Unspoken Love by Lynn Gale - Unspoken Love

shoulders. “Don’t speak such words! I love the plantation, but I would not see you hurt. I do have feelings, Jenny. How do you think it feels to know your life was in jeopardy because of my dalliance with another woman? Do you honestly believe I don’t feel any shame? I have forced you to marry me and live here, but I would never wish you harm.” His eyes seemed to pierce her soul. “Do you realize if Nakao had chosen to he could have raped you or left you for dead somewhere? Do you think I could have lived with such torment?”
    “You speak with sincerity,” Jenny murmured. Still, it troubled her to think of him and Bonita in a compromising situation. Why should I care? she inwardly scolded. We’re living a lie for a marriage, and I mustn’t fall in love with him. “Well, if anything good has come of this, at least Waoota was saved from the gallows and I have gained an Indian’s friendship.”
    Nicholas eyed her sharply. “Let’s drop the subject. We will not speak of this incident again.”
    “Nicholas?”
    “Yes.”
    “Can you let me go now?.”
    “I’m sorry, Jenny.” He moved away from her. “Let’s sit down to dinner before it is cold.”
    Jenny had seen the intense look in his eyes and tried to collect her thoughts. With all that had happened, she lost her appetite and picked at her food. Nicholas, however, ate ravenously.
    Jenny cleared the dishes and then excused herself. As she prepared for bed, she heard Nicholas moving about in his room. She looked at the door that stood between them and wondered what the outcome would be if she were to enter. Flustered by her thoughts, she rolled back the covers and climbed into bed.
    Nicholas lay in his bed thinking of Jennifer. Shivers of desire racked his body as he conjured up her image. Earlier in the rain, the titillating figure beneath her clothing had driven him insane with desire, and he could barely think coherently. How much longer must I watch her tempting ways? She is beautiful, defiant, and slowly driving me out of my mind..

Chapter 8
    Jenny went about her duties with diligence.
    One evening, she sat at the dinner table and left her food untouched.
    “You’re not eating,” Nicholas commented.
    “My stomach is upset,” she replied, passing a biscuit to him. When Nicholas had finished eating, she stood to clear away the dishes. As she felt the room spin around her, she gripped the table for support.
    In an instant, Nicholas was beside her. Lifting her into his arms, he carried her into the parlor and eased her onto the sofa. Jenny met his gaze and saw his brows furrow with concern.
    “Don’t fret, Nicholas. I’m really fine. I’ve just felt a little out of sorts today.”
    Nicholas gazed at her. “You’re an independent woman, but I’m here if you need me. Rest a bit, then I’ll help you to your room.”
    “I’ll retire now, so that you can go to the study and log the day’s work.” She rose from the sofa and promptly swooned. Nicholas swept her limp form into his embrace and carried her to the bedroom. Jenny rested her head against his shoulder, acutely aware of his masculinity. She was ailing, but his striking appearance and manly scent tempted her to stay in his arms. She brushed aside the thought as he placed her on the bed. Sitting on his haunches, his eyes penetrated hers. His voice sounded tender to her ears. “Will you be all right, Jenny?”
    “Yes,” she murmured, feeling an intimacy between them.
    “Don’t concern yourself with rising early. Stay in bed tomorrow, and let’s hope your illness passes. I suspect you’ve been working too hard and you’re exhausted. I’ll have Hattie come to the house a few hours each day and relieve you of your chores.” He rose to his feet and exited the room.
    Jenny gazed at the doorway where he had passed. She heard him go down to the study, then readied herself for bed. The moment her head touched the pillow, she fell into an exhausted sleep.
    The next morning Nicholas crept