Page 76 of The Heiress Gets a Duke
“Yes,” she said, forcing her voice not to wobble as she gave him what she hoped was a smile. “I suppose there’s no need for a ring now.”
He paused, studying her face as if he could see every painful emotion tearing through her. It wasn’t fair, because she couldn’t read his expression at all. Finally, he said, “No... No, I suppose there isn’t.”
“How do you feel about the surprise inheritance?” she asked, needing to move this conversation along. She wanted to be alone to sort things out. This wasn’t how things had been meant to go at all, and she didn’t know how to properly respond.
His eyes lit up. “Relieved. Despite evidence to the contrary, no one wants a marriage forced on them. And I am happy that I can provide for my family again.”
She nodded, swallowing thickly as the ache swelled in her chest. It was easy to forget that their betrothal had been forced on him as much as on her. Of course he would be happy not to be forced to wed. Though they shared an affection, everyone knew she was not the material from which duchesses were made.
“How do you feel?” he asked, his gaze searching hers.
August forced a brightness to her expression. “I am happy for you.”
It was true. Perhaps tomorrow she would feel better about all of this. Once the sting of loss had passed, she could go back to her life. It is what she had wanted.
The intensity came back to his eyes as he dipped his head a bit to meet her gaze. “And for yourself?”
A moment of panic took over that he could actually see her torn feelings. Giving a shrug, she gave him another strained smile. “Of course. It will be a welcome change to not have to dodge a fortune hunter with every step.”
He laughed and surprised her by touching her cheek. “May I kiss you once more?” He was already moving in, barely giving her time to breathe out a yes before his mouth covered hers. His lips were soft and warm as they brushed hers. The tender ache in her chest expanded until she wanted to cry with the pain of loss, but she refused to dothat and dampen his obvious joy. Instead, she took hold of the lapels of his coat and kissed him harder, hoping to convey all that she felt without words. His slight growth of beard rasped over the sensitive skin of her face, abrading it in a way that was unexpectedly pleasant. Unable to stop herself, she tasted him, and he deepened the kiss, his tongue brushing hers.
When he pulled back, they were both gasping for breath, and he wasn’t smiling anymore. His eyelids fell closed as he pressed his forehead to hers. “Say we will always be friends.”
Say that you still need me.
Instead of giving voice to that, she swallowed and said thickly, “Always.”
He pulled away from her, and the moment was over. His voice was normal as was his expression. “My fight with Wilkes is tomorrow night, same place. You should come.”
She tried and failed to stomp out the alarm and fear those words evoked. He wasn’t hers to be concerned about. “Isn’t that a dangerous place for a lady?”
“Not if you are with my men.”
“But someone might recognize me.”
“I suppose you are right. You see what happened last time someone recognized you there.” He teased her.
She wanted to laugh to appease him, but it was impossible. “Please be careful. I don’t trust him.”
“With good reason. I will be careful.”
She nodded and reluctantly said, “You should go before my family returns. I’m certain they’ll be upset.”
“Then I should stay and deal with them.”
That sounded terrible. She wouldn’t be able to hold herself together sufficiently to handle them both, especially when she didn’t understand exactly what she felt. She should be happy, but she was decidedly miserable. “No, please go. I’d rather do it myself.”
“No. You should not be forced to face them alone.” He appeared resolute.
“Please, Evan. It’ll be easier alone.”
He stared at her for a moment charged with meaning.Finally, he nodded. “I understand.” Reaching up, he brushed his thumb across her lips before dropping his hand and turning away. She forced herself to stay where she was instead of following him out. At the door, he said, “Goodbye, August.”
She smiled and managed a wave. Words would have hurt too much.
Chapter 22
I never wanted but your heart—that gone, you have nothing more to give.
