Page 68 of Hawthorne

I gasp.

“Don’t feel offended. I didn’t mean it in a bad way, Camilla,” he says, suddenly serious. “I won’t tell a soul about anything. I think you’re good for my brother, and for once, he deserves to have what he wants in life.”

“That’s...”

“I know, I know. I like you, too.” He smirks, but his eyes shine kindly. “So, think of me as an ally.”

His face matches the eyes now, with a soft semblant. A good indicator that he’s telling the truth. Maybe, after all, I’m not completely alone in this world.

That I have a real friend.

“I’ll make sure you keep your word, then.”

20

Vincent Hawthorne

“You better watch out, dear brother. You’re not the only one interested in beautiful Camilla in this manor.”

My brother’s words keep replaying in my head. Nonstop.

The whole situation is nagging me.

Just thinking of her giving someone else the same kind of attention she does with me drives me crazy.

Waiting for her in my office for hours on end with no prospect of knowing whether she will show up or not is making me want to crawl up the walls.

Is she ignoring me? She surely knows I expect her here…and soon.

My brother is long gone, and it is way past dinner time.

“Why isn’t she here?” I grit out just as my eyes catch a glimpse of the drink tray.

Whisky.

“I need a fucking drink.”

Knock. Knock.

The glass bottle clinks on the metal surface before I grunt a quick, “Come in.”

Took you long enough.

Just like I was expecting, fair-skinned and toned legs walk into my office. The steps are hesitant, but I can’t help but zone in on all of her movements like a hawk does to their prey.

A very fucking tasty prey.

Camilla’s eyes are cast down as she slowly shortens the distance between us.Too fucking slow.Just from watching her, I can feel my ears pulsing and it weirdly matches her heels, resonating the sounds inside my brain.

My muscles tighten with the sudden urge. The possessiveness…I’ll be damned.

“I wasn’t sure if I should come here, but—”

“I would have gone to you if you hadn’t.” I cut her off impatiently.

“That’s exactly what I was afraid of.” She blushes, with her eyes still locked on that bloody floor.

I know the wood is old, but it’s not that interesting.

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