Page 76 of Hawthorne

“That’s why we should enjoy it while we can.”

With that, the duke takes the blanket that was tucked underneath my arm and spreads it in front of us. The moment he sits down on it, Primrose lunges in his direction, once again desperate for attention.

He chuckles at her neediness and gets comfortable before bringing her to his lap. My heart swells at the sight of him holding Primrose with one arm while opening the basket.

“Are you going to sit down and keep me company or stay there looking like a statue?”

He’s so nonchalant about my hesitancy as if it is a normal thing. I know I am mostly uncomfortable about doing somethingwrong or angering him. No matter how much I like him, he’s still my boss. I can never be one hundred percent comfortable.

But he’s always so relaxed around me, and wants me to be relaxed too…

Did he get rid of everyone today to be able to have moments like this? For me?

He wouldn’t.Right?

We’re just...casual. There is only one word for this:mess.

22

Vincent Hawthorne

The moment she sits down right next to me, I finally relax.

Derisory, right? To be nervous about something as simple as spending time with her. But I amfucking terrified.

Spending time with her has been something that has been on my mind for a while now. Camilla is fascinating, and despite knowing how doomed we are, I can’t help but want to know more about her.

This woman could be anywhere in the world.

With her biology degree, she could be out there saving animals or studying for a better world in the future, and for some weird reason, she prefers to stick around.

What is keeping her from flying?From taking over the world?

“Why are we here?”

“Because,” I answer with a shrug.

If I say more, I’ll end up giving away the real reason—my curiosity and fascination. My endless interest is for someone who is out of reach.

The basket’s top lifts, and I start taking out and spreading the contents over the blanket. After a couple of minutes of cuddles, Primrose tucks herself next to my left and falls asleep. I don’t blame her. We walked for a good half an hour before we arrived here, and it was more for her with all of that back and forth because of the animals she kept chasing.

“I thought the goal was to have the day for yourself, responsibility-free.”

“And it is,” I agree. “With you.”

Her eyes widen and finally meet mine as a light blush creeps up her neck.

Adorable.

I can’t keep my eyes on her. And this time around, she doesn’t look away either. Usually, Camilla breaks the stare, and I am still uncertain if it’s because of the attraction or because she is still intimidated by me.

But now…as my eyes flicker to every corner of her face, memorising her smooth skin and plump lips. She keeps her eyes on me, too, thickening the tension between us.

It’s hard to resist her. But I shall!

For now, at least.

I want today to be different. All of the past interactions have had the same goal. While I love the sex, I want Camilla to understand that she’s worth much more than just that, even if I am not the one who can give it to her.

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