Page 76

“And she has us.”

* * *

Amber kept her smile tight against her face. She couldn’t be seen to falter now.

“Well,” Simon clapped his hands together, “I think I’ll give the two of you a minute. I’m sure you both have a lot to talk about.”

Her stomach felt sick as she watched her cousin walk away, leaving her alone with that man.

“You look lovely today, Amber,” Thomas said, his eyes roving her body.

“That’s kind of you to say,” her voice came out tight and strained.

“It isn’t kind if it’s true.”

He leaned in closer, and she couldn’t help but shrink back.

Thomas pulled back with a chuckle. “It is sweet how shy you are pretending to be.”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“I’m sure you don’t,” he chuckled. “There’s no need for you to play so coy.”

“I’m not.”

He sighed. “You know, most men would probably have given up when they found out, but I’m not in the habit of giving up what I want.” He leaned in close and whispered. “Lucky for you, I don’t mind a woman with a little experience under her belt.”

Amber gasped, eyes flying to Christopher where he stood with Felicity, both of them still glazing at her. Their eyes met and fear coursed through her.

“Just don’t let it give you any ideas about what happens next.”

Her eyes burned. Trembling hands clenched into fists on her thighs.

Thomas smirked at her. “Glad you understand the situation a bit better now.”

Amber shot to her feet. “Excuse me for a moment,” she said, her voice wobbling a bit.

She didn’t wait for his response, making her way from the room as fast as she could without being rude.

CHAPTER13

When Christopher saw Amber hurry from the room, he shot to his feet. Felicity moved to join him, but he shook his head.

“I think it would be best if I went alone,” he said.

“But why?” she pouted. “I want to help Amber.”

“I know, and you can help by keeping watch, so no one knows I went after her.”

“That’s all well and good, but I still want to go check on her. I’m worried about her.”

“I know, but we don’t want to overwhelm her.”

“I guess I see your point, but that still doesn’t explain why you are going instead of me. Don’t you think it would look better if another lady went after her?”

“Perhaps, but I can’t be sure if she would talk to you about what’s going on.”

“And you think she would talk to you?”