I stepped toward her, once again eliminating the space between us. “We would share evenings by a glowing hearth following dinner. We would discuss our day and our plans for the morrow. Speak of our failures and successes.”
“And then? What would we do after that?” Her words were breathless, quiet.
I reached out and brushed my fingers down her arm. She shivered beneath my touch, and I reveled in having such an effect on her.
“We would retire in whatever way you desired,” I whispered.
“And if I desired a family? Children?”
“Then we will have them, Annette. Whatever you desire our relationship to be, it shall be.”
Silence settled between us as she continued to study me. I allowed her the time she needed to consider my offer, a practice in patience if ever there was one.
“I think you are right. We could truly make a difference working together.” Her lips lifted ever so slightly, as did her brows. “I suppose the kissing is not so bad either. We both seem to enjoy sharing those.”
Her words were teasing, but I didn’t miss the hint of uncertainty in them. In this respect, I could offer sincere reassurance. “I have certainly enjoyed kissing you and would not object to doing so again.” I learned close, my lips a hair’s breadth from her cheek. “Again and again, as often as you wish.”
She turned her head and eagerly pressed her lips to mine. Her hands slid around my neck and into my hair. My body reacted without hesitation, and I pulled her fully into my arms, kissing her soundly.
Kissing her until we were both breathless and her soft whisper caressed my lips. “Court me, Edward. This time, for real.”
“It would be my honor.” My hand slid down her arm until it found hers. I interlocked our fingers. “Let’s get you home. I should see if your father is available.”
A wide smile stole over her lips, and a pang of guilt assaulted my chest. She would not smile if she knew what all that discussion would entail. If she knew her father had already granted his blessing, in addition to payment.
But I would remedy that mistake before kissing her again or proposing. I would reject the viscount’s offer and petition for his permission free of any strings or financial encouragement. Annette meant too much to me to even consider the money, no matter how much I needed it. We would find a way to save Adda—to bring Hollinsby to justice—without it. We would work to propagate change.
We would do it together.
“Come,” I tugged on her hand, and she followed me without hesitation. I guided her to Lightning and assisted her onto the mount before climbing on behind her. We rode in silence, but just the feel of her body pressed against mine kept my heart beating at a jubilant pace.
We followed the path toward The Towers, and I slowed Lightning’s gait as we approached, grasping any excuse to hold Annette a little longer. She held no objections, leaning back against me and sighing contentedly. Each movement, each touch, painted a picture of my future, one that included this woman and hinted at a happiness I’d scarcely allowed myself to consider.
The horse entered the archway but jolted to a halt with a sharp whinny when the door to the east tower suddenly swung open. Annette sat up with a gasp as a man with disheveled blonde hair stepped out.
“Jack? What…” She looked from the tower door to her brother and back again. I was certain her thoughts matched my own. That door had been locked, and according to Lord Paxton, he’d given away the key. Why had the man not simply mentioned that his son possessed it?
“How did you get in there?” Annette asked, her tone a mix of bewilderment and chiding, as if she believed her brother had broken into the place.
Jack shifted on his feet, averting his gaze. “You look rather comfortable, sister.”
Indeed, and he looked ratheruncomfortable. Much like a child caught doing something they shouldn’t.
“How did you get in there?” Annette repeated, this time her tone more demanding.
Jack shrugged. “With the key.”
“Th-the key,” Annette spluttered. “But—”
Jack spun around and marched out of the archway toward the house.
“He doesn’t seem inclined to explain,” I said.
Annette faced me, shooting me a look of annoyance. “Clearly, and his refusal only prods my curiosity. Why would Jack have the key?”
“I cannot say, and it is the least of my concerns. I have much more important endeavors to fill my thoughts and time with.”
One of her brows raised. “Is that so?”
