“ ’Tis nice to know you lust after me, but I won’t settle for being a poor crusader’s whore.”

The jab at his reduced circumstances made the lust disappear immediately. “Mary told you, did she?” Alex drew toward her, and Isobel quickly backed against the wall.

Isobel said nothing, but he’d seen Mary’s jealousy of Isobel when they’d arrived. The love of his youth was beautiful, but she could be cruel.

“Alex, I did not mean…” She held up her palms, as if to push him away.

“Aye, you did. You meant exactly what you said.” Alex pressed against her open palms, crowding her. “I may be poor, but at least I know my place in this world. Can you say the same?”

Now her cheeks were stained crimson with shame. At first, Alex felt satisfied. But then he saw the uncertainty in her eyes and his anger dissipated. What am I to do with you?

“What do you want from me, Isobel?”

“I do not know,” she whispered.

“I think you do.”

He cupped her face with his hands, lifting her chin upwards. He bent his head. Their eyes locked, but Alex hesitated. Then he felt Isobel’s hands reach up and wrap around his neck, pulling him down to her.

“Kiss me, Alex,” she whispered.