Page 58 of The Scholar's Key
“Tell me, Lord Ferrington,” Percy said in the silence as the third course arrived. “What do you do to keep entertained most days?”
Eric launched into answering her question, clearly excited about doing so, as Noah sat there silently fuming, though unable to do anything about it.
He had seen this play before. This was the beginning of the second act, and he knew where it would end – with the woman wanting another, another beside him, and most likely his brother.
His feelings for this woman were becoming far too strong.
It was only going to lead to a broken heart.
Again.
CHAPTER21
Percy could sense that Noah was becoming increasingly frustrated, but she had no idea why. She appreciated the opportunity to learn more about his brother, mostly because Lord Ferrington was important to Noah and she was interested in the contrast between them.
But Noah didn’t seem so pleased about their conversation. Perhaps he was worried that she might learn something about him that she wouldn’t like?
She hadn’t seen him for an entire week, and the truth was, she missed him, but she hadn’t been able to come up with any reason as to why they should spend time together. They had retrieved the necklace and found the clue within – why else would she need to see him?
Because she wanted him. That was the truth.
She had been unable to stop thinking of their kisses, as well as what they had shared. He had shown her things, taught her things that she would like to repeat. She wasn’t sure what kind of woman that made her, but he had awakened something within her that she hadn’t been able to put back to sleep.
The strangest part of it was that it wasn’t just what they had done. It was him. When she imagined anyone else – not just Lord Stephen butanyother man – doing the same with her, she was unaffected. It was Noah himself.
Even sitting next to him at dinner was causing all sorts of ideas to stroll through her mind. Sensing his increasing unease, she reached out, placing her hand on his thigh. He started slightly but didn’t look at her, and showed no other outward sign.
But nor did he remove her hand.
She started inching it up higher, his only reaction the tightening of his jaw.
Then she brushed her fingers over what was becoming an increasingly large bulge in his breeches.
He visibly jumped now, a slight sheen of perspiration breaking out over his forehead.
He shook his head slightly.
She smiled, continuing to try to placate him.
He swallowed hard.
She nudged her knee against his.
He wrapped his hand around hers in an apparent half-hearted attempt to force her to stop.
She continued.
“Noah?”
His brother was staring at him from across the table.
“Are you all right? You look… flushed.”
“Fine,” Noah said, clearing his throat and reaching for his wine glass. “Just fine.”
“You sound strained. Are you choking?”
“Just a bit of something in my throat.” Noah took a large sip of his drink.
