Page 7 of One Scandal Too Many
He breathed in deeply. “You’re too sensitive,” he explained. “I’m following you because anything could happen in these woods and you shouldn’t be alone. Don’t make this out to be something that isn’t true.” The marquess shrugged lightly. “I care about your safety and do not wish for more than that. Do you understand me?”
She nodded a little too vigorously. Charlotte was a charity case for him, nothing more. He had a duty to ensure her safety, and she should quit thinking about what his lips on hers might feel like. She was a ninny, plain and simple. Charlotte turned back around and began walking once more. She kept her attention on the path before her. It was as dark as when she first made the trek, but that was before her eyes were blinded by unshed tears. If she gave in to them, they would start falling freely. She couldn’t allow for him to see how much he’d hurt her. He would only think her a silly female that he had to handlecarefully with every encounter. It would be far better to be surly and caustic with him.
“You’re pouting, aren’t you?” he asked.
“No,” she responded. “I do not pout, my lord. There are better things I can do with my time.” Somehow she kept her voice even as she spoke. Those tears wanted to flow freely, but she held back. “And I would rather keep my own counsel and not speak to you more than required.”
“You don’t wish to have a conversation with me?” He chuckled softly. “I’m not worthy of one, is that it?”
“I believe you’re the one that has deemed me unworthy, my lord.” She wanted to be free of him. How much farther was the school, anyway? “I’m a mere girl and not one you wish to notice.”
He mumbled something under his breath she couldn’t quite hear. Had he said something about noticing her more than he should? That perked her up a little. Did he like her more than he implied?
“What did you say?” she asked.
“Nothing of import,” he replied quickly. “We should arrive at the school soon.” He didn’t sound as full of humor as he had before. That made her smile.
“If you wish to return home, I can see myself the rest of the way. I made it to your garden on my own. I think I can manage the trek back to the school.” Charlotte wanted him to leave her alone. Her heart hurt a little, and his nearness wasn’t helping.
“I said I’d see you back to the school, and I intend to do exactly that,” he said in a grating tone. “I keep my word.”
She rolled her eyes. “I never inferred you didn’t.”
“Didn’t you?” He sighed. “It doesn’t matter. Keep moving.”
The marquess was being difficult. Perhaps it was best that he didn’t like her. She didn’t particularly like him at the moment. She had hoped for something more, but he had different wishes. Charlotte couldn’t force him to feel something he didn’t. Besidesshe had gone to his garden to prove something to herself and to him. She didn’t take orders from the marquess, and never would. Hopefully, he got that message loud and clear.
“Yes, my lord,” she said. Charlotte almost wanted to turn around and salute him like one would a superior officer. He was acting like a general chastising one of his subordinates. For that reason, she’d replied in a tone that mocked his actions. He deserved it. “I’ll do whatever you say.”
“It’s about time that you did,” he grumbled.
She giggled. Charlotte couldn’t keep it from slipping out. Did he actually believe she’d follow his orders? Silly marquess. He had many more lessons to learn, apparently, and she was just the lady to teach them. Perhaps it would be far more fun to spend time in his company than she’d believed. He might find her distasteful, but she found him entertaining. She might even consider sneaking into his garden again. Charlotte may have been caught; however, it hadn’t been entirely unsuccessful. The next time, she’d be better prepared for his surliness and respond in a manner surely to shock him senseless.
*
Declan couldn’t waituntil they reached the school. Was she giggling? What the hell did she have to giggle about? He hadn’t said anything humorous. At least, he didn’t think he had. She was going to drive him mad before the night was over.
“Do I even want to know why you’re laughing?” he asked sullenly.
“Probably not,” she told him. “You’re too staid for anything that is actually amusing.”
Did she imply he was too old for her? Had she said that because he referred to her as a girl and not a woman? Declan had to admit that he’d said those words to put her off any designs shemight have for him. He didn’t want a wife. No matter how much his mother hoped he would marry. Lady Charlotte was lovely and would make a wonderful wife... to some other man.
And why did that idea bother him so much?
Because he did desire her. Declan could admit that much to himself. That didn’t mean he would give in and take something that he shouldn’t. She was an innocent and should be treated with respect. No man should take what didn’t belong to him. If he touched her, kissed her, he’d want more, and he would have to marry her. The truth was, if he got too close she might be his undoing. “Trust me, darling,” he began. “I’m nothing of the sort.” He wished he could prove that to her, but that would take them down a path they’d best not trek.
“Idon’ttrust you,” she told him. Lady Charlotte stopped, and he didn’t realize it in time to prevent himself from walking right into her. She stumbled, and he fumbled to catch her before she hit the ground. He failed. She landed on her backside and groaned. “You didn’t need to push me down.”
“I didn’t mean . . .”
“You never intend to do anything, do you?” She glared up at him. “You say a lot of things, but how much is the truth?”
“Every word,” he said in a calm tone. Could she see through the façade he presented to her? Did she realize how much hediddesire her? No. She was an innocent and couldn’t possibly know the truth.
She shook her head and started to rise. He reached out to help her, but she pushed his hand away. “I don’t need your assistance.” She stood and brushed dirt off of her cloak. “And I don’t believe you.” Lady Charlotte stepped closer to him. “You’re all bluster. I would wager youdolike me.” She licked her lips, and he nearly groaned. Her innocence would destroy his control, and it hung by a thread to begin with.
“Again,” he began. “I never said I don’t like you.”
