“There’s somethin’ about the lass that’s gotten under yer skin.”
Alexander’s silence was answer enough.
Rowan let out a low whistle. “Well, that explains the ribs.”
Alexander frowned. “What do my ribs have to do with anything?”
“When a man’s mind or heart is troubled,” Rowan said, “he tends to bruise everythin’ else to match.”
Alexander huffed. “I never put my heart into this kind of business.”
Rowan cocked his head and brow, and Alexander looked away.
He didn’t want to think about the kiss. He did not want to think about the way she had looked at him after he accused her of failing to help his sister. She was furious, wounded, and breathless. And he did not want to think about the argument that followed, or the way she had walked out of his house without looking back.
Alexander’s mind drifted to the letter he had sent, the apology he had agonized over, and the silence that had followed. Dashing his pride to bits.
Five days.
Five days without any word from her. He was beginning to question whether he should have sent the letter at all or if he ought to have apologized in some other way.
Rowan slammed his palm down on the boxing ring stage. “Ye’re thinkin’ too hard. Fighters don’t just think theyact.”
Alexander forced a laugh. “Oh, trust me, I am not thinking at all when it comes to her.”
“Liar.”
Alexander sighed. “Fine. I am thinking. But it is pointless.”
“Why?”
“Because she hates me.”
Rowan shrugged. “Most good women hate us at first.”
“That is not comforting.”
“It wasn’t meant to be.”
Alexander rubbed his ribs again, wincing. “This one truly does not want me.”
Rowan barked a laugh. “Then she’s the first.”
Alexander opened his mouth to argue then closed it. Because Rowan was right.
Rowan entered the ring and clapped him on the shoulder. “So. What now?”
“I do not know.”
“Then figure it out,” Rowan said. “Before someone else does.”
Alexander’s jaw tightened. The thought of anyone else touching her and kissing her, made something dark and possessive coil in his chest. He closed his eyes and imagined what would have happened if they had not been interrupted. If Rosalind had not knocked and he had kissed Theodora again. If he had pressed her against the wall, felt her melt, heard her whisper?—
He inhaled sharply.
Rowan raised a brow. “Ye’re thinkin’ again.”
Alexander opened his eyes.
