She wasn’t wrong. Few were ever granted access to his innermost thoughts. Sometimes his two closest friends caught a glimpse, but never anyone else. Not even his sisters knew the dark things he carried inside his head.
“You know something about me only two others and those responsible do,” Jamie replied.
“Yes, I know what you suffered at Blackwood Hall, and am sorry for it.”
He moved closer, taking one of her hands in his. He squeezed gently, but did not speak.
“My father came to visit me yesterday.”
“And that was a bad thing?” Jamie took the other hand she now had clenched into a fist.
“I shouldn’t be telling you this,” she whispered, looking down at her hands in his.
“Your secrets are safe with me, as mine are with you, Alice.”
“He wants to bring his mistress back to London to marry, and then live in society.”
He knew there was more, so Jamie kept quiet, watching the emotions in her pretty eyes.
“But he has no wish for his daughter to be here when he does. So I am to find a husband and be gone from here and his estate. Apparently, Lord Braxton would be the perfect candidate.” The words came out cold.
“No,” Jamie said instantly. “He will not be.”
Her eyes lifted to his. “I would rather marry a rodent.”
The lingering fear from his dream was gone, and in its place was anger. No parent should force a child from their home, and especially not the daughter who had kept everything running while her father gallivanted with his mistress in France!
“I do not know your father—”
“You are lucky in that. He’s a weak-kneed imbecile,” Alice snapped, cutting him off.
“Unlike his daughter, who is beautiful, intelligent, and perhaps a little rash,” Jamie added.
Her eyes settled on his then, and he had no idea what she was seeking, but knew it was something.
“I will not marry,” she whispered, her soft breath brushing his lips. “I have plans that do not include being under a man’s control.”
“What plans?”
“It matters not—”
“It matters to me.”
“Why?” The question was a whisper.
Jamie wasn’t sure who closed the distance but soon they were kissing. Just a brush of their lips but it was enough to ignite him. Her scent, so familiar now, wrapped around him.
“Alice,” he rasped as he eased back. “We shouldn’t do that.”
“I know.” She tugged her hands from his and framed his face. “But I fear I can’t help myself.”
The honesty of her words undid him more than any seduction. He turned his head and pressed a kiss to the inside of her wrist.
“You need to return to your room, Alice. Go now before I can’t let you.” The words were harsh, his intent to get her away from him before he gave in to the need pounding through his body.
“Of course, you’re hurting. I should not have come in here.” She turned from him.
“That is not the reason, Alice.” He touched her shoulder. “I want you very much, but you’re a lady, and I won’t hurt you.”
