Taking pleasure in his arms was a sweet treason she could not commit. “Then I’ll leave now.” She started forward, hoping to ease around him and get to the stairs. He did not move. “Were you bothered by the possibility that I had gone to my mistress tonight?” How dare he mention that woman now, when Agnes struggled to hold on to her pride. “Go there to live, for all I care.” “Liar.” His voice surrounded her, and the words echoed in her ears. She paused before she reached him. “Good night.” He stepped into her path. “You do care.” She could not look away from him. He towered over her, a giant in his world of invention, but Agnes MacKenzie was only a visitor in his life. She had promised to find his assassin, and she would. After that, she’d get on with her search for Virginia. But denying any feelings for him would be unfair. She told him the truth. “Of course I care.” “Why, Agnes?” “Because I cannot have you for myself.” There, she’d said it. He reached for her.
