Jane’s fingers shifted beneath his hand,
and it was true she could feel his
heart pumping. It gave her a peculiar
but exciting thrill to know that she
could affect him in such a way.

“This is foolishness,” she said breathlessly, “and yet you are so clever. No doubt you are practiced in the art of persuading women to do what you will. But how can you talk of marriage when you have only just arrived here, wounded and exhausted? Marriage is a serious matter and needs much consideration before a decision can be made.”

Nicholas gave her a weary look, but there was also a hint of bewilderment in his hazel eyes as he released her hand. “If there is one thing I have learned on my travels, it is that one has to seize the moment, as it might never come again.”

* * *

The Adventurer’s Bride
Harlequin® Historical #366—October 2013