Historical romance adventure novel set in 1850s Key West (currently ebook only) from Freya's Bower (July 27, 2010) Read the first chapter here Her intense scrutiny made him uneasy. "Did someone hurt you? So much you distrust every other who shares her gender?" Her face, illuminated by the setting sun, appeared so innocent, so youthful. She could not possibly know of the terrible danger inherent in offering oneself to another. The intricacies of a relationship. "Yes." The lone word revealed more than he had ever shared with anyone else. He stood rigid, unwilling to display himself further through any action or language. "Then I am truly sorry, Sam. To close yourself off in such a way you can never know happiness again. It makes me sad for you." His laugh was hollow. "You needn't pity me." Her face hardened, her beautiful lips retreating to a thin, disapproving line. "No. You're right. To choose such a life willingly is your own doing. You deserve no pity." This was the kind of woman he was used to. Whose tender caresses turned to merciless clawing, so deep his very heart was at peril. "Such harsh words from one who would have me believe-" "I will not be so pathetic as to cling to false hope. To wait for you to sort out your feelings could take years." She bowed her head. "I hold you to nothing, Sam. Forget yesterday, if you must." She lifted her head to hold his gaze for a moment, perhaps waiting for him to open himself to her. In resignation, she turned and walked out. Stunned, Sam stood there, looking at the closed door. She knew him. She knew him completely, her sweet touch had divined his true self, had breathed into his mouth and captured the essence of his soul. Her openness, her honesty, entranced him more than her beauty. Yet he still could not move, could not will himself to go after her, confess his feelings. The sensation of being in Livvie's arms could not be more opposite to his time with Helen. When Livvie looked at him, she exposed herself completely. Nothing else existed in the world. Her giving nature resulted from her feelings, and what she did not feel, she would not give. He knew it to be true. If Livvie left Key West, he would likely never meet another near her qualities. Her inquisitive nature inspired him to share his thoughts, his world. He trusted her reaction to be true, not a response designed to please him. Her skills of comprehension and analysis exceeded those of many educated men. Were it not for the constraints of society, Livvie could have risen to great power, if she'd aspired to. He had never encountered another girl like her. That was perhaps what frightened him most. Yet he still felt rooted where he stood, even as he saw, in his mind's eye, her figure grow smaller and disappear altogether. One thought repeated in his head: I will never forget.