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She had learned her lesson.
Until she knew why Layton had returned, she had no intention of lowering her defenses.
Twenty-five
Kelson Hall’s terrace
Close to midnight that same night
Layton quietly slipped onto the terrace and glanced about. A mantle of crystalline frost covered the stones and grounds, turning the estate into a sparkling fairyland.
He quirked his mouth into a self-deprecating smile.
Since when did he, the toughened war veteran and hard-hearted cynic, wax poetic?
Since he had found true love.
“I am over here.”
Lilly’s sweet voice drifted to him from farther down the verandah.
She stepped from the shadows, and he quickened his pace to meet her.
Stopping before her, he swept his gaze over her upturned face.
Such a beloved face.
“Hello, again.”
A reluctant smile arched her mouth. “Hello.”
At some point during the chaos of the rest of the Guy Fawkes Night celebrations, he had whispered in her ear for her to meet him on the terrace once everyone was abed.
In truth, Layton had not been positive she would sneak outside for a clandestine rendezvous, for she had become distinctly cooler toward him after their initial meeting.
Not that he could fault her trepidation.
After all, she had a reputation to preserve.
Had she not shown up, he would have understood and found another time to speak with her alone.
He was impatient to declare himself, to assure her of his love and devotion.
Their breath formed miniature vapor clouds in the frigid air, yet with the inferno blazing inside him, Layton did not feel the chill.
Love did that to a chap.
Turned warriors into sentimental wretches.
Aye, and it was worth the suffering for the love of a woman like Lilly.
He cradled her cold cheek in the palm of his hand.
She should not remain out here in this frigid night air for long, but at least she need not worry he intended to seduce her.
“I missed you, Lilly.”
Those four paltry words did not begin to express his powerful emotions.
