“Indeed. It seems the two of you have worked everything out.”
“Then why aren’t you happier? If my father can repay the loan, we can annul my marriage to Bloodworth and you and I can be together.”
“Can we?”
She frowned as she tried to understand why he seemed so distant.
Taking a deep breath, he took both of her hands in his. “Your father is right. I can never give you the life you deserve. I cannot give you children. There will always be men trying to take my head. I have caused trouble between youand your family. I cannot imagine your father ever giving his permission for us to marry. Once a hunter, always a hunter.”
“But—”
He pressed his fingertips to her lips, silencing her. “There is no room for me in your life. Surely you can see that?”
She shook her head. “I don’t believe that. I love you.”
“I know. And I love you. Always and forever only you, my fair Bryony.” Drawing her into his arms again, he closed his eyes. He inhaled deeply, wanting to memorize the scent of her, the way she fit into his embrace, the silkiness of her hair, the softness of her skin. He brushed his lips across the top of her head, whispered, “Be happy, my best beloved one,” and vanished from her sight.
Twin tears slid down her cheeks. She felt empty inside, bereft, abandoned. And angry. She was willing to fight for him. Why wasn’t he willing to fight for her? Well, he could just go to Halifax for all she cared. She would find a way to get out of marrying Bloodworth and then she would find someone else to love and never think of Stefan again.
Dashing the tears from her eyes, she blew out a heavy sigh. What was she thinking? Stefan loved her, she knew he did. And she loved him more than life or breath. He thought he was being noble by removing himself from her life so she wouldn’t have to choose between her love for him and her love for her family. Well, that decision was hers to make, not his. And she wanted Stefan, even if it meant never seeing her family again.
Chapter Thirty-One
Leyton Barrett left the bank, a fat envelope in his coat pocket. Thompson had refused to lend him the full amount he had asked for. Instead, the banker had offered him half. Barrett shook his head. He shouldn’t blame Thompson for putting business ahead of friendship. But he did.
Well, there was no help for it. He had little hope Bloodworth would accept a partial payment, but he had to try.
When he reached his carriage, Leyton gave the driver their destination then climbed into the conveyance. He had a few things he could sell, though his payment would still fall short. For Bryony’s sake, he hoped that he and Bloodworth could come to a mutual agreement.
The carriage pulled into the entrance of the massive Bloodworth estate all too soon. Taking a deep breath, Leyton exited the vehicle and strode up to the iron-strapped, double front doors and rang the bell.
A butler opened the door immediately.
“I would like to see Lord Bloodworth.”
“Is he expecting you?”
“No. But I think he’ll see me. Tell him Leyton Barrett is here.”
“Very good, sir. Please, come in.”
Leyton followed the butler into the lavish front parlor.
“Please be seated,” the butler said and, with a bow, withdrew.
Barrett glanced at his surroundings as he paced the floor. The room was filled with expensive furniture and imported carpets, draperies, and exquisite paintings from Italy and the Orient. He shook his head as he paused in front of the elegant white marble fireplace. He had no desire to see his daughter marry a vampire, but when Bloodworth entered the room, Barrett suddenly realized Stefan might be the lesser of two evils. When he had agreed to give his daughter to Bloodworth, he hadn’t considered anything other than the fact that Bloodworth would be able to provide Bryony with a luxurious home and a life of ease. As Lady Bloodworth, she would want for nothing—save a husband who loved her.
“Barrett, please, sit down,” Bloodworth said, lowering his bulk into a sturdy chair. “What brings you here?”
Leyton cleared his throat. “I’ve come to repay my debt,” he said. “At least half of it.”
Bloodworth lifted one aristocratic brow. “Half?”
“I’ll repay the rest in six months.”
Bloodworth shook his head. “All or nothing, Barrett. That was our agreement.”
“I know, but…” Leyton took a deep breath. “I’m begging you to reconsider. I’m also asking you to annul your marriage to Bryony.”
