He sighed and stretched his muscled body. “Leave it all just as it is.”
“Why?” She frowned at him, although he did look marvelously rumpled and handsome enough to melt hearts. The bristles of his day’s growth of beard felt rough against her palm as she now laid it against his cheek. His hair had a boyish cowlick at the top and the ends curled becomingly at the nape of his neck. “How can I possibly leave this disaster of a wedding as it is? I need to confront Allendale and end it. Now. Today. Not a moment longer.”
“Got it, Gory.”
“And it has nothing to do with the fact that you kissed me the other day. By the way, we have to talk about that, too.”
“I know.” He yawned and stretched once more as he rose. “Let me wash up and get dressed, then we can discuss everything.”
“Well, there is nothing much left to say about Allendale. I am resolved to end it with him. Neither you nor Havers ought to stop me. Just be ready to protect me if he gets angry and attempts to lash out at me.”
“I would kill him if he ever set a hand on you.”
“Marvelously apish of you, Julius. And much appreciated, I would add.”
He grunted.
“I also intend to find out more about the young lady and her newborn. It is not right that the child should be given up to a foundling home. In fact, it is quite heinous of Allendale to do something so cruel to his own offspring.”
“Assuming the child is his,” Julius remarked.
“Who else’s would it be?”
“I don’t know, but Mr. Barrow should have more information for us today. And who is to say he has any intention of giving up the young lady or the child? Just be patient. We’ll get at the truth.”
Gory rolled her eyes. “I am trying. It is not easy.”
“I know, love.” He gave her chin a light tweak.
These Thorne brothers were marvelous specimens of manhood. Gory always enjoyed standing beside Julius, especially. The two of them seemed to fit just right despite the difference in their height. Perhaps it was the muscled breadth of him that made him perfect to snuggle against.
No doubt, this is why her heart fluttered whenever she stood beside him.
He had given her a breathtaking kiss two days ago, but she had also had recurring dreams of an earlier kiss. That dream kiss had felt so real, too. She could still feel the warmth of his mouth on hers.
It was ridiculous, of course.
She had yet to figure out what it all meant.
She understood Julius was wonderfully protective of her, but was it only protective urges he was feeling toward her? With Adela and Ambrose now returned, it seemed Julius had withdrawn a little. He had not brought up the subject of their kisses despite having had several chances to do so on the nights they were alone.
Was he reconsidering?
She did not want to be a mere passing fancy for him.
She wanted to be his one and only.
But how could she ever be that to any man, especially one as handsome, intelligent, and appealing as Julius?
“Gory, you are frowning.”
She shook her head. “No, just thinking.”
He tweaked her chin. “You do too much of it. Can you relax that sharp brain of yours and stop trying to force the memories to return?”
“Why? All I need to do is remember what happened and this murder will be solved.”
“Havers and Barrow will be along shortly to give us updates. Let’s see what they have to say before we make our plans.”
