Not without her.
Julia paused for a second before she took the sketch pad and started walking toward him. “I wouldn’t have a drink with you if my life depended on it.”
She tried to walk past, but he took her by the arm, halting her exit. His body vibrated from being so close to her after all this time. His member hardened in need at the scent of her—lavender and citrus. “We need to talk, Julia,” he said slowly, trying to fight off his arousal.
“We have nothing to say to each other, Lord Heartford.” She pulled her arm out of his grasp and tried to walk around him.
Shifting to the side, he blocked her way, determined to not have this animosity between them his entire stay. “I know you are upset with me leaving, but you must know what I did was best—”
Her head snapped up, and he was distinctly aware of their height difference. In the past, he had loved how he towered over her and how perfectly she fit in his arms. He would often rest his chin on top of her head whenever they were close. It made him feel like her protector. And he loved it because she was his.
“How would you know what’s best for me? Did you ask for my opinion, my comfort,anythingbefore you recklessly ruined my life?” Two of her fingers dug into his chest hard. The fire in her eyes was so scorching he had to look away for fear of being burned.
“Spare us both the damsel in distress routine,” he gritted out through clenched teeth, not wanting to fight with her. “I know you do not believe Amelia meant anything to me, but she was my sister.”
“You think I don’t know that? I see the evidence of your connection every day when the same green eyes you and she shared stare at me from across the breakfast table. The guilt I feel for how I reacted to her is as ever present as your own.” Her breasts heaved with the weight of her breaths.
“Your guilt is nothing compared to mine.” He stared down at her, trying to ignore the pull he felt to her, even now.
Julia took a step back, her lips trembled slightly. “Perhaps not, but do not come here and pretend you care anything about me. We both know the truth.”
“Julia wait,” He tried to stop her but failed as she left the room, quietly closing the door behind her.
The sound of it so deafening it reverberated through him, loud and demanding. The weight of her words, the consequences of his own actions felt like stones on his shoulders. Winning her back wouldn’t be easy, he couldn’t even have a civil conversation with her.
None of it mattered because he would never quit.
Ladies, hold on to your bonnets, not only has the Marquess of H returned, but he’s brought a friend. It seems that Mr. E is an African gentleman with a sizeable fortune. Two eligible bachelors this season. How fortunate we all are?
Breakfast at Warren House was surprisingly active. Henry learned upon his arrival in the breakfast room that the children ate with their parents daily so they could spend more time with each other. Once the children were fed, they retired to the nursery. Henry felt an odd sort of contentment from being with the children. He was sitting beside his niece while holding a happy Frederick in his arms.
“Do tell me if he becomes bothersome,” the duchess said, looking radiant in a light blue day dress.
“He’s no bother at all. I’m just sad I missed all this time with the three of them.” Henry swallowed a lump of emotion while watching Emily struggle with her fork.
Frederick played with his gloved hands, trying to put them in his mouth. The duchess looked from the gloves to Henry.
“You’re here now. That’s all that matters. Do you intend on staying?” Karrington stared at Henry, waiting for an answer, while absentmindedly stroking the back of his wife’s neck.
“Yes, but I must focus on the situation with my family.” Henry exhaled as he thought about facing his uncle and mother.
“May I ask, do you always wear the gloves inside, Lord Heartford?” The duchess eyed him questionably as she spread jam on Theodore’s toast.
“Forgive me, Your Grace. My hands were scarred in the fire.” Henry stretched out his glove hand reflectively.
His thoughts briefly filled of his sister and he could not help but to beam down at the angelic little girl beside him. She kicked her feet back and forth, a contented smile on her face as she ate her own toast smothered in jam.
“Of course. There is nothing to forgive, and please call me Livie. We’ve always been family, Heartford.” She gave him a blinding smile that lit up her entire face.
“That all changed—” he tried to protest.
“It has not. You are like a brother to my husband which makes you a brother to me as well.” She turned toward Karrington who nodded in agreement.
“Very well, Livie.” His heart warmed at her acceptance of him even after his betrayal to her beloved cousin.
“How do you all not get lost in a house this size?” Elijah asked as he entered the breakfast room.
Dayton coughed, trying to cover his laugh with his hand as he stood at the entrance of the room.
