Robin loved how candidly Marian's gaze met his. There wasn't a bit of the pretense he found in Cecily's glances, just forthright boldness, to match the strength and determined set of Marian's jaw. Not only that, but her expression looked out at him from the most incredibly beautiful eyes he had ever known, sparkling crystal blue and framed in their lusterous, thick, dark lashes. Looking into them made the world stand still, and his heart race.
Now, if only he could banish their coldness and ignite the warmth that used to dwell within those eyes whenever they rested on him. He'd barely seen a flicker of it since his return, yet a glimpse or two had been enough to assure him she hadn't completely forgotten all they had meant to each other.
"You said you had a request for me," Marian reminded him, pulling him from his thoughts. "Well, what is it?"
She knew, if she didn't leave now, she would be late for the Council of Nobles, angering the sheriff and worrying her father, not that Robin would notice the time. Still, she was here now, standing face to face with him, and it would take an Act of God to draw her away.
"I need you to help me find a safe place for Cecily," Robin informed her, "and a way to transport her there."
Marian almost laughed. "Do you mean 'Sess?' From what she told me, she's in no hurry to leave the forest."
"What did she tell you? Only last night, she was longing for a roof over her head, and a real bed."
"And you to complete the picture? After all, she's terribly frightened, and can't move a step without your protection."
"I'll have you know she traveled several miles on foot yesterday, with a snakebite on her heel."
"Cecily? I don't believe you."
Marian began to feel almost panic striken, hearing Robin rush heatedly to Cecily's defense. What if he did fall in love with her? How would she be able to stand that? She couldn't think straight, picturing them together.
"When have I ever lied to you, Marian?" Robin was asking now, passion causing his voice to rise.
Marian caught her breath, then recovered her composure, saying, "I must go. I'll see what I can do."
"Thank you," Robin said, also regaining control over his emotions, but hating to end the unsatisfactory interview so soon.
Just as Robin was adjusting his hood to cover most of his face, and Marian was pulling back the cloth to depart, both were stopped by a loud cry from the city streets.
"Robin Hood's been spotted on this street! One hundred pounds for his capture, dead or alive! Do not let him escape!"
"Gisbourne," Marian gasped, drawing the cloth closed and stepping inside to hide. "Oh, Robin, be careful!"
"Don't worry about me," he said, almost sounding pleased to welcome the danger. "Your friend Sir Guy is no match for me."
To their alarm, the cloth hiding them was suddenly pulled forcefully aside, and without thinking, Marian threw herself into Robin's arms, turned his body so that his back faced the intruder, and began kissing him passionately.
Gisbourne's guard who had discovered their hiding place took a step backwards, surprised to find the cool and elegant Lady Marian engaged in such a questionable activity.
"Guard!" Marian cried, pulling away from Robin's warm and eager lips. "Please! Do not tell my secret! How much for your silence? His wife must not know!"
"My lady?" the guard stammered, never suspecting the proper Lady Marian to be capable of such a secret. "May I ask, who is this gentleman you were kissing?"
Robin, a perfect mimic, imitated Martin of Aylesbury's simpering voice. "Never mind, my good man. The lady and I were once betrothed, and therefore no blame should attach to her name."
"But, my lord, you are married!"
"Things are not always what they seem, my good fellow. The lady was simply congratulating me on the birth of my son, and I fear her beauty overcame me, causing me to take advantage of her kindness. Her honor must in no way be besmirched, do you understand?"
Marian gulped, for Robin had become threatening toward the end of his speech, dropping Martin's voice, and sounding unmistakably like himself. Luckily, the guard was still so surprised to have discovered Lady Marian in a compromising situation, he failed to notice, especially because Robin continued to keep his face concealed under his hood.
"How much for your silence?" Robin demanded, reaching for his purse to bribe the guard, only to realize he had emptied it earlier, distributing its contents to the poor.
"Two pounds. No less," the guard answered.
Marian reached into her purse and paid the sum. "Now go, and forget what you saw here today," she ordered him regally.
"Milady. My lord," the guard said, bowing before departing.
"Good work, Marian," Robin said gratefully, after they were safely alone again. "I don't know how to thank you, sacrificing your good name for my sake."
Marian discovered she was shaking slightly, frightened for Robin's life. Robin couldn't stop staring at her, on fire from their recent kiss, wishing to kiss her again.
"I doubt it will damage my reputation," Marian said hollowly. "Guards are always eager to spread lies about women's virtue."
Robin studied her tenderly. "I truly believe no shame can touch you," he said with reverence, "for your behavior and deportment have always been so noble and honorable, no one would believe any lies against you."
His voice was so loving, so warm, so caressing, that Marian needed all her strength to stop herself from falling into his arms. The memory of their recent kiss, even though it had been an act to save him, burned her lips and torched her body.
She needed to escape herself, at once, so that she could breathe again.
"Be careful," she warned him. "Gisbourne and his men still patrol the street. I'll do what I can to find somewhere safe for Cecily. But I cannot stay any longer."
"Marian!" Robin caught her arm, just before she lifted the cloth.
"What?" Her voice sounded weak in her ears, and she despised herself for her feelings.
Robin saw her discomfort, and released her. "Thank you," was all he felt he had the right to say, before ducking away from their hiding place, straight into danger.