Page 81 of Duke of Bronze
The fighter stepped inside, his expression unreadable.
"Pardon my intrusion," Roderick said.
Colin leaned back slightly, regarding him with curiosity. He had not anticipated seeing him again so soon—if at all. Hope sparked within him. Had Anna's words last night swayed him after all? Had he reconsidered the offer?
But the moment was fleeting.
"I have come to take my leave," Roderick announced. "I return to London this afternoon."
Colin felt the ember of hope snuffed out at once. He had thought Roderick might have relented; that he might accept the opportunity being extended to him. Instead, he was running.
Roderick's voice was steady as he continued. "I wished to thank you for your hospitality, Your Grace. You were under no obligation to invite me, let alone extend such courtesies."
Colin inclined his head. "You need not thank me."
He studied the man before him, sensing there would be no convincing him otherwise. The disappointment sat heavy in his chest, but he masked it well. If Roderick wished to go, Colin would not beg him to stay.
"I wish you the very best in all your endeavors," Colin said instead.
Roderick gave a curt nod, but his posture shifted, a rare hesitation passing over his features.
That was new.
For a man who always carried himself with unwavering certainty—even when rejecting an offer of considerable merit—this moment of reluctance struck Colin as odd.
Roderick looked as though he had more to say, his lips pressing together as he weighed his words. Colin remained silent, watching, waiting. Just when he began to believe Roderick would simply bid him farewell and leave, the fighter exhaled, as if bracing himself.
"The truth is," Roderick said at last, "I was never in the country for sponsorship meetings."
Colin's brows lifted in mild surprise.
"I lied."
Colin straightened in his chair. "Did you?"
Roderick nodded. "Lydia sent me. She wished for me to find you. To… mend things."
Colin had thought himself prepared for anything, but this? This was unexpected. Something tightened in his chest, unfamiliar and uncomfortable.
He had suspected, of course. But hearing the confirmation aloud made it real in a way he had not anticipated.
"It does not have to be a lie," Colin said at last, his voice even. "You could still make use of this visit."
Roderick's gaze flashed with uncertainty, and his brows drew downward.
"My offer remains," Colin continued. "The choice, however, is yours."
For the first time, Roderick offered him a smile. It was faint, barely more than a shadow of expression, but it was there, nonetheless.
He did not acknowledge Colin's offer, neither accepting nor rejecting it outright as he had before. Instead, he inclined his head slightly, his gaze thoughtful.
"I apologize for intruding upon your hospitality uninvited," Roderick said at last.
"There has been no intrusion," Colin replied evenly. "You were welcomed."
Roderick studied him for a moment before exhaling. "Do not feel obligated to me. Or my family." His voice was quieter now, measured. "I did not seek you out expecting anything. I was merely fulfilling my mother's final wishes."
Colin's fingers curled slightly at his sides, though his face remained unreadable. "There will be a closing ball before the house party concludes," he said. "You should stay for it. Leave after, if you must."
