical.

“We are almost to Muckford. Stay close to me and stop asking so many questions.” Around us, a few house filtered through the thick trees. Not nearly as big as Lisbon, Muckford was still a good-sized town. It wouldn’t be hard to lose a certain companion of mine.

“I’m worried about your imagination, Colton. That’s the same plan as yesterday’s and the day before.” Grumpily, I kicked the front of his left leg with my heel. Not hard enough to hurt, but forceful enough so he’d know I was serious.

“And you are alive because of it.” Though he answered, I had the impression he was only half listening.

Along the town center, a farmer’s market sprawled. Traffic slowed to a stop, and Colton and I were forced to dismount as only horses being led were allowed through. Probably to cut down on shying horses and all the damage that caused.

Well, we were here. I would feel a lot better if I understood what it is we were after. I sought information about my father, but it appeared Colton was after something altogether different. Something that held my father tightly in its grip.

Noticing my scowl, Colton leaned in. “Relax.”

“Attending the farmer’s market is not high on my list of priorities at the moment.” A person passing nearly jostled me straight into Colton. Thankfully, I was able to keep my balance and not fall headlong into his arms.

“Is that what this is?” Winking at me, he began leading Brutus down the nearest row of stalls. I caught up to him, but was unable to fully walk by his side due to the heavily populated streets.

“What are you planning?” I addressed one of his shoulder blades.

“My, you are a suspicious sort, sweetheart.” Lazily, he surveyed the contents of each stall before moving on.

“That doesn’t answer my question,” I muttered to myself. Colton was already over at the next stall by the time I completed the sentence.

A flash of brightly colored cloth caught my eye. I ran my hand over the smooth blue silk, the knobby red wool, and the soft purple ribs of the cotton cloth. At the next stall, the glitter of different colored necklaces and their stones gleamed in the early morning sun. I admired a particularly stunning red stone when Colton startled me by tapping me on the shoulder.

“Would you buy us some fruit?” He handed me a few Goran marks, and indicated a fruit stand two stalls down.

“Where will you be?” Instantly suspicious, I narrowed my eyes at him.

“Buying bread.” He gestured at a bakery on the corner across from us.

“Oh.” Feeling very foolish, I stood in the street for a moment, watching Colton’s long, sure strides as he walked to the bakery. He caught his share of admiring glances, I noticed. Well, what woman was immune, seeing the way the sun lightened the blonde of his hair, and slanted over strong shoulders and wide chest. There was also something confident in his stride, in the way he stood that was extremely attractive.

Shaking my head, I wandered in the direction of the fruit cart. I turned to investigate the soft sound of a tambourine and found myself walking directly into a man. Having the same thought, he’d paused right in front of me.

“I am so sorry—
Lord Bennett?” I frowned at the dark haired young man in front of me.

“Cadrian? Thank God you’re alive!” Without so much as a thought for propriety, Lord Bennett hauled me straight into his
arms. At least he didn’t attempt to kiss me this time.

According to my mother and most of my friends, Lord Ralph Bennett was an amazing man. He was wealthy, titled, and very nice looking, if a bit near sighted. His sense of humor may be a bit slow, as were his words, but those could be overlooked if one tried hard enough. I had, for all of three minutes, before I determined we would not suit. Bennett snorted when he laughed.

Unfortunately, my attempts to halt his attentions were in vain. Bennett found everything I did delightful. If I called him a fool, he laughed. When I said I’d never marry him, never, he told me I was too young to make such a decision. Finally, I began walking in the opposite direction when I saw him at events. Not very mature, but I could only take so much of him.

I managed to wiggle out of his embrace, but he kept both my hands in his. No matter how hard I tugged, he wouldn’t return them. Resigned, I raised my eyebrows at him.

“Forgive my forwardness, Cadie, but I heard there were no survivors and to see you, apparently unharmed, was too much for me.” Bennett looked me up and down, lingering on the curves revealed by the close fit of my trousers. I rolled my eyes. Men.

