Lion's Bride - Iris Johansen [93]
Vaden was silent.
Ware’s voice was suddenly hoarse with intensity. “As Christ is my witness, I didn’t tell her. Let her live.”
“You care about her.”
Vaden could read him too well for Ware to make a total denial. “A woman should not die because a man has a…fondness for her. It’s not right.”
“But you might care enough about her to lie. Would you lie for her, Ware?”
“No.” It was the answer he should make, but he suddenly knew it was the wrong one. “Yes, I would lie. What are a few lies when it means she would live?” He raised his gaze to Vaden’s face. “But I’m not lying. You always said I had no guile, that you could read me without effort. Am I lying to you now?”
Vaden studied him before slowly shaking his head. “Not unless you’ve changed more than I thought possible.” He shrugged. “Grand Master de Ridfort would say the risk is too great.”
Ware tensed. “You told him about her?”
Vaden shook his head. The relief that poured through Ware didn’t last long.
“Not yet,” Vaden said. “It wasn’t necessary. Why should I trouble them when they’re occupied with trying to recapture Acre?” He shrugged. “Not that it will do any good. De Ridfort is a fool to think we can triumph over Saladin’s vast army.”
Ware didn’t give a damn about Acre. “It’s still not necessary to tell him. She’s not involved in this.”
“She’s involved with you, and that guarantees she’s as immersed as the rest of us. You should have been more careful.”
Vaden’s tone was genuinely regretful, Ware realized with a leap of hope. “Then the guilt is mine. Leave her alone.”
Vaden shook his head. “You know that’s not possible.”
“I don’t know it.” Ware tried to temper the anger in his voice. “Very well, then, at least promise me you’ll do nothing right away. Think about it. There’s no risk while she’s imprisoned at El Sunan.”
“True.” Vaden was silent, thinking. “If she remains at EI Sunan.”
“She’ll remain there. Kemal will make sure of that. I struck a bargain to guard his southern border.”
Vaden lifted a mocking brow. “A bargain with the heathen infidel?”
“If it brings me what I need. It shouldn’t surprise you. Am I not regarded as a heathen myself?”
“It doesn’t surprise me. It was bound to happen. As I said, desperation changes a man. We left you few doors to open.” He paused. “But I find it interesting you didn’t open this one until the woman came.”
“You place undue importance on her. She’s only another responsibility.” He could see he was not convincing him. He went back to firmer ground. “She’ll stay at El Sunan. You can keep watch on her.”
Vaden didn’t answer.
“You need do nothing now.”
Vaden’s expression was unreadable. What the devil was he thinking?
Ware tried again. “I told her nothing. You said you believed me.”
Finally Vaden nodded. “I do believe you. Very well, I’ll hold my hand as long as I believe she’s no danger.” He grimaced. “God knows, I’ve no desire to kill a woman.”
Ware felt nearly light-headed with relief. Thea was safe.
Vaden’s eyes were narrowed on Ware’s face. “She means too much to you. You shouldn’t let me see your weakness. I might be tempted to use your temptress as bait.”
“Not you. You wouldn’t have the stomach for it.” He grinned. “In spite of what you say, you’re an honorable man.”
“What is honor? We both know it’s defined by most men to suit their own needs.” His flippant smile faded. “Except by you. When I first met you, I thought you were no different from the rest. Only a rough, bawdy soldier out to win riches for himself. I almost wish you were that man. It would be easier for me.”
“I was a rough, bawdy soldier. The rules of the Order were never easy for me.”
“Yet you would never have broken your vows. You were like an eager child reaching out and clasping all of us to your bosom. We were all your brothers.” He smiled sardonically. “I found it most disconcerting to be included in that affection. I kept pushing you away, but you kept coming back. I finally decided it was easier to become your friend than