Chapter Eighteen
Sleep eluded himentirely; he hadn’t even yawned once.He lay in his dark room, the crackling fire in the hearth the only other sound besides his frustrated breath.His fingers twitched, restless energy bursting out in little spasms.Anna always lingered in his thoughts, but tonight was different.For years, she’d haunted his waking and sleeping dreams, but always she’d been out of reach, or the timing had been all wrong.It was like his mind and body both knew the window of opportunity had finally arrived, and fear and courage warred within him.
He’d known for years that her attention had always lingered on Edwin, his far too charming brother with the disloyal heart, but tonight… her gaze lingered on him.As if she was finally opening her eyes to something, someone, else—not because he’d stolen a kiss or forced her to converse, but because she wanted to.
Good Lord, that was a heady, elating thought.
She looked at him like she was willing to see something she’d been denying.When her eyes widened at their touch, her skin flushed a delicate pink that made his body respond immediately.He nearly swore, needing to escape before his body betrayed him.
All it took was an innocent touch—and he was burning.Yet he could see it in her eyes as he whispered to her, needing to say the words before leaving the room, before losing all reason and kissing her.She wanted to pretend it wasn’t that real, that powerful, that… life-changing.
But he knew it was—as much for her as for him.
He shifted onto his side, the sheets twisting around his legs until he kicked them off in irritation.If she didn’t respond to his touch, his words, his kiss, he could let her go.He would.Against his own desires, he’d always choose what was best for her, what she needed, over himself.
He would show her—not with grand compliments, fancy charm, or anything else—but in the silent way he noticed, the way he stayed, the way he spoke truth and acted with his heart.
With a low growl, Henley rose from the bed, his bare feet slipping into soft leather shoes as he strode to the fire.He quickly dressed in loose breeches and a half-buttoned shirt.He needed air, maybe a drink, but more likely he would find himself in the library.Silently, he stepped into the hall, the sconces flickering as he closed his door and started down the corridor.
The sound of a door opening caused him to freeze; his eyes darted toward the noise.
“Pere?”he whispered softly, blinking when Anna stepped into the hall.Her golden hair was unpinned, hiding half her face as she turned to close the door with a near-silent click.Henley noted the way her bare feet peeked out from beneath her nightdress and robe.A delightful stir of intimacy moved him, inspiring and rekindling the flame she’d started earlier.
He hesitated—should he speak?Or would that startle her?Or would she surprise him by looking up and seeing him watching?
He quickly decided to whisper her name.“Lady Anna…” he murmured, taking a step toward her.
She stilled, then glanced up, alarm melting into recognition and then embarrassment.She clutched her robe tighter around her.
“You’re still awake?”Anna asked, her gaze darting up and down the hall.
“As are you,” Henley replied, watching her narrow her eyes playfully.
“Yes, I was chatting with your sister.”
“As is apparent, since that”—he nodded toward the door she’d just exited—“is her room.”
“Why are you awake?”she asked, dismissing his obvious observation.
She studied him, taking a few steps closer.
“I couldn’t sleep.”He shrugged.
It was more than that—sleep wasn’t just elusive; it was impossible.
“Oh?”She hesitated, as if unsure whether to ask more.
In for a penny, in for a pound, Henley thought.“Too much… thinking.”He reached out, tugged on a loose curl, and released it immediately, but his hand burned from the sensation of touching her hair.
“About?”she asked, tipping her chin.
He gave a low chuckle.“I’d think it obvious, but I’m happy to explain if needed.”
Anna’s face bloomed with color, visible even in the soft candlelight of the hallway.“Oh.”
Henley waited a moment to see if she’d inquire further.
“I’m restless too… I just…” She took a breath and paused.
