Page 104 of Never Besmirch a Wallflower: Dukes and Wallflowers

“What is he doing here?” she murmured, her voice tightening.

“I brought him,” Mr. Braddock replied, taking her wrist. “He’d like a word with you before you depart.”

Miss Braddock jerked her hand free. “He had an opportunity to speak with me and chose not to.”

Levi placed his foot on the bottom step. “I regret that decision.”

She slipped around her brother, marched down three steps, and planted her hands on her hips. “What did Ernest tell you?”

“That your previous fiancé is a dangerous man,”—Levi moved up another stair—“who threatened to harm not only you but those you love.”

“That’s not your concern.” She lifted her chin, ignoring the whispered castigation from her brother.

Tilting his head, Levi climbed another step. “You don’t love me?”

She flinched. “No.”

“Had we just been introduced, I would have believed you, but…” He moved up one more riser. “Like your brother, I can tell when you’re lying to me now.”

Her mouth popped open, scarlet exploding across her cheeks. “How?”

“A tiny line appears on your forehead between your eyes.” Levi reached out, the tip of his finger brushing the faint wrinkle. “Which means you do love me.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“It does.” He grabbed her before she turned. “I behaved in a manner unfitting my title.”

A tear rolled down her face and dripped onto his hand. She twisted away, rubbing her palm beneath her eyes.

“I accept your apology, Your Grace.” She spoke to the staircase.

“Eveline.” He drew her face back toward his.

Misery swam through her eyes.

“May I have a few moments to speak with your sister privately?” Levi flicked his gaze to Ernest.

Descending the staircase, Ernest shook his head. “Absolutely not.”

“Come, Mr. Braddock.” Warwick’s buoyant voice floated up from the hallway. “What trouble could Lennox cause with just a few minutes?”

Mr. Braddock leaned over the railing, seeking Warwick. “You don’t have any sisters, do you, Your Grace?”

“Thankfully, I do not,” replied Warwick, his mouth twitching.

“Ernest,” Miss Braddock touched his shoulder, “I swear not to close the chamber door.”

“Neither of you will shut it.” Mr. Braddock pointed his finger at his sister, then Levi in turn. “Understood?”

When they both replied to the affirmative, Mr. Braddock, quite reluctantly, descended the staircase and followed Warwick into the parlor.

Levi took Miss Braddock’s elbow and guided her up the steps toward her bedchamber. She didn’t speak, keeping her head down as they traversed the hallway. When they entered the room, Levi released her, turned, and closed the door, leaving less than a millimeter of space.

“You swore to my brother,” she said, indicating the door with a graceful gesture.

“The door is not shut,” he replied, gliding over. “I haven’t broken my promise.”

“You did to me.” Her words stabbed him through the heart.