Beth rolled her eyes. “I was wearing Marcus’s old clothes.”
Robert’s face darkened. “And do not think the men failed to notice how tight the tunic fit across your breasts or how it and the braies hugged your lovely bottom. Those who ran behind you will receive a grueling punishment on the morrow once I drag their weary carcasses onto the practice field.”
“They were all running behind me, honey.”
His eyes narrowed dangerously. “I know.”
Laughing, Beth motioned to the bed. “So, which one?”
“The red is my favorite.”
“Red it is. Would you please help me dress?”
Nodding, he set about dressing her as efficiently as Alice would.
Beth couldn’t decide whether his being so adept at getting a woman in and out of her clothes was a good thing or a bad thing. Clearly, he had had a lot of practice.
Quiet descended as he laced her up. He offered none of his usual playful leers or teasing touches. Nor did he suggest that they forego dinner and feast on each other instead.
Kneeling in front of her, he straightened a portion of her hem that had folded back.
“Well?” Beth plucked at one long sleeve. “How do I look?”
He stared up at her, his gaze traveling slowly from her dainty slippers up to the hair that fell down her back in long, loose curls.
“I have never seen a more beautiful woman in my life,” he whispered, his deep voice hoarse.
Beth cupped his face in one hand, her heart turning over in her breast. There were times when the love she felt for him overwhelmed her with its depth and intensity.
Robert turned his face and nuzzled her palm.
“I love you, Robert.”
Still on his knees, he leaned into her and wrapped his arms around her waist.
Beth stroked his hair as he buried his face between her breasts and held her tightly, almost desperately.
Unease sifted through her.
Something was wrong. She had felt it for days now. Between his usual bouts of passion and playfulness, Robert had grown increasingly preoccupied, as though some problem weighed heavily on his mind.
Her mouth went dry. Beth swallowed. “Have you changed your mind?” she asked softly.
“About the red?” he mumbled, his warm breath heating the valley between her breasts.
“Nay. About marrying me.”
Leaning back a bit, he frowned up at her. “Why would you ask that?”
She shrugged. “I know I must have embarrassed you earlier and—” She broke off when he loosened his hold long enough to rise and press two fingers to her lips.
“Beth, love, if I could live forever, my only wish would be that I might spend eternity with you by my side as my wife and that you would always love me in return.”
Reaching up, she stroked his cheek, rough with stubble no matter how often he shaved. “I do love you, Robert. Enough to know that something is troubling you. What is it? Talk to me. Let me help you.”
He closed his eyes. Leaning down, he pressed his forehead to hers. He rested his hands on her waist, his fingers gently caressing her as though he couldn’t help himself.
Beth waited for him to speak. Gave him time to gather his thoughts.
His nearness went a long way toward soothing the butterflies in her stomach. His warmth. His strength. His scent.
Drawing in a deep breath, she savored it, that bewitching aroma that was Robert’s alone. Unclouded by cologne, it appealed to her senses more than the mightiest of aphrodisiacs.
It still astounded her—how swiftly she had come to know it. To know him.
And to love him so completely.
Drawing in a deep breath, Robert raised his head and straightened his shoulders. “There is another reason I asked Dillon and Alyssa to come here, beyond desiring their presence at our wedding.”
“Okay.” For some reason, she suddenly wanted to flee the conversation. “What might that be?”
A muscle in his jaw jumped. “I asked them to come because I believe Alyssa may be able to help you.”
Help her? Help her how? Alyssa was a healer. Beth wasn’t sick. What exactly did Robert think Alyssa could help her with?
Her stomach sank as a possible answer hit her.
Alyssa was perfect, right? Hadn’t Robert waxed freaking poetic every time he had spoken of her?
Stepping back, she broke his hold and struggled to quell the hurt that rose within her.
It was only logical, right? Beth was from the future and knew very little of the social customs of this time. It shouldn’t bother her that, despite his assurances to the contrary, Robert thought she needed some work in order to fit in, that he wanted her to become more like Alyssa.
But it did. It really did.
“So, you asked her to come here and, what, train me?” No amount of effort could keep the resentment from her voice. “You want her to help me be more like a lady? To be more like her?”
Robert’s mouth fell open. “What?” He looked so aghast that she knew she had guessed incorrectly.
She eyed him uncertainly. “That isn’t why she’s here?”
He actually started to look a little angry.