Free The Black Diamond by Andrea Kane Page A

me it's uncommon and intolerable. Although at this particular moment, I believe it's my insight that is functioning more acutely. It tells me you're avoiding my question."
     
    "Perhaps I am," Julian replied, memories of his father's taunting dare melding into images of Hugh—images that still had the power to make his chest constrict with the painful sense of loss. "There are some things I simply choose not to discuss. I assure you, however, my reasons aren't sinister, only personal."
     
    "Very well, I'll ask a less personal question, then. Aren't you intimidated by the black diamond's curse?"
     
    Keeping up with this woman, much less staying one step ahead of her, was going to be the challenge of a lifetime. "No," Julian replied. "I'm not intimidated—not by this curse or any other. Why? Because I don't believe in curses, only in people who perpetuate them."
     
    "You sound just like Slayde."
     
    "Then your brother is a wise and sensible man." Julian paused. "I presume you do believe in the curse?"
     
    "Absolutely. Just because we don't see things doesn't mean they don't exist. Mr. Scollard taught me that. In this case, I think the tragedies that have befallen our families speak for themselves. The curse is real." A mutinous spark lit her eyes. "And don't try to dissuade me. Slayde's attempted it. So has Courtney. I'm unyielding in my conviction."
     
    "That doesn't surprise me." Julian grinned. "You're unyielding about everything. Tell me, did your parents name you Aurora because like the dawn you're relentless until you've awakened everyone to your presence?"
     
    To Julian's surprise, a wave of sadness crossed Aurora's face. "Actually, that's one memory I do have of my parents," she murmured with none of Julian's reticence to discuss that which was close in heart. "I must have been about four years old. I remember asking Mama why she chose to name me Aurora. She said that she and Papa decided on that name because the day I was born the sun rose in their hearts, and because I filled every subsequent day of their lives with sunlight."
     
    Julian framed Aurora's face between his palms. "That's lovely," he said gently. "And accurate. You are like sunlight, a brilliant source of warmth and joy. Forgive me for extinguishing your light, soleil —even for a moment."
     
    She gave him a small smile. "You're forgiven."
     
    That fleeting glimpse of the vulnerability which hovered just beneath Aurora's fiery exterior elicited a rush of guilt—and a tremendous sense of responsibility—within Julian. In sharp contrast to his reckless existence and despite her own adventurous spirit, Aurora was naive and protected, cushioned by her brother's imposed isolation. True, as a Huntley she was susceptible to danger—accentuated danger t hank s to Lawrence's unfounded accusations that the black diamond was secreted at Pembourne. That susceptibility, however, would vanish when she relinquished her family name and took on Julian's. The question was, vanish in exchange for what? Aurora hadn't any idea what lay ahead as his wife, the transformation he was proposing along with marriage—a transformation that extended far beyond the imminent quest for the black diamond, traversed the entirety of his life, Merlin's life.
     
    Julian frowned. He had to think beyond the immediate crusade, consider the future that would follow. Aurora wanted no part of refuge and seclusion, and he wasn't fool enough to believe she'd remain home while he ventured forth to take on the world. No, his prospective bride would doubtless expect to be right at his side, brimming with enthusiasm as they sailed away to embrace whatever challenges lay ahead. And her expectations would be justified. After all, hadn't he just offered her passion, freedom, adventure? Indeed he had. And he could offer her all of them in abundance. The problem was that along with freedom and adventure came perils. Had Aurora any idea what those perils might be, how many powerful enemies