Once Upon a Kiss by Tanya Anne Crosby Page A

wistful a moment, wringing her hands, and then said,
“Tis fortunate, you are, indeed, for Graeham is not only kind and handsome, but
he is gentle as well. Only would that I...” She halted on a sob, her gaze
skidding toward Dominique.
    Dominique hesitated, her eyes misting, but only an
instant, for no matter that she dreaded the question, she had to ask, “Was it
my brother, Alyss? Was it William?” Her hand clenched at her breast. “Did he do
this to you?”
    Alyss’ eyes widened. “Oh, nay, m’lady!” She gave a
little squeak of alarm and shook her head adamantly. “Nay!” At once she made
the sign of the cross. “God preserve us both—nay, m’lady—how could
you even think so?”
    Relief washed over Dominique. Still, she had to
ask, had to know for certain, “Are you telling me the truth, Alyss?”
    Alyss opened her mouth to speak and then closed
it, lowering her face as though taking offense with the question. An instant
later, she lifted her chin, and said with certitude, her eyes devoid of
emotion, “It was not your lord brother, m’lady.”
    “Who then?”
    Alyss shook her head determinedly. “You must
forgive me, I cannot say.”
    A knock sounded at the door, interrupting them.
    Dominique and Alyss both turned as the door
creaked opened. That was something these two brothers seemed to share in
common, Dominique thought crossly as Graeham’s face appeared in the doorway.
Neither seemed to care one whit for even the smallest of courtesies. God’s
love, but she was beginning to truly regret this unholy alliance.
    Dominique gave her maid a furtive glance. “You
understand I had to know?” she asked softly, fully intending to address the
matter with Graeham. Not even the infernal Dragon could stop her from
discovering the name of the miscreant responsible for this offense.
    She fully intended to pursue it, though later.
Because this was, indeed, the first time her betrothed had troubled himself to
seek her out. She forced a smile, not wanting to barrage him with complaints
all at once. “My lord,” she said sweetly in greeting. Lifting her gown, she
made her way at once toward him. “I did so hope I could speak with you today.”
    He smiled down at her, and Dominique found that
some of her anger dissipated with the warmth of it. He was, in truth, a comely
man, she told herself, and Alyss was right; she was fortunate. “Well, here I am
in the flesh,” he said jovially. “I trust you are feeling better this morn?”
Reaching out, he sought her hand and, taking it, gently pressed his lips to the
back of it.
    Unaccustomed to such graciousness, Dominique
observed the gesture skeptically. “Aye, my lord,” she relented, and despite her
discomfiture, she felt at once a little foolish and guilty for the things she’d
only just thought of him. He was nothing like his brother, she assured herself.
Nay, for it was more than apparent that the man standing before her was of
noble breeding—she cast an irritable glance at the door—at least,
in most respects. His brother, on the other hand, was naught but an uncivilized
brute.
    “Splendid,” Graeham declared. The dimple in one
cheek deepened with his smile, and Dominique found herself wondering whether he
and Blaec shared that peculiar feature in common. And yet even as she thought
it, she was horrified. Why, by God’s love, should she think of that man. She
need only concern herself with Graeham. Retrieving her hand, she lowered her
lashes guiltily.
    “I’m pleased to hear it as I hoped to persuade you
to join me in today’s hunt.” His eyes were sparkling when she met his gaze
again. “If you will but consider it,” he continued, “I shall count myself a
fortunate man.”
    With every word he uttered, Dominique felt more
ill at ease. She was unaccustomed to such courtesy, or, for that matter, such
honeyed words from any man. She gave him a tentative smile. “No need to
consider at all, my lord,” she replied, lifting her chin slightly out