Connor woke before dawn, allowing himself a few precious moments to savor the feel of Johanna in his arms. Her warmth spread through him, filling him with a pleasurable contentment such as he’d never known. God above, he didn’t want to leave the bed, didn’t want to leave her. Damn shame he had no choice.
Dragging in a reluctant breath, he gently extricated Johanna from his embrace and rolled onto his back. He lay there staring at the ceiling, listening to the steady cadence of her inhalations and exhalations. Satisfied that the even rhythm confirmed she enjoyed a sound sleep, he slid to the edge of the mattress and slipped from the bed.
Casting Johanna a lingering glance, he stilled. Dim rays of morning’s first light trickled around the curtain, highlighting the curve of her cheek. By thunder, she was a beauty. A man could live out his days and never tire of waking to her sweet face. Damn shame that man wouldn’t be him.
It didn’t matter that he wanted her. It didn’t matter that the way she’d looked at him after he’d loved her had unleashed a swell of happiness unlike any he’d ever experienced. God only knew he’d indulged his lust since he’d become a man. He’d had his fair share of physical pleasure. But this was different. Being with Johanna meant something more enduring and powerful than raw desire. But the damnable truth was as hard as it was simple. He never should’ve given in to his need for her. He never should’ve taken her to bed. Now, instead of sating his hunger for the lovely lass, he’d only whetted his appetite for more.
Bluidy hell, he had a job to do. If he had a brain in his head, he would’ve kept his focus on the mission. Caring about Johanna would not work to his advantage. If anything, giving a damn about her would only compromise his ability to do whatever it took to protect her and the blasted stone.
He snatched up his clothing and pulled them on. After tugging on his boots, he walked soundlessly to the door, careful not to disturb Johanna’s slumber. He didn’t need her asking questions. Not now. She damn well wouldn’t like the answers.
Gaslight illuminated the crack beneath the door of the room Gerard occupied. The weathered panel creaked on its hinges as it opened no more than a hand’s breadth. His gaze dropped to the pistol in his brother’s hand. With a nod, Gerard relaxed his posture and motioned him inside.
Closing and locking the door behind him, Connor silently entered the chamber. He was not looking forward to this meeting. Knowing Gerard as he did, his brother was unlikely to readily accept Connor’s command of the mission. There were still logistics to be worked out. And his brother wasn’t going to be the one to make the final decisions.
Gerard sank into a chair and stretched out his legs. Powder tinged his hair, remnants of the disguise he’d adopted. “The lass…she’s asleep?”
“Aye.” Connor paced the floor, restless as a caged animal. “I still dinnae think there’s need for yer presence.”
Gerard met his words with a scowl. “Ye always were a stubborn mule.”
“I speak the truth. This isnae yer mission. ’Tis not yer battle.”
“Do ye believe yer the only one who wants revenge against Cranston? And if that she-devil is in league with him—dinnae think for an instant that I do not hunger for retribution, as ye do.”
His brother’s words tore open the wound on Connor’s soul. “I’ve much to regret. Too damn much. God above, after the things I’ve done… I was the one who should’ve gone to that rendezvous. Not Andrew. He couldnae fathom what he was dealin’ with.”
“He wouldnae consider that the woman was evil. He was taken in by a bonny face. Andrew wanted to believe her deceptive ways.” Gerard fixed his somber gaze on Connor. “Can ye be certain ye’re not fallin’ into the same trap?”
“Nay, Johanna hasnae deceived anyone. She’s telling the truth.”
Gerard stared at the ceiling for a long moment, as if gathering his thoughts. “Then ye need to protect her. Keep the lass here. I’ll retrieve the stone.”
Connor shook his head. “I cannae let ye do that. I gave Johanna my word. I will rescue the bairn.”
“Is that so? Ye dinnae trust me to bring the bairn back to her?”
“I gave my word,” Connor said. “I made a vow. I intend to keep it.”
“What’s between the two of ye?” Gerard cocked his head, studying him.
“Nothing that concerns ye.”
“Nay, that’s where ye’re wrong. Ye cannae let a woman make ye vulnerable. Any woman.”
Damn Gerard and his relentless nature. Why didn’t his brother understand that Connor would not be deterred? He shot him a scowl. “I gave my word. That’s all ye need to know.”
“Ye’ve taken a fondness to the lass,” Gerard said, concern coloring his tone. “Dinnae let yer cock be doing the thinking for ye.”
“Ye must have me confused with yerself,” Connor said, deliberately flippant. “It wouldnae matter in any case. After the things I’ve done…a woman like Johanna deserves far better than the likes of me.”