Page 28

As much as she wanted to give in, she couldn’t.

It was bad enough her heart was starting to become affected by his charm.

She couldn’t allow this to go on any further.

For certain, in the end, Nic would abandon her and return to his normal life.

Then where would she be? She’d be a lonely woman with a shattered heart.

Once again, she pulled out of his embrace as she shrugged on the raincoat.

“I really don’t think that’s a good idea.

The more we meet, the more chance we have to get caught.

This is a very small town, and I don’t want any gossip.

I want to finally live in a place where people can get to know the real me and appreciate me as a person. ”

Confusion clouded his expression and he narrowed his gaze on her. “Tabitha, what are you talking about? Sometimes your words are so perplexing.”

She took a deep breath. “I’m sure you have already noticed, but I want to start a new life—far away from my old life. I like North Devon very much, and I’ve been seriously thinking of staying here, which means I don’t want to do anything to make these people think ill of me.”

Nic took her hands in his and leaned against the wall. “Will you tell me something, my lovely?”

She cocked her head suspiciously. “What do you want me to tell you?”

“Why are you starting a new life?” His thumbs rubbed against her knuckles gently.

“You’re not a servant any longer, and I’m wondering why.

Have you saved enough money to live on your own?

Did Diana lend you some money to begin anew?

Or, do you have a distant relative who left you an inheritance?

” His gaze swept over her attire quickly before he met her stare again.

“Your clothes are more expensive now than when you dressed as Diana’s maid, so it makes me wonder what has happened in your life to make you this way? ”

Her heart sank as dread passed through her. This wasn’t something she was ready to share. Not with Nic. Not with anyone. The truth about her parentage still left a bitter taste in her mouth and the realization of who she really was burned her to the core.

“All I can tell you is that I’m no longer a servant,” she snipped and yanked her hands away. In haste, she finished putting herself together in preparation to leave into the rainy weather.

“Will you tell me why you’re not a servant?”

“No.” She marched toward the door, but he was right behind her. As she reached for the knob, he pressed his palm against the hard wood, keeping her from leaving.

“Tabitha, please don’t leave upset at me. I was just curious to your new lifestyle.”

“Lord Hawthorne, I don’t believe that’s any of your business,” she said between clenched teeth. “Now please let me pass.”

He clutched her shoulders and with gentle care, turned her to face him. Worried lines marred his forehead, around his eyes and mouth. She wished he wouldn’t look at her this way—as if he was really concerned.

“Tabitha, what has you so upset? I don’t want you mad at me.”

“There are just some things in my life that I don’t want to discuss. This is one of them. So if you don’t mind, I insist we drop the matter altogether.”

He nodded. “If you wish.”

“I do.”

He stroked her cheek affectionately. “Forgive me for upsetting you.”

Her chest wrenched with heartache. She wished she wasn’t so confused. Why couldn’t he just remain the selfish rogue she’d always known him to be? It would be easier to dislike him that way. Then she could just dismiss his endearing words, and not think about what those words did to her insides.

“I thank you,” she said softly. “I’m just out of sorts today, and I fear I have much on my mind.”

She’d realized, after saying it, that it wasn’t just an excuse.

Nic’s attitude had caused a lot of confusion, and she didn’t know what to think.

Her heart didn’t want to believe he’d changed.

She reminded herself that he only acted this way because he was in disguise.

Not only that, he acted this way because he wasn’t around his friends.

Nobody knew Lord Hawthorne here. A feeling of dread closed around her when she realized he would certainly turn back into the man she had known when they first met.

Once he returned to his home, he would be the accomplished rogue, Lord Hawthorne.

Tears burned in her eyes, and she knew if she didn’t leave now, she’d end up crying in front of him. She couldn’t do that. She must remain strong and appear unaffected. Even though her heart was breaking, she couldn’t let him see.

She forced herself to smile as she touched his arm. “I really must leave now. I shall see you later. I’m certain my aunt will have you over for dinner very soon.”

He leaned toward her as his focus dropped to her mouth. She knew what he wanted…but she couldn’t give it to him.

“Have a pleasant day, my lord,” she said quickly as she pushed him aside and exited out the front door.

The rain still fell heavily, and she popped up the umbrella to help shield the water from slapping her face. Although the umbrella was helpful, it couldn’t keep the tears from coursing down her cheeks as she hurried back to her aunt’s house.