Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3
Heather giggled to herself as she ran through the Marquis’s maze. She heard the hushed ramblings of boots pounding the dirt in the far off distance. It has to be him and a few of his men searching for me. They didn't sound close enough to catch up with her yet.
She ran deeper into the maze at a playful pace. The image of shock flashing over him pushed her further to the limits of just plane naughty foolishness and if she was honest with herself, she loved every second of it.
Jase's pulse tore through his veins like a raging river. He stopped at a split in the maze. “Quiet,” he shouted out. “All of you go to the entrance and wait for me there.” Gazing back at his choice before him he stilled his body, listening for any sign of her.
Damn it Heather. If I had known you would take me seriously I would have never dared you to do this.
A vision of Heather hiking up her skirts as she removed her shoes all while gazing at him with playful determination and then dashing away down the stone steps barefoot, crept up in his mind. Floating lavender chiffon whirled behind her as she ran towards the maze.
When Jase called out to her she paused for a brief moment. Wild long waves of dark chestnut hair fell lose as she removed her clip. Even in the moonlight from a distance he could see her mischievous smile. “Are you too kingly to pursue what is your true desire, Grand Marquis?”
He hated when she teased him with the title.
To the right the trail looped back to the middle leading to the entrance. And to the left the path headed into the secret depths of exotic confusion. If one finds himself lost he may stay lost for days. That was the way it had been designed by his great grandfather.
Jase strode off in the direction he knew she would head, left. To her going right would be pointless. Within minutes he saw what he had hoped wouldn’t. Taking up the purple scarf in his hand, Jase squeezed it into a ball. Foolish woman. Does she not know there are other people wandering in this maze? Shaking his head he quickly corrected himself. No, she knows because it was all part of the bet I made her. And she will stop at nothing to prove me wrong.
“Good evening,” she said passing a couple walking by. I guess I am not alone out here. A small laugh emerged. I can’t believe I am doing this. He will without a doubt refuse the marriage now. Father is going to be so cross with me.
Heather traveled further down the trail with little thought as to what tomorrow will bring for her. She had objected to the arranged marriage pleading to her mother she wanted to marry for love and although she truly cared for the Marquis, Heather was positive he did not share her passion.
Tonight will be the night the Marquis changes his mind. His insistence of duty and nobility is not something I will ever base a marriage off of…ever.
Ten minutes later Jase came upon a stocking and then another one twenty paces from that. “Blood hell,” he muttered. He shoved them in his pocket and kept walking.
Not far from there a couple bowed and said their greetings. Jase barely acknowledged them as he mumbled, “Yes you as well.” A firm scowl situated upon him now. He couldn’t help it.
Everything I have been planning is about to be ruined along with my reputation. Love, ha. Passion is for the foolish with unrealistic ideas. I mean I can be more than passionate but I do not feel the need to show it like a school boy, especial in public.
Heather turned the corner to the left. Beautiful sculpted hedges of loving couples arranged in a circle drew a small crowd. Lit by lanterns they seemed to almost dance in the moonlight.
I’ve never seen such a display. Her eyes widened as she entered the circle. After a moment she gazed around to the others surrounding her. I am the only one here who is alone.
One particular sculpture reminded her of him. She reached out and grazed her fingers over the form. It’s an amazing liking to him. Closing her eyes Heather saw his face. Strong square jaw with a slight clef on his chin. Perfectly formed lips she was positive would be very kissable. Sensual large deep green eyes that hid within them a devilish fun side he never allowed out. Fashionable longer blond hair that Heather wanted to touch on so many occasions but couldn’t. “You are almost perfect,” she whispered.
She took one last glance and left but not before discreetly making a point to the Marquis. He won’t be able to miss that. Heather bit up her bottom lip as she continued on.
