“Y-you – saved me,” Sadira managed to stutter.
“By the mercy of God I saved you,” the Earl replied, “but, my darling, it is something you must never do again unless you wish to destroy me.”
He saw the sudden radiance that transformed Sadira’s face and he reached out his hands to take hers.
He felt her quiver at his touch and he then spoke to her very softly,
“I love you! I love you with my heart and soul and I have been searching the earth and sky for you all my life!”
“It – cannot be – true!” Sadira whispered.
‘It is true!” the Earl insisted. “I intend to make you love me as I love you and to make certain that you cannot escape me again.”
Sadira felt as if the sunshine dazzled her eyes.
She was bemused, bewildered and at the same time completely entranced by what the Earl was sayi
