Page 84 of A Virgin for the Duke of Scars
Now, she preferred to be alone if it meant that she would not have to endure this heartbreak all over again.
She no longer felt sorry for him and his loneliness. His isolation was entirely of his own making.
He could still fix this with a simple action. He could take off his mask right now and let her into his heart.
The problem was that Theresa did not know how to say any of that to him. Instead, she stared back at him, trying to match his intensity. She pulled herself up to her full height, determined not to let her swollen eyes give away that she was heartbroken.
She would not cave to a man’s demand for her to yield. She had not been prepared for marriage, but at least she knew how she should be treated.
The rules he set on their wedding day were out the window.
The rules thatLadyIsabellahad set, she reminded herself.
“I am packing to take my leave,” she answered, gesturing toward the trunk. “It seems there is no place for me here at Blackwell Manor.”
“Do not be foolish,” Aaron said softly. “You do not need to take your leave because of a disagreement.”
“I told you I would be visiting my family. I received a message from my mother just this morning. She wants me to visit, as if she knew that this would not work out.”
Theresa tried to smile, but it came out as a grimace.
“And you would go to her after everything she has done to you?”
“She says she can’t bear to lose me after she’d just found me.”
The memory of the day her mother had arrived at the convent to whisk her away flashed through her mind. The tears on her mother’s face had been genuine, whereas her husband’s affection may never have been. He was with her for what she could do for him and nothing more.
She continued to pack her meager belongings. For once, she was grateful that she moved lightly through this life. There was no risk that she would leave behind anything that truly mattered to her.
Anything but Aaron, of course.
She stole glances at him as she moved about the room.
He stood there, like he was unsure of his place in her chambers. Whereas before he had commanded authority even here, now she held the power.
He had undressed her and unraveled her. Now, she was unraveling him piece by piece.
“Your mother is right,” he said, clearing his throat. His gaze was softer than she had ever seen it. “She can’t bear to lose you. But I can’t bear to lose you either. I ask that you reconsider.”
“You would ask that I reconsider,” she scoffed. “Would you then reconsider the one request I have made of you?”
He shook his head, forlorn.
Theresa frowned and turned her back so that he would not see the tears brimming in her eyes.
“You may stay with your family for as long as you want. When you are ready to come back, you know where to find me.” His voice was thick with the same emotion she felt.
“Yes,” she forced out. “You will be in your tower, alone, with a glass of whiskey.”
“I did not promise you that I would be a good husband. In fact, I tried to give you every hint to the contrary. I was clear about the rules on the day we were wed.”
“And if I do not want to return to Blackwell Manor once I find my place with my family? Do I still have to follow your orders? Will others still dictate my life, even as a duchess?”
Theresa heard the edge in her voice. She recognized it as bitterness, weariness. She was so tired of the games thetonplayed.
Would she ever grow accustomed to this push and pull?
Aaron watched her carefully before taking a tentative step toward her. She froze as he came closer, but she sensed the hesitation in his steps. When she did not move away, he gathered the courage and closed the gap between them.
