Page 65 of Sloth: The Fallen Earl
But…
She was also free to stay.
Cressida worried her lower lip between her teeth.
Her emotions had been so frayed, she’d not been able to think clearly or logically, until now.
The minute she returned to her brother’s residence, she’d be whisked off to some libidinous, ancient duke.Butif she remained here, at least until she started her monthly courses, she would have freedom from Stanley and his wife. She could buy time.
Cressida began to find purchase with every passing second. She could fetch Trudy. They could be…
Safe.
If even for a short while. The word swirled in Cressida’s head, suddenly not such an impossible dream. Her chest moved up and down.
Benedict cleared his throat uncomfortably and began to rise.
“Wait!”
At Cressida’s cry, the earl automatically reclaimed his chair.
Cressida clasped her hands on her lap. “You indicated I am free to stay here,” she said slowly.
“That is right. There are no terms or conditions. You are free to go.” Again, he started to stand.
“Wait!” she exclaimed a second time, freezing him before he could leave.
His brows came together.
Cressida steadied herself and proceeded more carefully. “I am not opposed to remaining here while I wait to start my courses.” Somehow, she managed to not blush.
A speculative glimmer entered his enigmatic brown eyes. “You have changed your mind.”
His voice betrayed none of what the earl thought about her sudden change of heart.
He was suspicious. That she knew.
“Is that a question, my lord?” Cressida angled her jaw up.
Benedict bowed his head. “It was a mere observation.”
He wrested control of the discussion from Cressida. “As long as you live here, this townhouse belongs to you. I’d be remiss if I did not mention that any time you venture out, you put your reputation at risk.”
Cressida arched a single eyebrow. “Just as you would be at risk for entertaining a lady not of the demimonde?” She fought to keep from rolling her eyes.
“Yes,” he conceded. “We’d both find ourselves subject to scrutiny.”
Hers would be greater. He didn’t need to say it. She heard the unspoken reminder.
She’d given enough of herself in this life. Cressida intended to take this reprieve here at the earl’s for her and Trudy.
Benedict recalled her attention. “By staying here, I’m sure you’ll have concerned relatives who worry about—”
“Ah,you’reworried I have family and that we are trying to trap you?” Cressida managed a tight smile.
His cheeks grew flush with color. “I did not say that.”
“No.” Cressida held his gaze with her own. “This timeyou were restrained in insulting me, Lord Wakefield.”
