Rapture's Betrayal by Candace McCarthy Page B

Richard’s stay. Soon, she stood with all her belongings at her feet, eyeing the shelter which had been their night’s haven.
    In a fit of anger, she picked up the iron kettle and hurled it against the wall. With a clank, the pot rolled into the corner of the room. Tears blinding her, Kirsten cursed, venting her fury.
    And then she realized she was no longer alone.
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    Richard heard the commotion as he neared the mill. He became alarmed when he heard Kirsten’s raised voice, and he threw down the wild flowers he’d gathered for her and rushed inside to see what had happened.
    She stood in the center of the room, naked, muttering harshly in Dutch. She bent and, in her anger, began throwing things. Whatever she could get her hands on. A pot. A basket. Her tinder box.
    Richard was startled. But soon the sight of her naked and beautiful, spitting like an angry kitten, brought him to the point of merriment. Eyes twinkling with good humor, he entered the room. “Kirsten?”
    Taken by surprise, she spun about, and he saw her eyes widen in astonishment.
    â€œRichard!” Her face became radiant with joy. “Oh, Richard, you’re here!”
    His chest was bare, and he was without boots. He wore the linen breeches that she’d “borrowed” from her father. The fawn-colored garment was loose in the seat, but fit him snugly in the legs where his thighs stretched the fine cloth taut.
    Kirsten suddenly realized that she was naked. With a mild exclamation, she grabbed for her clothes and dressed. When she was done, she faced Richard and then flung herself into his arms. Her soft sobs filled the cellar room.
    â€œEasy there. What’s all this?” He pulled back to study her. “Kirsten?”
    â€œI . . . oh, Richard. I’m so glad to see you!”
    â€œYou act as if you thought I’d lef—” He felt a jolt. “You thought I’d left!”
    She blushed. “When I woke up, I was alone. You were gone so long . . .” Her eyes flashed blue fire. “How could you scare me like that?”
    Something squeezed his chest. He shouldn’t have touched her. “Kirsten, you knew before we—before last night—that I’d have to leave.” His voice was brusque.
    She clutched his arm. “But not without saying good-bye! You promised you’d say good-bye first!”
    He understood her pain. “So I did,” he said, his tone gentling. “And I will. As you can see, I haven’t broken my promise. I’m still here.”
    She didn’t appear mollified by his reassurances. “You left and came back because you felt guilty.”
    Richard’s eyes narrowed. “Guilty? Why should I feel guilty? You knew there was no chance of a future for us.” He saw her flinch, and reminded himself that he’d only stated the truth.
    â€œCurse you!” She came at him then in a whirl of fury. “Why did you have to come here, make me feel things I’ve never felt before! Yes, I knew!” Sobbing, she struck at his bare chest. “Why did I ever save you anyway?”
    Crying, she hit him again and again. Richard stood, enduring the force of her blows, knowing that the pain of her fists was nothing compared to the anguish she was feeling.
    Finally, he’d had enough. But apparently she thought otherwise. Despite his attempts to stop her, she continued battling him at arm’s length.
    â€œStop it.” Richard caught her wrists. “Kirsten, stop it!”
    She sagged against him, and he thought if it were not for his hold she would have fallen.
    â€œI’m sorry.” She seemed ashamed by her outburst as she attempted to pull free.
    Richard, sensing her new calm, released her.
    â€œI apologize,” she repeated. Her blue eyes pleaded for his forgiveness.
    â€œYou’re no sorrier than I am.” He muttered an oath when he saw how she whitened. “Not for making love, you fool