Or was it only that he loved her—
Lightning zipped to earth in flashing light, just as Camilla reared again and broke free of the tree.
In unison, William and Isabella lurched forward.
“Camilla, down!” Isabella raced after the animal, but William slung her back from the spray of sand and the rearing hooves.
“Easy, girl.” He approached with shuffling steps, speaking soothing words, as the horse finally pounded all four hooves to the ground. He reached for her neck, patted the wet hide, stretched his fingers for the reins—
Another split of lightning. Camilla screamed and bolted, knocking him to the ground.
He scrambled back to his feet fast enough to grab Isabella as she ran after the animal. “Let her go. She is gone.”
“I am going after her—”
“Isabella, no.” He wrenched her back to face him. “I shall go after her tomorrow. She will not go far.”
Rain pelted down on them, heavy on her lashes, mingling with her tears. “You do not understand,” she gasped. “Camilla has been with me since I was a girl. I cannot let her go. I will not—”
His lips pressed into hers. Insanity, iniquity, injustice to both of them, but his hands framed both of her cheeks and squeezed.God, stop me.But he couldn’t stop himself. He drank of her, passion rippling through him as fast as the rain slashed their faces.
She yanked herself free and stumbled back, cupping her mouth with both hands, and faced the water.
His chest roared. His blood coursed hot, despite the cold clinging to his body like the drenched clothes.Heaven and mercy.What had he done?
Blinded by the water in his eyes, he ran for Duke, ripped the reins free from the brittle branch, and tugged the horse next to Isabella.
He swung her into the saddle. She didn’t protest. She didn’t look at him. She only stared ahead, black hair plastered to her cheeks, until he slapped the rear of the horse and Duke carried her away. Minutes later, she disappeared along the curve of the shoreline.
He raked both hands through his hair and groaned.Dear God, what have I done?
CHAPTER 14
Isabella slid her hand along the banister as she flew up the stone steps. Another sob threatened to come through, but she swallowed it back. She must get ahold of herself. One would think she had never been kissed before.
But she hadn’t.
Not like that.
How dare he.Heat speared her chest and the blood spanned to the tips of her ears.How could he?All this time, was that what he had thought of her? How his eyes had seen her friendship?
The greater agony was … had she thought of him that way too?
No, no.
She most certainly had not. She did not believe in love, and she certainly had no intention of falling prey to nonsensical emotions. She knew her place well enough. Father’s greatest desire was that his only daughter marry well—and it was an obligation she had already determined to fulfill.
Even if she did love William Kensley, the match was impossible.
More than impossible.
Scandalous.
Ripping open the front door of the manor, she stumbled inside and ignored the butler when he asked about her disheveled state. She hurried for the massive winding stairs, leaving a trail of water on the floor, like tears she could shed if she allowed herself—
“Isabella.”
She froze three steps up.Father.Trying to compose her features, smoothing back wet hair from her face, she turned to face him. Her stomach fell at the sight of the gentleman next to him.
