Page 60 of Untaming Lady Violet
How glad she was that he was here.
How it frightened her that he was.
Tristan smiled, recognizing the effect he had on her. Just as he had all those years ago. Long before the devastation of his smile ever reached its full potency, he surely understood its capacity to destroy a woman’s willpower.
It had been honed, sharpened over time into a perfect weapon of destruction. Perhaps in preparation for this very moment. This moment when all of Violet’s defenses were slashed to ribbons. There was no hope for her, after all.
She would surrender everything to this man.
Even if meant her ruin.
His hand stretched toward her.
“I’ve been waiting for you, kitten.”
Chapter 24
Violet took a deep, steadying breath.
“Have you?” Peering at Tristan in the flickering light, she inched closer. “How could you possibly know I would be here, of all places?”
Swirling the contents of the glass, Tristan watched her from beneath lowered lashes. His hand waited for hers to slip into it. “I overheard Lawrence’s instructions. And somehow, I knew I would find you in this exact spot, although I don’t even know why I thought it.”
Worrying her bottom lip between her teeth, Violet steeled herself before slipping her hand into the warmth of his. “I suppose you came through the west breakfast room. It’s the only entrance other than the one used by the servants.”
Tristan’s gaze fixated on her mouth. “You drive me to distraction when you do that.” He uttered a low curse. “And damn your uncanny knowledge of my home’s footprint. You seem to know every inch as if it were your own.”
“Had I continued past the conservatory, gone to my room, what would you have done?”
His head tilted as he pulled her closer against him. “I honestly don’t know. Maybe broke down your bedchamber door. Maybe finished off the bottle of whiskey I started earlier.” Setting the glass on the ground, he rested his forehead against hers and breathed deep. “Why do you always smell so damned delicious, Violet? It’s a scent I cannot erase from my consciousness. It haunts me at all hours of the day and night.”
Violet trembled when Tristan’s lips brushed her forehead. His arms tightened around her waist until she caught the faint, sweet aroma of liquor.
“What are you doing, Tristan?”
“Damned if I know.”
Violet debated what she should do. Part of her wanted to tear away. Run from the embarrassment of future rejection.
But a rebellious side reared its head, demanding answers to the questions. Demanded she stand her ground and take what she wanted for once. To live for herself instead of duty and obligation and expectations. Dangerous thoughts but unstoppable once acknowledged.
Violet pulled back so she could stare into Tristan’s dark eyes and see the truth for herself.
“Are you in love with Fiona Blackerby?”
Confusion warred with amusement for a split second. Then wariness crept into the dark depths of his gaze. “What the devil are you talking about?”
“Is there a secret engagement? Are you… using me to hide your relationship with Lady Fiona from your sister?” Violet nearly choked over that last part.
Tristan’s jaw clenched. “Using you… Have you taken leave of your senses? Have you not heard me when I repeatedly deny any interest in that woman? A secret engagement. That’s surprising, when it’s well known I’ve no interest in marrying at all. Where have you managed to hear such drivel?”
Violet’s chin lifted. “From Fiona herself. I overheard her conversation with Patricia Clipperson. She was adamant that you must hide your relationship from Celia so your plans remain intact. She said I am a pawn that keeps others from learning the truth.”
Releasing his grip on her, Tristan threw his arms in the air in frustration. “She said those things to hurt you, kitten. There’s not a shred of truth to any of it.”
“She had no idea I overheard her, Tristan.” Violet’s voice trembled, but her words were laced with steel, her amethyst eyes sparkling with fire. Holding herself rigid, she fixed him with a steady glare. “If you are truly involved, tell me now. I prefer saving myself the embarrassment and heartache and to just be done with whatever is between us.”
Tristan whirled back. “I’ve nothing to do with that woman! Why do you persist with such lunacy?”
