Page 53 of Married to the Rake

“And you are a typical Waverley, thinking he can have whatever and whoever he wants.” She folded her arms. “Well, you are not having me.”

“Perhaps I damn well do not want you anymore!” The words escaped him before he could stop them. As soon as they were out and he saw the hurt crease her brow, he wished he could summon them back. Of course he wanted her. More than ever. He just could not believe she truly doubted him and his high hopes for the day were being dashed swiftly like a ship on the rocks. Hope was splintering and his happiness was drowning.

“I think I shall return home now,” she said quietly.

“Chloe…”

“Good day, Mr. Waverley.”

“Chloe, please.”

“Do not follow me.” She straightened her shoulders and turned away.

He watched her walk down the lane until she vanished. Though he considered chasing her, he wasn’t sure what he could possibly say. He’d just told the woman he loved he did not want her. What the devil was wrong with him? And apparently she still did not trust him. Lord, that dug deep like a knife to the chest. Maybe she was right. This had been a big mistake. Perhaps if they had been able to court openly they would have realised it sooner. A Waverley and a Larkin could never be together.