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I drop my gaze, unable to look Elijah in the eyes. He must have heard my conversation with Crawley. I’m surprised he didn’t ask me to leave at the same time.

“I should go,” I say, stepping back.

“Don’t,” Elijah says, staying where he is. Almost as if he senses that by moving, I’ll scamper away like a scared rabbit.

I raise my eyes to his, my heart rate finally calming enough to allow normal blood flow and brain function.

“I think we both know I need to leave,” I say. “Thank you for stepping in. It’s not something I’m used to. I’ve spent so much time fighting my own battles.”

I glance up, only to find Elijah’s intense eyes staring at me.

I sigh.

“This is not something that will go away. Crawley and his cronies. It’s a decision I made a long time ago, when my back was against the wall.”

“No one blames you,” he says, and I give him a sad smile.

“It’s funny, but I believe you. You’re the opposite of what I always believed a family of your standing would be. But the problem is, where I danced, the men were from the upper class—your class. Crawley is one of many who saw me dance naked.” I run a hand through my hair. “I’m not ashamed of what I did.”

The bravado I’m trying to project, not quite ringing true. Exotic dancing is not on most girls wish lists, for their number one choice in career. At least it hadn’t been on mine.

My eyes clash with Elijah’s.

“I did it to survive, to build a future for myself. Theproblem is, there will always be men like Crawley who think they can click their fingers and demand more. I can’t do that to Caleb. Have him or any of you standing up for my virtue. I won’t let my choices tarnish his or your family’s reputation.”

Elijah continues to stare at me but says nothing.

“I need to stay in my swim lane. Where I understand the rules. Community is where all this began. I just got swept away for a moment.”

“Are you going to leave?” Elijah asks.

“I am. I’ll speak to Caleb, I promise, just not now. Can you tell him something came up with one of the kids and that I needed to head back?” I ask.

“I won’t lie to my brother for you,” he says, his jaw tight.

“I’m not asking you to lie. I want to tell him the truth, but now is not the time. This is your mother’s party. I don’t want to cause a scene. Everyone has been so kind. Please Elijah, for them.”

I know I’m begging and I watch his chin drop to his chest as he runs a hand down his face.

“He knows,” he says suddenly, making me pause.

“Knows what?” My shoulders curl forward, and my stomach roils.

“He knows about your past, about Merryfellows,” he says, his eyes never leaving mine.

My jaw drops and I flinch, “How?”

“I drew up a dossier on you.” His voice offers no form of apology, no further explanation.

I drop my gaze and shake my head. It’s no more than I expected. The thought of Caleb reading about my past and never saying anything however churns my stomach.

“I’m leaving,” I say. “You can decide what you want to tell Caleb, but I need to go.”

I turn and walk away, pausing when he adds, “He doesn’t care you know.”

I pause, but don’t look back at the man who just rescued me. “He might not think he cares, but he will. Especially when his friends and business associates find out. And, even if he thinks he doesn’t, I do. This is my worst nightmare. I’ve always worried my past would come back to haunt me from the moment I realised I could do more, be more. I’ve been stupid, and now this will not only destroy my relationship with Caleb, but potentially my business too. What parents will want their child taught by an ex-stripper?” I say, knowing I’m on the verge of a panic attack. I stop and inhale deeply, resting my hand on my stomach. When I finally get my breathing under control, I look up.

“Thank you again, Elijah.”