Page 32 of The Earl That Got Away (Sirens in Silk #2)

Chapter Twenty-Five

Now

England

I t’s time for me to return home,” Naila announced two weeks later as she and Raya finished lunch. The duke was out and the rest of the family had gone to see the Fish House at the London Zoo.

“Are you sure?” Raya asked.

Naila nodded. “You are married now and must get on with the business of being a duchess, whatever that entails.” And she needed to get on with her own life.

She’d submerged herself in her work after her last disastrous encounter with Hawk.

But it wasn’t enough. As long as she remained in England, she’d think of him. She needed to go home.

“But your pamphlet isn’t ready yet,” Raya protested.

“I have collected everything for it. Now I need to actually organize the information in a way that makes sense.”

“Why can’t you do that here?”

“Because ultimately I will need to work with an American publisher. The market for the pamphlet is wealthy Americans.”

“I understand why you want to leave.” Raya sighed. “I will miss you terribly.”

“You have a wonderful life here. My place isn’t here, as you well know.”

“Are you worried about running into Hawk?” Raya asked.

“He doesn’t dictate my behavior.” Certainly not any longer. She was done moping around because of that man. “I can’t believe I wasted eight years pining over him.”

Raya sighed. “I was so certain that Hawk would propose.”

“Did I hear someone say Hawk’s name?” The duke strode into the dining room. “Have I missed luncheon?”

Raya motioned for a footman to set a place for her husband.

Naila marveled at how quickly her sister seemed to be adapting to the life of an English aristocrat while still pursuing her business interests.

If Hawk had proposed, Naila would be preparing for such a life herself.

She’d had a throbbing headache since that scene in the garden.

The duke cut into his lamb. “Hawk has left London.”

“Where has he gone?” Raya asked.

“He didn’t say precisely. Only that he would not be returning to Town for several months.”

Naila understood Hawk’s need to get away. She felt it herself.

Thank goodness she had a project. Finishing the pamphlet and overseeing its publication would keep her busy. And after that, she hoped to take on more responsibilities at her cousin’s architecture firm. Kareem had promised to try to visit, which she would enjoy.

“So that’s the end of it?” Raya asked. “Of you and Hawk?”

Naila ignored the painful throb in her chest. “It was over eight years ago. We both know that now. It’s past time we both go our own way.”

“If you’re sure,” Raya said.

“I am,” Naila said. “It’s time to move on.”