Keeping my relationship with Connor secret from Achilles proved to be more difficult than I initially thought. Connor did spend a lot of his time training, and that kept us apart. But the moments we were together during the day had to be feigned as casual. I longed to touch him and kiss him, but Connor maintained his distance from me. Even when Achilles wasn't in the same room as us, Connor would refrain from showing any kind of affection toward me. But he would smile at me often. It made me want to embrace him more.

Connor and I still made our trips to the woods every day. We did so under the pretense of training, but we really just used the opportunity alone to make out or talk. Mostly make out. It was hard for me to keep from kissing him when I had the chance. No matter how much I did, it never sated my longing. The more I kissed him, the more I wanted to kiss him. It was like an addiction.

The first few day, that was all we did in the forest. Then Connor suggested we use one of the two hours for actual training. He said it was only partly because he didn't want Achilles to become suspicious by my lack of progress. Mostly it was because he truly felt I had talent and wanted me to hone it. He said he would feel better if I knew how to protect myself.

So I continued to practice with my bow. It was distracting at first, but after a while, I began to find fun things for us to do with the training. I'd barter for kisses in exchange for hitting a target. Connor participated in these games as well. He was already great, but he liked the challenge. His tasks were much more difficult than mine. I constantly thought of new ways to test him. Such as firing at a hawk flying by without killing it or distracting him as he took aim. He sometimes missed, but I'd kiss him for his effort anyhow. Not for pity on his part, but pleasure on mine.

Most of my free time after Connor and I started courting – or whatever it was called these days – was spent in silent daydreams about him. I often sit around the house or outside trapped within the confines of my own imaginary world. I know Achilles noticed my uncharacteristic behavior. When he was compelled to comment on it, I'd make up some excuse pertaining to my dreams to validate my spells of quiet.

"It's been ten minutes since you've turned a page in that book," Achilles stated.

I focused my gaze on him. He was sitting at the desk. The account book was open, and he had a pen in hand. But he was watching me intently. I had honestly forgotten he was in sitting in the study with me.

"Oh," I murmured. "I was...thinking."

Achilles turned back to the logs and began to scribble. "If your thoughts pertain to that book, I'd rather not hear them," he stated.

For some reason, Achilles was uncomfortable with me reading Moll Flanders. I suppose he thought it was inappropriate for a young girl to be reading about a woman who used her femininity and wiles to gain husbands and money. He hadn't told me I couldn't borrow it, but he had suggested I find something more suitable. I didn't bother telling him that I had read – and seen – far more provocative stories in my life thus far. I'm not sure how he would have responded to that. Not well, I imagine.

"Actually, they were," I told him.

Achilles sighed and concentrated on what he was doing. I grinned at the effectiveness of the lie and at his reaction.

"Have you considered what you're making for supper tonight?" he asked.

"Fried chicken," I answered. I knew that was his favorite and it would win me back in his good graces despite my unsavory taste in literature.

I noticed a smile on his face, but Achilles said nothing.

I looked toward the hallway as I heard the front door open and shut quietly. A moment later, Connor strode by. He paused just long enough to meet my eyes and give me a faint smile before leaving my vision. The only reason I had chosen to sit downstairs and read was so that I could see him when he got home from hunting. I wanted more than just a secretive grin, but I would take what I could get.

I stood up, knowing he hadn't made it to the basement door yet, and walked to the kitchen. Connor was just getting ready to pull the candlestick as I passed him. I slowed. I let my hand brush against his, my forefinger circling his knuckle. He glanced at me. I felt his digit tighten on mine for just a second. It was those sweet, caring moments of clandestine contact that helped me get through the day without screaming. I loved him so very much. I wanted to tell him. I'd almost done it a few time, but I had stopped myself. I was scared, nervous. I was unsure how he would respond.

We released each other and Connor went downstairs. I entered the kitchen to start on supper, smiling stupidly.

Hiding those expressions from Achilles was very difficult. Dinner time was tense and awkward. Connor and I avoided looking at each other. We would speak, casually, if the situation prompted it. But we each tried to maintain the same indifference we'd always had toward the other in front of Achilles. The fact that the old man conducted most of the conversations helped. Sometimes.

"Are you planning a trip to Boston soon?" Achilles asked Connor.

The other looked up from his food and glanced at his mentor. "I can go tomorrow if you need something," he said.

I bit back a frown. I hated it when Connor had to go to Boston. He was always gone at least two days when he did. And that was only when he took the Aquila. If he chose to go on horseback, it was a much longer trip.

"There's no rush," Achilles told him. "But I have a list of things for you to pick up on your next visit."

Connor nodded.

"Have you been practicing with the rope dart any?"

Connor's face became a deep shade of pink at the question. I struggled with the heat on my own cheeks and tried to hide my face with my hair. It was the mention of the Sheng Biao that cause us to react with such discomfort. I wasn't sure if Connor had ever used it. But he had let me use it earlier that day. On him. The memories of the game we'd played with it flooded my mind. It had been fun. Very fun. I knew Connor had like it.

I peeked up and my eyes went to the faint love bite on the left side Connor's neck. I hoped Achilles hadn't seen it. It wasn't that visible. On such a dark complexion, it was easy to miss. Yet, Connor's actions unwittingly drew attention to it. He attempted to rest his chin in his hand, but had to abandon it because that action involved putting his elbow on the table. He instead chose to raise his collar higher in an attempt to hide the mark from that man who was watching him with a confused frown.

"I-I have been...using it," Connor mumbled.

Achilles stared at him as the young man avoided the elder's gaze. I waited for the old man to say something about the hickey. Or Connor's behavior. But he didn't. He only went back to eating and the table became incredibly quiet.

I had never been so uncomfortable in my life as I was at that moment. I stood up, picked up my half empty plate and announced that I was no longer hungry. I went to my room, lay face down on the bed and let out an embarrassed groan into my pillow.

Later, when I heard Connor come upstairs, I met him in the library and smacked him on the shoulder. I didn't do it hard. I doubt he even felt it that much, but he stared at me in shock.

"You're an idiot!" I hissed.

"I told you he would notice," Connor returned in a harsh whisper. "And you are the one who...How am I an idiot?"

I shook my head at him in exasperation. What was done, was done. There was no scense harping on it. I was more concerned with what would happen next.

"Did he say anything to you?" I asked nervously.

"No," Connor answered.

I sighed in relief. "Maybe he didn't notice it, then."

Connor gave me a doubtful stare. I knew it was a long shot. Both of us had reacted far to suspiciously for Achilles to not think something was going on. In a way, it would be a relief if he knew. I wanted to be done with the secrecy. But I was also afraid of how the old man would respond. At worst, he would kick me out. And I didn't want that. I liked it here. It wasn't just because of Connor. I felt like this was home. It was a feeling I was loath to give up.

I wondered if Achilles had just decided to ignore our relationship. That would be the best case scenario. I knew we couldn't hide it forever, but now did not seem the best time to announce it.

"Be more careful next time," Connor whispered.

I smiled at the insinuation of his words. "Next time?"

Connor looked away, his cheeks darkened. "I only meant that, perhaps you should..."

I tiptoed and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. "I know what you meant," I said. "But next time it's your turn."

I had never seen my boyfriend blush as much as he did then. It was cute. I laughed at him.