“Think nothing of it, Lord Bennett. I am similarly glad to be alive.” I tugged at my hands again, but they were held fast. At least his
palms weren’t sweaty. “What have you heard about Sal de Mar?”

“Your home and that of a few others has been completely destroyed by persons as yet unknown. More troubling, however, are ugly rumors about your family, Cadie.” He leaned closer, causing me to tilt my head away. “I’ll have you know I believe none of it.”

“What are they saying?” I chose not to comment on his shortened version of my name, which I happened to detest. My name was Cadrian, not Cadie, Rian, or any other cutesy nickname.

“That you and your father are spies for Bolien. I, of course, have been telling anyone who will listen that it is a bunch of nonsense, but people will talk.” Bennett shrugged his shoulders. Though not a physically imposing man, he was lightly muscled and carried
himself well.

“Yes, they will.” Hmmm. So I was a spy now, was I? “Have you heard anything about my father? We were separated during the attack.”

“There’s been no word, but your father is a crafty old thing. I wouldn’t worry, my dear. Until there is official confirmation, assume he lives.” Bennett released one of my hands in order to chuck me under the chin. When his finger then stroked down my neck, I reached to stop it, having recently freed my hands.

“I leave you for three minutes and this is the mischief you get into?” A deep voice at my elbow caused me to jump. Thankfully, it also startled Bennett enough to release me.

I turned to see Colton standing adjacent to me. Though his mouth was gently curved, I knew he wasn’t at all pleased to see me with Bennett. Before I could do anything but stare, he continued, “I told you I would be back directly. There is no need to seek solace with another.”

“Do you know this man, Cadie?” Bennett puffed out his chest and stepped closer to me. Colton steadily regarded the other man, his eyes mere slits in his face. He widened his stance as though in preparation for springing at Bennett.

I rolled my eyes. If there was to be any stupid male posturing, I wanted to be nowhere near it. When I began to inch away, Colton’s hand shot out to grab my elbow.

“Let her go this instant!” Outrage colored Bennett’s words. I’d never seen him anything other than placid, so this hint of deeper emotion completely surprised me.

“And if I refuse?” A hint of amusement entered the curve of Colton’s lips. Not that I was staring at his mouth.

“I owe you a beating.” Bennett stuck out his chin and balled both his hands into fists.

“Let’s get on with it, shall we?” I was struck by the utter calm of the two combatants, as if this was a road they’d previously traveled.

I sighed. “Lord Bennett, Colton, stop. I will not be fought over in the streets.”

“So you do know him.” Bennett surveyed us both speculatively, taking in the relative closeness of our stances, the way his fingers caressed my elbow.

“Not like that!” I was quick to add.

“Now, sweetheart, there is no need to be shy. We will be wed soon enough.” Colton’s confident words staggered me. My mouth dropped open and I stared at him.

“You are engaged to this man?” The weight of this news knocked Bennett back a step.

“I am not!” I yanked my hand from his grasp.

“I thought we were finished lying.” Colton heaved a huge sigh. “I suppose I shall have honesty added to our vows.”

“You will do nothing of the sort! I am not marrying you!” I appealed to Bennett for help. “Tell him I am not marrying him.”

“It is not my place to interfere between a man and his fiancé.” Bennett choked a little over the last word. Manfully, he extended a hand to Colton. “I wish you and Cadie much happiness.”

Aghast, I watched the two men shake hands. Colton actually had the nerve to smile. “Thank you, Bennett. I will be sure to invite you to the wedding.”

“I would be delighted to attend.” Bennett’s gaze suddenly sharpened on Colton’s face. “I assume it will be in Crutten?”

“No plans have been made as of yet.”

“An oversight on your part. Were I in possession of a woman like Cadrian, I would stop at nothing to have my ring on her finger.” Bennett glanced at my left hand, noting the absence of a ring. That alone should shout loudest that Colton and I were not engaged.