Page 58 of Hawthorne

“Camilla,” the duke’s voice rings out, much calmer than before. “I owe you an apology.”

“I don’t want it,” I admit honestly. “I don’t want an apology from a person that has me in such low regard.” It’s quite an effort not to let my voice waver, but I manage.I think?

“That’s not what I—”

“Your Grace,” I cut him off. “It’s best if we stop whatever it is between us and just keep it professional. It’s been proven we can’t keep things separate at all, so let’s save it while we can.”

Vincent opens his mouth to counter, but I raise my hand, cutting him off. I’m not finished.

He crosses his arms over his chest instead, quirking an eyebrow at me and letting me continue.

“I am the housekeeper. I’m bound to be in contact with every single worker on this property, even visitors such as your brother. I will not refrain from speaking with people or being nice or kind by being afraid of your reaction, especially if this isn’t even a committed relationship.”

“I know I mucked it up, but we can’t go back to before.”

Taking a few tentative steps towards me, he visibly relaxes a little when I don’t move away.

“If it was hard to control myself before. I surely won’t be able to now…” His huge hand reaches my face, and his fingers bring a piece of my hair behind my ear, his eyes intensely focused on mine.

It’s a small gesture, but it’s comforting, and all of the anger I felt before has now vanished into thin air.

Then, he leans forward, his lips dangerously close to my ear before his husky voice whispers, “Not after I know how good you taste.”

His signature scent fills my nostrils, and as his taut torso touches my chest, my legs tremble.He’s intoxicating.This is not fair play; he knows how much he affects me, and he’s playing it against me.

“Vincent,” I plead, pressing my hands against his pecks, wanting to push him away for a breather, but it only makes him press against my palms more, bringing our bodies closer together.

We’re outside, and the air is chilly, but all I can feel is the heat radiating off of his body onto mine.

“You can’t resist me either.” One of his hands covers mine on his chest, the one that has the band-aid. “You can deny it out loud as much as you want, but we’re on the same boat here. We’re burning for each other.”

His face lowers, coming closer and bumping his nose with mine. I automatically close my eyes, revelling in the feeling ofhim and his closeness, not even bothering about the location and lack of privacy around us.

I tilt my chin up, having already forgotten about my decision to stay away from him, thinking about the feel of his soft lips on mine. When his grip on my hand tightens a little, I lean away from him and hiss in pain.

His eyebrows furrow in confusion and he asks, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” I answer.

“You cut yourself up there, didn’t you? Why are you so stubborn?” He is scolding me; I can see it in his eyes, but his voice says the opposite with the soft whispering.

“Because you angered me,” I counter. “I can take care of myself.”

Instead of letting me go, he holds me tighter, resting his forehead on mine. “I am sorry,little Milla,” he whispers again, this time around with his eyes shut.

I enjoy it for just a second before freeing myself of his hold. The light pain in my hand has cleared my brain of the fog his proximity has caused.

“Regardless of how I feel around you, I still think it’s best to keep things strictly professional from now on, Your Grace,” I inform him.

He remains speechless as I retreat to the kitchen and head to my bedroom in agonising silence, alone.

18

Vincent Hawthorne

For years, I have said that the woman who would make me regret my actions and want to turn back time didn’t exist.

I guess the joke’s on me.

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