While Alyssa wasn’t sure that was a feat that might ever be accomplished, she was certainly willing to gain all the advice she could.
Chapter Twenty
When Daisy returned with Travell’s carriage and a trunk of Alyssa’s things, she had already returned to the parlor with Triana. Together with the duke and Travell, they had started a game of whist that was full of merriment, and even a bit of carefree flirtation. However, if the intenselooks Travell kept shooting at her were any indicationof his lustful thoughts, it was going to be a long night for both of them sleeping under the same roof.
Either way, Alyssa had to admit she was glad to be outofBreyton Halland away from James and Caroline. For a place that had once been dear to her, it no longer felt like home. In truth, Rosewood was that for her now, for the two people she held closest to her heart were right here in this very room.
It was nearly eleven o’clock when Ives announced that Alyssa’s room was prepared for the evening. Since their latest game had just concluded, she took that as her cue. Rising to her feet, she said, “I think I’ll retire.”
Triana stood as well. “I believe I shall do the same. It’s been quite a tiring day.”
Her husband joined her. “I couldn’t let you fall asleep without me.”
“I daresay that is impossible,” Triana returned with a smile.
Once they left the room,a tense silence followed. Alyssa lingered, suddenly reluctant to leave Travell alone;although why she thought he needed company when he was used to being by himself wasjust her way of stalling.Nevertheless, she clasped her hands before her and said,“Thank you for everything, Travell.”
He remained seated at the table, the cards he’d gathered after their game still in his grasp. He frowned lightly, choosing to regard the deck ratherthanmeet her gaze. “Don’t do that, Alyssa.”
Now it was her turn to frown. “Do what?”
His eyes shot upward and he pinned her with a stare so intense that she shivered from it. “Pretend that you mean nothing to me.”
Her throat went dry, making speech difficult. “I don’t…”
He stood so abruptly that she took a step backward in retreat, but with his determined advance, she wouldn’t have made it far.
He trapped her between the wall and his body, his arms lifting to plant themselves on either side of her head, blocking any hope of escape. But as his turbulent expression continued to ensnare her, she wasn’t sure she wanted to go anywhere. Her heart was thumping, but it wasn’t from fear. Far from it.
“Why do you insist on fighting whatever this is between us?” he whispered harshly.
She thought back toearlierwhen his hand had been beneath her skirts. Instantly, her face scalded, but sheforced herself to say boldly, “I don’t recall us having an argument in the conservatory.”
His eyes narrowed slightly. “It’s not the attraction you’re opposing.”
She was starting to get flustered. “Then what? Tell me what I’m doing wrong, Travell.”
“It’s me. You’re resistingme.” He lowered his head and sighed heavily.
“How can you say that?” Alyssa clenched her fists at her sides. “I have given you more of myself thanI’ve givenany other man.”
He pushed away from the wall. “I’m not referring to your body. Seduction is simple.” He set his hands on his hips and looked at her once more. “It’s your heart that you keep closed off to me.”
Alyssa blinked. She certainly hadn’t been prepared for that line of reasoning, because it couldn’t be further from the truth. ShelovedTravell with all of her heart.She had for years.He was theonlyone whochose not to see it. “You’re wrong.”
“Am I?” he countered.
“Yes.”
“Then tell me why you’ve denied all of my proposals?”
She opened her mouth to speak, but found that words suddenly abandoned her. All this time she’d told herself that she’d refused his offer of marriage because his affections weren’t sincere, but he’d shown her in more ways than one that he cared for her. He hadn’t just kissed her senseless, but he’d given his entire conservatory over to her, entrusted her with his father’s secrets, and saved her from James and Caroline.
And yet, she had rejected him, time and time again.
She swallowed and answered truthfully, “I…don’t know.”
“I do.” At his confident tone, she looked at him. “You’ve suffered so much loss that you’re afraid to trust anyone completely.” He paused, and then added quietly,“HowI wish you would trust in me.”With that, he turned on his heel, leaving Alyssa to contemplate his parting words.
