Page 106 of When a Lady Dares
Had he spoken selflessly, thinking she would abandon her dreams if he admitted to wanting her?
The man had feelings for her. He couldn’t hide it, much as he’d tried. Since she’d first laid eyes on Gavin, he’d sought to convince her he was a scoundrel.
He hadn’t succeeded.
He did love her. She could see it on his face, hear it in his voice.
God above, he’d been willing to die for her.
It would take more than words to convince her he didn’t truly love her.
And now, she was going to lose the man she adored, the man whose touch she craved. Her love for Gavin grew with every beat of her heart.
If only she had time—time to forge their undeniable bond into something enduring. Time to kindle the spark that had flared between them into a lasting love.
In a week, she’d depart London. The expedition might well take months. The opportunity to accompany Jennie’s sister was truly an experience that might well come only once in a lifetime.
Once in a lifetime—what an apt description for my love for Gavin.
Misery sliced through her heart.
Blast it, she could not risk her love for Gavin. No matter the cost. There was so much in her heart she’d left unsaid.
She could not walk away from the only man she’d ever loved.
There would be other expeditions, other opportunities to explore the world. None of them would ease the ache in her heart.
She could not go to Cairo. Not now. She had to inform Jennie and notify Professor Quinn of her change in plans.
Her heart would simply not allow her to leave.
…
Gavin poured whiskey in a tumbler and downed it. At the very least, the Scotch might dull the throb in his shoulder. Damned shame it failed to ease the miserable ache in his heart.
He’d let her go. Like a coward, he’d let her walk away.
Out of his house.
Out of his life.
What the bloody hell is wrong with me?
Sophie was beautiful. Spirited. The fire in her eyes enchanted him.
He wanted her. Every night. Every day. At his side. Laughing across the table, as she bested him at cards.
And he’d sat there like a dolt while she walked out of his life.
I’ve fallen in love with you.
Her words had been so sudden. So unexpected.
By all rights, he should be on his knees, thanking God above that a woman like Sophie could love a man like him.
She’d stunned him with the prospect she might leave him. Christ, he’d wanted to tell her to stay. But his conscience wouldn’t abide it. He wouldn’t stand by while she sacrificed a grand adventure. Sophie deserved that, and so much more.
And then, she’d astonished him with the confirmation of her love. She really did love him. Bloody hell, that made him the richest man in London…in Great Britain…in the world.
