"Love is a maze that only fools enter willingly. By the time they find their way out—which inevitably happens—they find themselves trapped in a marriage contract, which only serves to perpetuate the race and begin the cycle again."
"I could almost pity you, Dominic, except that you would throw it back in my face."
"How right you are. Now if you are quite finished—"
"I suppose you think women are at the root of all this evil. Tell me, is it the male character which inspires your trust? Are men, in your opinion, the only ones deserving your high regard?"
His eyes narrowed dangerously. "Are you attempting to reform me, Brie?"
"That would be impossible!"
For a moment they glared at each other. But then Dominic leaned back in his seat, looking amused. "There, we have found another topic on which we agree. Incidentally, I seem to recall a number of instances where you have flaunted convention. Your breeches, for instance."
"We were discussing you," Brie retorted.
"No, you were discussing me. I was trying to change the subject."
"You are confusing the issue! Conventions have nothing to whatever do with character. And why must you bring my breeches into the conversation? You are mocking me again, Dominic. I thought we had a bargain."
His lips curved into a slow smile, while glowing lights began to dance in his eyes. "Ah, yes, our bargain. Shall I give you an opportunity to fulfill your part, chérie?"
Brie glanced at him in puzzlement when he reached up to draw the curtains across the windows, but she had no trouble comprehending Dominic's purpose when he wrapped a strong arm around her waist and lifted her onto his lap.
"But, Dominic—" she protested halfheartedly as he started to unfasten the buttons of her spencer.
"We won't be disturbed," he assured her before silencing her protests with his lips.
Two mornings later their truce dissolved completely. Brie woke feeling apprehensive, knowing that the day would see them at their journey's end. Already they had penetrated deep into the wine country, having passed through Chalon the day before and turned south toward Lyon.
Brie opened her eyes slowly. The faint gray light filtering into the bedroom promised little in the way of warmth and only served to increase her foreboding. Lifting her head, she peered down at Dominic. She was surprised to see that he was awake. He was lying with one arm flung across his forehead as he stared at the ceiling.
Sensing his withdrawal, Brie felt an inexplicable chill run up her spine. Dominic's gray eyes were arctic, holding no trace of the warmth that had been present the past few days. His expression seemed so forbidding that she edged away from him a little.
"Is it far?" she ventured at last.
"Far?"
"To your home."
"A half-day's ride, no more. Dress warmly. I expect it to rain."
His expressionless tone reminded Brie of icicles in winter, and her heart sank. The wall was between them again. She could almost see it. Her fingers plucked nervously at the blanket. "And when we arrive? What do you intend to do?"
Dominic turned his head to look at her, his eyes narrowing as he studied her face. "That remains to be seen."
Brie's gaze slid away from his. "You still don't trust me. I-I had hoped. . . ."
"What had you hoped? That I would dismiss the possibility of your past involvement? You have a very poor opinion of me, chérie, if you think I so easily confuse business and pleasure. Although I admit it has been a pleasure." He reached over to stroke her cheek, but Brie recoiled in pain and anger.
"Don't touch me!" she cried, leaping from the bed. "Don't you dare touch me." Catching up her wrapper, she threw it about her shoulders. "This 'business' cannot be concluded too rapidly for my taste. A truce, you say. But only so long as it serves your purpose. Well, it appears that I have served your purpose long enough. You can damned well seek your pleasures elsewhere!"
Not wanting Dominic to see the hot tears that filled her eyes, Brie fled to the safety of her own bedchamber, slamming the connecting door behind her. She would see him in hell before she let him see her cry.
Leaning against the door, she clenched her fists in an effort to stem the tears rolling down her cheeks. Stupid, stupid fool! She had fallen in love with a man who wouldn't give tuppence to spare her feelings, had allowed herself to be hurt, time and time again. When would she learn that Dominic didn't care for her, that he never would? She must come to terms with that understanding—before her heart broke into little pieces.
It was quite a while before Brie had control of herself again, but then she poured water in a bowl and splashed some on her flushed face, trying to erase the traces of tears.
Breakfast in the common room of the inn was a solemn affair. Brie ate in stony silence, trying to ignore both Dominic and the bustle around her. She was grateful when at last Jacques came to inform them the carriage was ready.