“I assure you, it has not.”
“Then what do you want me to do?” he asked, his voice pleading.
“I want you to put this insane idea out of your head and help me try to figure out who therealkiller is.”
He reached out and grasped her hands, but she quickly jerked them away. Taking a step closer to her, he ran his palms up and down her arms slowly.
“I fear, I cannot. Deep inside me, I feel Tabitha is the one. Everything points to her.” He stroked her cheek. “My love, can you not trustmyfeelings?”
“I have trusted you so far, Tristan, and although I will always love you, I fear I cannot let you turn Tabitha in to the magistrate. If you try, I promise, I will do everything in my power to stop you.”
He remained silent, but his expression told her his thoughts. It was too late. She couldn’t change his mind.
Heartbroken, Diana turned away. Obviously, his love for her didn’t run as deep as hers. Now the question was, could she free him from her heart as he had done from his?
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Nic kept hiswary eyes on Tabitha. After Tristan and Lady Hollingsworth had left the room, Tabitha started cleaning up the dishes and taking them into the kitchen. He didn’t want her out of his sight, so he helped her. She arched a curious eyebrow at him, but didn’t say anything as she went into the kitchen.
They were both far enough away from the parlor where Tristan and Lady Hollingsworth were having their talk that Tabitha couldn’t eavesdrop on them without Nic knowing, and while she cleaned the dishes, he knew she wouldn’t be trying to get away from him.
But she was nearly done, and he had a feeling that she would make her move at any minute now.
Once she wiped and put away the last dish, she remained by the cupboard with her back toward him. She didn’t move, except for when she inhaled deeply. From this view, he couldn’t tell if she was angry or just flustered. Knowing Tabitha, she was angry.
“My lord, I wish you would stop staring at me as if I were a dish of sweetmeats.”
After they’d been in silence for so long, it was refreshing to hear her voice. “And how do you know I’m staring?”
“Because I’m not a fool, my lord. What else would you look at in the kitchen?” Slowly, she turned and faced him, but stayed by the cupboard. She folded her arms and arched an eyebrow. “I hope you don’t think I’m going to stay and entertain you while Lady Hollingsworth and Lord Tristan are in the other room.”
“Actually,” he said rising from his chair, “that’s exactly what I expect. The night is still early, and I don’t wish to retire to my room.” He shrugged. “So I suppose the two of us should do something to pass the time.”
“Thetwo of uswill do nothing, my lord. My plans are to check on Sally and visit with her. What you do with your time is not my concern.”
She stepped toward the door, but he quickened his step and reached the spot, blocking her escape. “Oh, my lovely Miss Tabitha. I have been looking forward all evening to spending time with you.”
She rolled her eyes. “I fear that your idea ofspending timewith me does not meet with my approval. I know what you really want, Lord Hawthorne, and if you cannot recall our last conversation, let me remind you that I donotfind you interesting in the least. Your twinkling eyes and knee-weakening grins will not charm me as they have done with other ladies.”
Slowly, a grin stretched his mouth. He stepped closer to her, running the tips of his fingers across her cheek. “You think I have twinkling eyes and a charming grin, do you? How very sweet of you to notice.”
Groaning, she smacked his hand away. “I did not mean it that way, my lord. Quit putting words in my mouth.”
“Oh, my lovely, I don’t need to put words in your mouth at all. You are doing just fine with that on your own. In fact, I still consider our conversations very stimulating.”
Her jaw tightened and her fisted hands were turning white. “Please let me pass, my lord.”
Nic struggled to keep a charming composure. It was hard to think of her as a killer when she looked so beautiful when angry. Her blue eyes were dark with passionate malice, yet he was still drawn to her. Heaven help him, he still wanted to see what it felt like with her locked in his embrace while he kissed her to distraction.
Good grief, what was he thinking? Indeed, she was a woman who would drive him to drink, and he had the sudden urge for a bottle of strong spirits right now.
“Could I indulge you to give me a few more minutes?” he begged, hating the fact that he’d been reduced to this level. “I really would like your company. I promise not to give you any of my charming grins, and I will try my hardest not to have my eyes twinkle.” He tried to be serious, but it was in his nature to flirt with beautiful women.
She’s a killer,he reminded himself. Unfortunately, his subconscious wasn’t listening because he still wanted to hold her and see if passion was as evident in her kiss as it was when she argued.
Soon the lines of anger on her forehead and around her mouth disappeared and she nodded. “Shall we adjourn to the sitting room, then?”
“Splendid idea.” He smiled and held out an arm for her.
