What You Propose (Anything for Love 2)

She shrugged. "When I remember."

The corners of his mouth twitched. "Only once then."

"Yes, only once."

He inhaled deeply, the air causing his chest and shoulders to expand before her eyes. "You can forget pouring me a drink. Bring the balm to the chapter house and we'll deal with your hands while I tell you of our plans."

Anyone else might think he'd made a quick recovery following Tristan's departure, that his sullen mood had been feigned for his friend's benefit. Anna knew he relied on his domineering countenance to distract from dealing with difficult emotions.

"That sounds very much like a command, Mr. Danbury," she said in jest hoping to lighten his spirits.

"It is a request, Anna. An offer of help, a friendly gesture of assistance."

Her heart raced at the use of her given name. It sounded different falling from his lips as opposed to Tristan's.

"Then I accept your friendly gesture, Marcus."

She turned to walk back to the monastery, and he followed her lead. Deciding to offer a friendly gesture of her own, she threaded her arm through his. He did not protest, only stopping once to glance back over his shoulder.

When she returned to the chapter house with her pot of salve, she found Marcus lounging behind his desk. His hands were clasped behind his head as he stared at nothing.

As she entered the room, he straightened. "Did you bring the balm?"

Anna nodded, sat in the chair opposite and placed the pot on his desk. "Selene said I'm supposed to apply it before bed, but I don't suppose it matters."

A sinful smile touched his lips. "It would not do to fall into bed so early. Not unless one had things in mind other than sleep."

Perhaps he assumed the madam of a brothel enjoyed salacious banter, as a dressmaker desired talking of ribbons and pins.

"Then you have discovered my naughty secret, Marcus." When his eyes widened, she added, "There is nothing I love more than climbing into bed in the afternoon to read a few pages of my favourite book."

His smile softened his features. "I have often thought I should read more."

"Then I suggest you start with something a little less complicated. Something that takes less effort and is guaranteed to please."

"Perhaps pleasure is more satisfying when it comes from something one believes is unattainable, far beyond the realms of one's capabilities."

Despite her initial frustration, she found their verbal sparring highly entertaining. "Is it not better to eat the apple from the lower bough than to risk falling empty-handed from the top?"

"They are words spoken by a woman who has never climbed a tree. Don't you know the apples at the top are far juicier? The sweet taste becomes ingrained in your memory, never to be forgotten."

A faint flicker of desire ignited. It was something she never expected to feel. How could she when all the men she'd ever met had been rotten scoundrels? Although since making their acquaintance, Lord Danesfield and Tristan had proved to be worthy gentlemen. And she couldn't forget Morgan. The man paid to do Victor's bidding had sacrificed his life to save her.

"You're right," she said her morbid memories bringing an end to the entertainment. "I have never climbed a tree and, therefore, do not speak from experience."

He raised an enquiring brow but said nothing. Leaning forward, he took the pot and removed the lid before holding out his hand.

Anna stared at the rough skin where his fingers met his palm. She knew one thing: the man was not a hypocrite. "I think you could do with a pot of balm, too," she said, aware of the nervous edge to her tone.

"Give me your hand."

It sounded like a command, yet her heart fluttered softly in response.

A different sort of fear shrouded her, one vastly more dangerous, one threatening the protective shield she'd built around the tender organ. Her body reacted before her mind could decide what to do. Tentative fingers moved across the desk towards him. She tried to ignore the fire shooting through her veins as he wrapped his hand around hers.

He stared at her for a moment, his rich brown eyes penetrating her flimsy armour. "I'm told you rub it into the skin in circular motions."

Her pulse thumped hard at the base of her throat. "Yes. It helps to soak into the layers of the skin."