“No, you aren’t,” she said softly, and now she did meet his eyes.“You’ve known the new duke as long as you knew Silas.You know who and what he is.That he waited two months to overrun the household and push me out was an exercise in great restraint for him.”
His nostrils flared.“He did it cruelly?”
She laughed, though she felt no humor.“It wasn’t done kindly, at the very least.”
Anger flickered across his handsome features and she found herself tensing against it, even though it didn’t seem to be directed at her.“I will speak to him on your behalf, I will demand—”
She reached across the gap of space between them and briefly touched his forearm.There was a surprising crackle of awareness that ripped through her when she did, so she snatched her hand away.It had done its duty, at any rate, silencing him as he simply…stared at her.
“I appreciate your intentions,” she said gently.“But moving from the home I shared with Silas looks to be a blessing, not a curse, in the end.There were too many memories there.Here, at least, I can begin to move on.”
She knew he would interpret her words in one way, rather than the way she meant them.And his expression relaxed, as she hoped it would.He nodded.“I can understand that.”
“I hope that answers your questions,” she said, and glanced toward the door.
He followed her gaze and then his eyes returned to her.“Your Grace, I would like to offer my services.”
She stared at him.“Services?”
“Yes,” he said.“Silas was one of my dearest friends, after all.And since his heir is not behaving in the most gentlemanly fashion, I think the duty must fall to me to offer you support and ensure your comfort.”
Valaria pursed her lips.“That’s very kind, but I could not accept.”
“Why not?”he asked, pushing but not cruelly.“I am of rank, I am connected to a great many people who were connected to Silas.During this difficult time, I could truly be of service.”
“It would trouble you,” Valaria said, but she could see that Blackvale was not convinced.
“I wouldliketo be of service,” he said, this time softer.With more pain.“Please.Let me.”
One thing became crystal clear in that moment: the Duke of Blackvale was not going to be turned from this idea by her kindness.He needed it.And that meant she might have to try something sharper, something colder to turn him from the dangerous path he was now treading down.
A path that could lead to her ruin.
