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“We need to talk,” he said then started to walk with the knowledge that she had no choice but to follow him.

Amber’s heart pounded in her chest as she followed him. This was it. He was going to demand to know where she went, and everything would be ruined.

He didn’t say a word until they were inside one of the side rooms.

“Do you want to explain yourself?” he demanded.

“I don’t know what you mean,” she insisted, crossing her arms.

“Don’t play the fool with me. We both know you have been avoiding Thomas. It’s like you’re trying to sabotage all my hard work!”

Amber blinked. “This is about Thomas?”

“Of course, it’s about Thomas! What else could I possibly want to talk to you about?”

“Nothing. You are right. It was a foolish question.”

“No, it wasn’t. You are far too smart for that. It was an attempt to distract me. To make me think there was something else I should be talking to you about. I won’t fall for it.”

“You’re right. I should have known better.”

“I want you to tell me what exactly you think you’re doing? If you keep this up, you risk him losing interest.”

“Maybe I want him to lose interest!”

Simon’s face darkened. “What did you just say?”

“I don’t want to marry him! I don’t understand why you are so set on this or why you think you get to decide this for me at all! Your underhanded meddling isn’t going to work! I won’t let it!”

“Silence!” he bellowed.

Amber shrank back despite herself.

“Do you think I care what you think? When have I ever given you the idea that you had a choice in the matter?”

“But this is my future we’re talking about! How can you say I don’t get a choice?”

“Of course, you don’t! I know best. All you need to do is be a good little girl and do as you’re told. Do I need to remind you of the consequences of continuing to defy me?”

Amber looked down, locking her eyes on the ground. Rage coursed through her. She wanted nothing more than to argue, to fight back, but she forced herself to say, “That isn’t necessary. I understand.”

“You had better. Now, I’m going to talk to him. I expect you to be charming.”

He strode from the room before Amber could respond.

* * *

Christopher stared at the ceiling, alone in the hay loft. He could hear Amber’s feet pounding outside.

He sighed, torn between going after her and giving her space.

Why had he done that? What was he thinking?

After a minute, he sighed, pushing to sit up. He should probably head back and talk to Amber.

When he got outside, he saw her slipping inside. Seeing her, he sped up. Maybe he could still catch her before she went in.

But he wasn’t fast enough to catch her.