What is wrong with you, Evander? Say yes. Go for the walk! It should not be so hard!
“Very well,” Miss Finch said simply, not sounding in the least surprised. “I thought I would ask.”
She did not turn and leave.
Rather, she stood with her hands folded before him, saying nothing, but looking at him expectantly, as if she did not believe a word of what he had to say.
The room was dark, but somehow the darkness did not touch her. She was like a light that shone bright, despite the oppressive shadows that crept from the walls and suffocated. Her green eyes glimmered. Her white skin sparkled. And Evander found himself grateful that she had decided to stay across the room.
It is no wonder that men like Thomas flirt with her. Any man, regardless of his station, would be lucky if they…
He shook his head, trying to force those thoughts away. And all the while she continued to watch him, the softest of smiles on her full lips.
“Actually…” Evander found his lips moving as if on their own. “I have just had a thought.”
“Oh?”
His mind turned back to earlier this morning, when he had seen Thomas flirting with her. Evander should not have cared one whit about something like that. Let Thomas flirt. Let her be flirted with. He did not own her, and she was free to do as she pleased – a point she proved often.
But the idea of someone else having her… Of Miss Finch giving herself completely to another… Jealousy spiked through Evander, white-hot rage, and that pesky need to be in control, always.
“Seeing as you are so fond of rules,” he started as the idea formed. He attempted to act casual and aloof. “I will join you for this walk, so long as you agree to a rule of my own.”
“I cannot imagine why I wouldn’t.”
He exhaled sharply out of his nose and allowed a smirk of his own. “You have six months here, as you know. Six months during which you work for me… where I am your employer, and everything you do is with that very real state of being in mind.”
She frowned. “And…”
“For that reason, during those six months, no matter what, you are not to court anyone. And you are especially not to wed.” Her eyes widened in surprise and Evander chuckled. “I would hate for anything to get in the way of your duties. Distractions such as that need to be avoided.”
Miss Finch frowned at him, looking uncomfortable and confused for the first time since entering the room. Evander relished this state of being, pleased to see that he still had what it took to keep her on her toes.
“I… That should not be a problem.”
“That is not an answer,” he said.
Her expression hardened. “Oh, so you wish for clarity? Although I think the rule is somewhat silly and unnecessary, I can assure you that I will not be courted or marry so long as I am employed by you. There.” She cocked an eyebrow at him. “Is that good enough?”
Was it so strange that Evander felt a sudden weight lifted from his shoulders? It was relief, the jealousy that had spiked through him, gone completely.
“Good,” he said. “In that case, I will happily join you for your walk.”
She continued to watch him, the confusion still clear upon her face. No doubt she wondered at the true nature of this request… not that she would dare voice it.
“Is there anything else?” she asked.
“That will be all,” he said. “I will see you this afternoon.”
Her frown deepened, a final look of confusion, before she turned and walked from the room.
Evander allowed another smirk to touch his lips as he turned back and removed the sheet from the painting. He told himself that this was another victory, because all he had done was prove once again that he was in complete control.
But if I were in control, why make the rule in the first place?
He knew the answer, just as he would never admit to it.
However, as he studied the painting, as he eyed that storm cloud, he decided that he would not add to it. It was fine as it was, no need to add further darkness to the scene because it did not feel right.
