Page 57 of Bound to the Heartless Duke
“I told you I had something to tell you, Lady Lily,” he said, his tone neutral. “I will be leaving for a business trip to Italy. Important negotiations, you understand. But I will return once the Season ends. You will see me at the assemblies, and we will discuss my offer again.”
Lily nodded once, her expression polite but distant. She hadn’t heard most of what he had said. However, she still managed a smile.
“Safe travels, Mr. Bailey.”
“Thank you, dear Lily.”
As Mr. Bailey turned to leave, he made sure that his hand brushed against hers. The touch sent an unwelcome shiver down her spine.
And yet she didn’t flinch, didn’t reveal her irritation.
Once the door closed behind him with a soft click, she exhaled deeply, her body still trembling slightly from the torture she’d just endured. She was not sure whether it was relief or frustration that coursed through her veins.
“That wasn’t very pleasant of you sister.” Nathan commented.
“I didn’t hope for it to be.” She answered.
“He all but proposed to you already, Lily. Why do you delay?” Nathan asked, letting his frustration show. “I thought you wanted this mess to be sorted out quickly.”
“I do but I will not sell myself to the first person that comes offering just because.” She answered. “I do not expect you to understand my reasons but I ask you to leave me to make my choice in the matter.”
“I am only trying to end things quickly sister and Ronald is a better match than you could hope for.”
Lily had a sharp reply on her tongue but swallowed it down. There was no need for her to trade words with Nathan and frankly she wasn’t in any frame of mind to do so.
Gathering herself, she rose and made her way quietly to her chambers.
As she approached the landing, a shadow detached itself from the dim corridor.
Magnus.
He stood there, his figure framed by the waning light, his eyes dark and unreadable as they locked onto hers.
Neither of them spoke. However, as usual, the silence between them was heavy, almost suffocating.
His gaze was intense, filled with questions and jealousy, and perhaps something else. Something raw. But he said nothing.
Lily felt her pulse quicken, heat rising to her cheeks as it usually did when she was in his preence. She held his eyes steadily, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing her discomfort.
After a long moment, she turned on her heel and walked away, her footsteps echoing softly down the hall.
Magnus lingered behind, watching, waiting, but saying nothing.
CHAPTER 14
Lily sat slumped in a velvet armchair by the window. It was her favorite place to think as the pale light cast a soft glow on her face.
Her hands rested in her lap, her fingers twisting the edge of a faded handkerchief. The gardens beyond the window, the distant chirp of birds, felt unbearably bright compared to the dull ache in her chest.
A knock on the door shattered the silence.
“Lily, you in there?” Nathan’s voice came through, sharp and impatient.
“Yes.” She lifted her head, already wondering what the matter was.
The door creaked open, and Nathan stepped inside.
He paused when he noticed the gloomy expression on her face. “You look like you’re mourning yourself.” He folded his arms across his chest, his eyes flashing with frustration. “Anyway, I am still unhappy with how rudely you treated Ronald the last time you met. He hasn’t complained but I could tell you affronted him..”
