Free [Barbara Samuel] Night of Fire(Book4You) by Unknown Page B

are," Basilio said. He quickly dismounted and went to Cassandra's side. "Allow me to assist you, my lady."
    "Assist me?" she echoed softly, and put out her hand. He put his hand on her waist as she swung free, and felt the muscles of her side move, beneath flesh, beneath silken fabric. He closed his eyes.
    She slid down, very close, closer than she needed to be, and instead of alarm, he felt the world align itself. Of course it would be this way, with dawn hovering on the edges of the landscape, with fog-muffled silence deep around them, her hair the only brightness in the world. He felt her against him, her breasts, her shoulders; her breath on his neck, her hair fluttering loose over his hand. Next to him, she felt very small. Her hand slid from his shoulder to his neck, her palm open against his throat, then against his jaw.
    He looked down, dizzy with wine and with passion, and saw the white oval of her face in the night, her eyes large and dark and sober. He raised a finger and touched her red, red lips, helpless to resist.
    "Do not say a word, Basilio," she said, her voice throaty. "This moment, this instant, I choose joy. I choose bravery." He felt the press of her breasts, the stiffness of her bodice, against his chest, as she lifted on her toes and put her hands on his face. "I choose one memory," she whispered, and pressed her mouth against his. Just once, very lightly and chastely—and all the sweeter for it.

    He'd only begun to smell her hair when she pulled away, smiling. "In the morning I will regret my boldness, and will be very angry with you if you remind me of my rashness."
    Holding himself very carefully, he said, "Not a whisper." Pulling away to ease the temptation, he took her hand and tugged her toward the villa. "But in return, you must promise not to be a blushing Englishwoman about it and want to hide your face."
    She laughed. "A fair arrangement."
    At the courtyard she paused, looking toward the orchard. Sunlight now leaked quiet softness into the stirring day. "I think, for a little while, I would like to be alone."
    He let her hand go. "Of course."
    She took a step, then looked back. "Thank you, Basilio, so much."
    Her hair trailed in a tangle of curls over her silk-clad arm, and her mouth was pleased but serious, and Basilio felt the hardest, deepest catch in his chest that he'd ever known.
    "It was my honor," he said softly. Before he could act, before he shamed both of them, he whirled and left her.
    Finally, his heart was clear. With wild haste, he broke for his chamber, shedding his hat and cloak as he took the stairs.
    Of course. The answer was so very plain.

Chapter 6
    Basilio bolted up the steps two at time. Tossing his coat on the bed, he sat at his desk, dipped his quill and wrote:

    Father,
    I cannot marry Analise.
    I know how you will receive this news, and be sure that I mean what I say. I will not marry her. It is a choice of honor that I must make.
    Please inform her father, and know that I will gladly arrange any compensation he feels is required. As she is a young and by all accounts beautiful girl, there should be no difficulty in finding her another husband.
    Basilio
    His breath was hurried and his hand shook as he sealed the letter. He took out a second sheet.

    My dear Analise,
    You must take your vows at the cloister immediately. I cannot marry you, but I know your true wish has always been the life of a nun, and you should have that. Not even your father can break the vows you give to God. Do it immediately, Analise, for your safety and protection. When all is settled and clear, I will visit and we can speak of this at length.
    Your servant, Basilio, Count Montevarchi
    He sealed that, then ran from the room to find a servant. He pressed the notes into a footman's hand.
    "Post these immediately," he said. His father was in Genoa and would not receive the letter for perhaps a week or two, but Basilio could not act until he had absolved the duty. His mother had only wished the