Page 90 of How to Seduce a Duke this Autumn
But no.
She would never come here, would she?
Another knock—firmer this time.
Adam pushed back his chair, rising. He crossed the room in sure strides, only hesitating a slight moment at the door before yanking it open.
He inhaled sharply.
Could it be? She was here.
Was she? Or had his mind finally splintered and he was imagining things?
“Charlene?”
A brow arched. “Expecting someone else?”
It was her.
She stood in the doorway like an angel—breathless and beautiful—and utterly stealing his rational thought. Pure instinct had him step aside quickly so that she could enter before anyone saw her.
“What are you doing here?” What was he even saying? He’d sent her word of his whereabouts. “Do you need me?”
“You said you had something to show me?”
Yes, but he hadn’t thought she’d actually come. He’d hoped… but never dared believe. “Yes, I—”
“You mustn’t do it,” she interrupted in a burst of air, her voice low but urgent. Something was wrong. Off.
“What are you talking about? Did something happen?”
“I just…” she shook her head. “I can’t let you do it.”
Adam stared at her, blood thundering in his ears. What? She wasn’t making any sense. His mind raced, scrambling for meaning. What did she think he was doing?
Wait.
Was this about David?
About exiling him?
His gut twisted. How could she possibly know? Had David gone to her? Pleaded with her? Begged for mercy with those same pitiful eyes he’d used a hundred times before?
Adam’s jaw clenched. He wouldn’t put it past his brother.
But if that was the case, how could Charlene forgive the man who had hurt her easily?
“It has to happen,” he bit out. He couldn’t imagine it any other way.
Her eyes widened. “You’d go that far? Over a matter of pride?”
His chest burned. “Pride? No—Charlene, this isn’t about honor.”
“Honor! What if he dies! That will be on you! You will have to carry that for the rest of your life!”
David die? No, weeds don’t die that easily. Besides, he survived this past year just fine, did he not? What the devil had David told her?
“So, you mean to forgive him and allow him to stay here in London like nothing happened?”
