Henley.
She reached for her forgotten teacup and took a sip, grimacing at the coldness.But she needed the moment.
Just the mention of his name had undone her.Heat bloomed again—but not for Edwin.She tasted the memory ofHenley’skiss, saw the intensity in his eyes.So like his brother’s… yet completely different.
Oblivious, Lord Devon rose with a chuckle.“I should take my leave before you recall more of my sister’s tales.”
Anna forced a smile and stood.
“I promise to keep your secrets,” she teased, but her heart wasn’t in it.
“I’m trusting you,” he said warmly, taking her hand and pressing a kiss to her glove.
She waited for the flutter.
Nothing.
Which stood in stark contrast to the earlier moment—when only a glance fromHenleyhad set her entire body alight.
What had changed?
“Good afternoon, Lady Anna.”
“Good afternoon,” she replied, watching as he bid farewell to her mother and exited.
Moments later, her mother’s voice pulled her from her thoughts.
“Well, I think that went brilliantly!You had quite the number of callers, and Lord Devon stayed behind to have you to himself!”
Anna turned and offered a smile.“Indeed.”
And yet she couldn’t shake the question.
If it was such a success… why did it feel like something was missing?
Or someone.
She didn’t want to try to answer.
Chapter Eight
Henley breathed inthe familiar, welcome scent of sawdust and sweat as he walked into the Fives court practice arena.His old coach grinned as he approached, dusting chalk from his hands as he strode toward him.
“Henley.”He nodded and offered his calloused hand.
“Buxby.”Henley accepted the handshake and grinned.“It’s nice to see an old familiar face, even one that looks like yours,” he teased.
“Ah, you know the ladies are charmed by my scars.”
“Whatever lies you need to tell yourself…” Henley joked, then sobered.“You’ve not said a word?”
Buxby nodded once.“On my honor, I’ve not said a word, but to the one bloke I mentioned, and that’s only because you approved of the training.”
Henley gave a curt nod.There was no need for any of his time at the area to be disclosed to anyone.This was simply a necessity for Henley; he questioned if he’d keep his hands off his brother if he didn’t find some sort of outlet.
Buxby shifted on his feet, his brows drawn so low they nearly shielded his eyes.“Are you sure you want to do this?I mean, I’m all for it—but last time…”
“Is he not as trustworthy as you said?Now I’m second-guessing—”
