Page 131 of From Rakes to Riches

A truer sentence was never spoken. He couldn’t possibly keep her. Not once the truth was told.

Doubt clouded his eyes as the quiet stretched.

“No.” She forced out a smile, unwilling to allow him to think she wasn’t pleased to see him, because she was, and therein lay the problem. “I’m glad you’re here.”

He exhaled thoroughly. Was he worried what she might say? That was ridiculous. He was an earl. A powerful man with the world in his pocket. She told herself she was nothing more to him than an interesting diversion, but she couldn’t believe her own lie.

“How was Vauxhall tonight? Was it crowded?”

His questions forced her to get on with things.

“Theodore,” she began hesitantly as she considered what needed to be said. “I think I know how you feel…”

Half of his delicious mouth curled upward and he took her hand, threading their fingers together, making each of her words more difficult to produce. His thumb stroked over her skin, smoothing away the betraying tremble, luring her away from her decision.

“Shall I tell you how I feel or show you, Lola?”

He reached up and touched her cheek. His fingertips lingered at her jaw, tracing gently over her lips to cause her to shiver.

“I didn’t come here tonight to do anything other than say good night. I needed to at least see you,” he said, his voice low and husky. “But I’d like to spend time with you tomorrow evening. I can send my carriage. All you need do is leave the boarding house and climb in. I have something special planned. Will you join me?”

“I’m not sure,” she answered quickly, her previous decisions silenced by the riot of conflicting emotions alive within her. “I’ve nothing to wear.”

This time he smiled fully. “We won’t be going out. At least not tomorrow evening, although my friend Huntington is planning a future outing and has invited us along. Tomorrow night, I’d like us to spend time together at my home, so we can get to know each other better away from Vauxhall and the prying eyes of your neighbors.”

He made it sound so normal, so easy, yet she knew it was a mistake. To follow this path further would only lead to heartache and pain. Her wits were stronger than her heart. That’s how she’d had the strength to leave Ipswich. But even knowing that didn’t ease the ache holding her captive.

Perhaps he sensed her hesitation. He tugged her closer, his fingers still woven with hers.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, his brows lowered in genuine concern. “Did something happen tonight that upset you?”

“There was such a huge crowd I couldn’t see straight,” she said, hedging his question.

“Not a desirable situation for a tightrope walker,” he murmured, bringing his mouth in line with hers. “Close your eyes.”

The words brushed against her lips and she did as she was told, seeking the comfort he offered. His hands grasped her hips and lifted her, settling her across his lap, encircled in hisembrace. She wrapped her arms around his neck, no longer wanting to think about difficult decisions and heartache.

His mouth captured hers with exquisite tenderness, coaxing her to relax against his strength, soothing her with each caress of his tongue. He made no demands, only taking what she was willing to give and, in that moment, she wanted to give him everything.

When they broke apart, he gazed into her eyes, his expression incredibly sincere. “I can help you if you let me.”

“Help me with what?” she asked, purposely ignoring all the rehearsed words she’d planned earlier.

“Whatever is troubling you,” he answered softly. “Your friend mentioned there was an issue in your past.”

“Sofia said that?”

“No.” His jaw tightened. “Another of your friends.”

“Marco,” she said with finality. “He talks too much.”

“Who told me doesn’t matter as much as what was said,” Theodore murmured against her brow, placing a kiss at her temple.

“There’s nothing you can do.” She pulled back far enough to stare into his eyes. “You have to let it be.”

“If that’s what you wish.” He pulled her close again, resting his chin atop her head. “Tell me you’ll visit with me tomorrow.”

She listened to his breathing, cherishing his warmth, her arms wrapped around his neck, her heart held in his hands.

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