After all, they were just words, and she had learned long ago that a man’s actions displayed his truer nature more than the things he said.

Get through he must, and would, no matter.

Madam, I’ve never met another woman who is as exasperating as you are!

His gaze dropped and fell to the floor in thoughtful concentration for a long moment. When he looked up at her again, his gaze was direct and unflinching. “Because I have fallen in love with you.”

Shanna whirled.

A woman’s scorn has been the downfall of a goodly number of men and the cause of many a conflict.

You are stingy with our words,” she accused, then laughed gayly as she swept around, tossing over her shoulder a roguish look that drew the length of him. “But I am more generous, my lord. You are indeed a fine sight.” -Aislinn.

Shanna, my love, the bargain is fulfilled. But what, then, of the vows we exchanged?

She didn’t care to be reminded how starved she looked, but she could hardly bemoan the fact. It had lent well to her disguise. Though seventeen, she had masqueraded as a stripling lad beneath the very noses of the Yankees. Captain Latimer had not even been suspicious.

Ruark held the door open for her to pass through. “The first I cannot deny, Shanna, for then I did not know of you. But you are my only love and shall remain for as long as I live.” His eyes were serious and seemed to probe her being. “I.