He kissed her gently but possessively, as if it was his right. As if what had occurred the last week was for the life waiting back inside the walls.

As if she had not betrayed him.

The tenderness of the kiss broke her heart. He did not know about the design. He would never be doing this if he knew. Mark would never want to steal a final taste of heaven with a woman who had so ruthlessly turned her back on their love.

The confusion of the last days returned, overwhelming her. Reaching up, she stroked her fingers into his hair and held him to her so the kiss might last longer. Love and regret poured through her. She could not contain the deluge, and it burned her throat and brimmed at her eyes.

“Mark, I need to tell you something. I—”

His fingertips silenced her mouth. He shook his head. “I said we will not speak of it. Unless you utter words of love, I do not want you to talk of anything.”

Love. Words unspoken, despite their passion. Words forbidden, by her. The ache cleaving her heart said that had been foolish, and unnecessary. Keeping silent had not spared her the pain. Pretending that they only shared pleasure had not hidden the love, but only intensified its power.

He removed his cloak, and spread it on the ground. He held out his hand. “Lie with me, Nesta.”

She should refuse and turn away, for both their sakes, but she could not. She had never been able to do that. Not in the name of duty and her father’s dream. Certainly not in order to save herself from confusion and division and hurt.

She took his hand. He drew her down until they knelt on the cloak. Knees to knees, hips to hips, they looked in each other’s eyes. His absorbed her, and the pain retreated. Anticipation of his touch and embrace, of their complete union, chased away the misgivings and regrets and left only the pure sweetness of love filling her so completely that she could not contain it.

He slipped the cloak from her shoulders. “I will see that you do not get cold.”

“I am never cold when I am with you.”

“Then let me love you, Nesta. Out here where there are no borders, and heaven surrounds us.”

He took her face in his hands, and kissed her so sweetly that she wanted to weep. They had been parted too long, and she could sense the power of his desire despite his gentle handling. He did not hurry the kiss, however, even when she embraced him and kissed him back.

Their slow, careful connection went on and on. A whole, silent conversation passed in that kiss. They spoke of regret and gratitude and understanding. And love. Unspoken words drenched every instant.