Page 42 of Hawthorne

“Ed, stop harassing my staff. Camilla surely has more important things to do than put up with you,” he grumbles before stopping right before us.

My eyes trail up his body. His legs are apart at shoulder length, and his bulging arms are crossed over his chest, making the muscles more prominent. Those are some strong arms, and Vicent made sure to show me that last night.

Especially when he was able to keep my hips in place when I was a writhing mess on his mouth.

Stop, Camilla. Donotthink about these things during work.

Easier said than done. It’s hard not to keep watching him, especially after last night. The white button-up is strained on his chest, and the fact that the top buttons are undone shows me quite a good bit of his chest.

Wait…without a tie?

I look up at his face. His hair looks brushed but not slicked with the wax he usually has. Did he sleep in?

Edgar’s head tilts as he watches his brother before asking, “Sleeping in? Who are you, and what have you done to my brother?”

“Shut up,” the duke grunts. “I had a late night.”

I can’t help but blush, especially when he steals a heated glance at me.

I need to get out of here.

“Let me bring you both some food and tea.” I rush out right after, not giving them enough time to counter my words.

Being around Vincent is even harder now than it used to be. One would think that getting it out of your system would make it better, but oh, how wrong I was.

Keeping my eyes off him is impossible, and the tension thickens every time his eyes meet mine. He looks like gluttony itself, not being able to resist and wanting more. And more. And more.

The sound of the lock clicking behind my back brings some needed relief, and I enjoy it by leaning against it and taking a few breaths.

The next second, a voice sounds, and I can’t help but stay put and inadvertently listen to their conversation.

“What was that?” Edgar asks.

“What was what?”

“Did you just eye-fuck your housekeeper? Infrontof me?”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Edgar. Camilla’s not like that,” the duke answers.

My heart squeezes in a bittersweet way. Somehow, he’s defending me, even to his brother, when we both know Iamlike that. A wave of guilt crashes against my heart and forces me to take a deep breath.

Do not let emotions rule your decisions.

The late duchess’ voice rings inside my head, helping me avoid a panic attack and also making me realize that I let my attraction for Vincent rule my decisions last night, and I messed up. Big time.

“Well, that’s unfortunate because I have some good news for you,” Edgar’s voice sounds slightly lower, forcing me to perk up at his words.

I shouldn’t even be listening here.

“Another rumour of yours?”

“Well, yes, but as you know, the source is trustworthy. It’s about the king.”

Okay, no. This is where I draw the line.

I will not listen behind doors to politics and royal matters. I don’t have any kind of interest in it.Technically,I shouldn’t even be listening behind doors, period.

Forcing my feet to walk towards the kitchen, I hurriedly step in and meet Mariah there. She’s wrapping up the biscuits and tea on a silver tray, and I head for the fridge and prepare two servings of one of my favourite desserts.

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