She tried to step back, away from him, but he held her still. Held her body inches from his.
“I have no wish to answer that question, Mr. Howarth.”
“Very likely, but it is concern that has me asking it, Miss Knight.”
Her eyes met his, the look in them fierce. “I do not need your concern.”
She was right, what she did or how she lived had absolutely nothing to do with him. Yet, he found himself worried about her. Thinking about her when she left the house each evening. Wondering if she had enough food to eat, or a warm bed to sleep in.
“How long does it take you to walk to the townhouse each morning, Ruby?”
“Miss Knight.”
“Answer the question, and this time truthfully.”
“I am always truthful.”
“Really?” He raised a brow, and she blushed. “Your friends told me you live in Nobby Lane. Now, I may not know where that is, but I can find out, so why don’t you save me the time and tell me what I want to know.”
Fairfax had thought she walked for at least an hour or maybe two to get to her employment each day.
“As long as I perform the duties you employed me for, I don’t understand why you care.” The words were a frustrated whisper.
“Because I do.” He pulled her closer.
“What are you doing?”
“Something exceedingly foolish,” he whispered. “But something I have wanted to do since I met you.”
He pressed his mouth to her soft lips. She didn’t move, and Forrest thought it likely she didn’t breathe either. It was brief, over in seconds. He then released her.
“Why did you do that?” Her hand was pressed to her lips, eyes wide with shock.
“Because I wanted to.”
“Pl-please don’t do it again.” The words were spoken in a shaky whisper.
He closed the gap between them and ran a finger down her cheek. She shuddered, and Forrest knew his touch affected her, just as touching her affected him.
“I-I need this position, Mr. Howarth. But not that much.”
“What the hell does that mean?”
“I will teach your daughter, but I will not be…” She waved a hand about. “Whatever it is you think I should be.”
The anger was swift, and likely he had no right to it because he’d kissed her, not the other way around. But still, he was a gentleman.
Perhaps you should behave like one then.
“I am a gentleman—”
“If that were indeed the case, you would not have kissed me.”
She had him there.
Before he could say another word, she’d gone, running back the way she’d come. Running from him again.
“What the hell am I doing?” He’d just kissed his daughter’s tutor. Just told her he’d been the one to help her six months ago. Where had she been going that night? Why had she and Adam had all their belongings with them?
