Page 70 of Ruthless, But for Her

“Others often level it as an accusation.”

“Then they have not been kissed by you.” Her hand had not moved from his arms. “A ruthless man is one who will not be moved by another’s suffering. You, on the other hand, have spent this entire day being moved by mine.”

Ashton said nothing. It was true.

“So you are not ruthless,” Cassia said. “Except in this. You’ll not give me the word.”

“Nay, I will not.”

He looked at her a long moment.

“Coupling,” she said.

He had not expected her to actually voice it. But was pleased.

“I was not struck down.”

“Nay, you were not.”

“Boethius says fortune turns and we are only bound to her wheel.” Her hand had not moved. “You said we are masters of our fates. Every choice we make reverberates.”

“I did.”

“Then I have made one.”

“Good.”

“And will make another.”

This time when she closed the gap between them, Ashton didn’t hesitate, but took the opening. Holding her cheeks with both hands, he kissed her so completely, so thoroughly, that it left little doubt how much he wanted this.

He’d held back out of respect for her position. Her status.

But no more.

The fact that she was breathless as he ended the kiss was a beginning, not an end. At least, he didn’t want it to be. But a voice inside him reminded Ashton that she’d only had one day of freedom.

She shouldn’t spend it on him.

“You need not sleep on the floor,” she said, her voice low, like a caress.

“Cassia—”

“I do not mean...that is... I trust you.”

Of course, she hadn’t meant anything more. Cassia didn’t yet realize the act could be pleasurable. For her, kissing was the pinnacle. Her expression told him as much.

But it isn’t, Cassia. I would show you that, if I were for you. But there is no version of me that deserves so much.

If he said no, she would think it was her.

“We will put the extra coverlet, rolled, between us.”

She smiled, telling Ashton that she knew the decision was for his comfort, but maybe hers as well. Cassia had spent much of her life alone. Her father, Nell, the other servants at Grantchester... None could replace what she should have had with a husband who cherished her.

It was only much later, after they had both settled and Cassia’s breath fell even as she succumbed to sleep next to him, that Ashton allowed himself to think.

De Grey had raised the reward and widened the search. Word of her was worth coin now, which meant every man in that hall below was a man who might sell her without ever laying eyes on her.