Page 82 of Her Infuriating Duke

“Not yet. I only just got off the train.”

“I see. I have a spare room upstairs. You are welcome to stay there until you get yourself settled.”

“You don’t need to do that. That’s far too generous.”

“No,” she shook her head. “I want to.”

“All right, if you’re sure.”

“Wonderful! Follow me. Oh! And I’m Anna by the way.”

“Amber.”

“It’s wonderful to meet you Amber,” she said, leading her through the shop and up a flight of stairs in the back.

She showed Amber her room and let her settle in.

Once she found a new place to call home, time seemed to fly by.

She spent her days working in the shop with Anna and her evenings making friends and getting to know people.

Then, one day, when she was looking after the shop by herself, the door to the shop opened, and Christopher stepped inside.

“I thought I might find you here,” he said, stepping towards her.

“Christopher!” her words stuck in her throat. “What are you doing here?”

“I’ve been looking for you.” He took another step towards her.

“Why?”

“I’ve been looking for you since you disappeared that night.”

She shook her head. “You still haven’t told me why.”

“I think we both know why I’m here.”

“Do we? Funny, I hadn’t realized.” Amber let out a nervous laugh, taking a step back.

“Yes, I’m here for you because we need to talk.”

“About what? You still haven’t said.”

“You are right. Why don’t you try to guess why I’m here.”

“You said it was because you were looking for me.”

“Yes, but why?” he echoed her earlier words.

“Did word of our… involvement get out?”

“No, you don’t need to worry about that. That secret has stayed safely buried. Try again.”

“Has Simon done something?”

“I am pleased to say I haven’t had the misfortune of seeing so much as a hair of him since we parted.”

“But then, what else could it possibly be?” Amber chewed her lip, thinking desperately but coming up short.

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