Page 98 of Once upon a Summer Night

The hands that had so easily managed a multi-million-dollar company, that caught her whenever she lost her balance, that slapped his brother on the back. The hands that shook grooms’ hands on their wedding days, that sent shivers all over her body, that wielded a sword in her defense…

They shook.

A sense of dread swiftly replaced the euphoria in her veins, and she absolutely, 100 percent did not want to hear whatever he was about to say next.

But she had to, if she was ever going to be able to let Colin O’Rourke go.

“We’re not meant to be, Ellie. We never were, and we never will be.”

Colin loathed himself.Hated what he was doing, hated that she would be so hurt by it all. But he had to, to save her from a lifetime—an eternity—of pain.

Loving him was not the way any woman should spend her life. He could never put her first, never guarantee another day, never give her a family. He loved her too much to confine her to such an existence.

He loved her.

All night, as he’d sat outside her door, reliving the fear oflosing her and the joy of saving her, he tried to convince himself that she would get over him and move on. He told himself that the physical pain in his chest would eventually subside.

But, even if he was destined to live with the excruciating pain in his heart for the rest of his days, he would still do what he was about to do.

Because Eleanor Carberry deserved the best, and he was not that, nor would he ever be.

He carefully blanked his expression and deliberately leveled his voice. “Of course I was relieved that you weren’t forced into some of the worst of what the Middle Ages has to offer. But the other part of this is that I was grateful I have the opportunity to bring you back and save my company.”

“Your…company?”

“The entire British office rests on me matching you based on your conditions—but also your aunt’s.”

“Oh?” Ellie asked, her voice rising. “What are her conditions?”

“He has to be a wealthy aristocrat. One who lives at least part of the year in the Isles. If I managed that, I’d get not only the retraction, but also her endorsement. If I matched you with anyone else…well, the article she showed me was worthy of court action against her, not that it would matter. The damage would be irreversible.”

“My aunt, above all else, wants to see me happy,” Ellie replied hotly. The desperation in her tone tore at his heart, but he soldiered on.

“She does. And she also knows that you fall into the once-bitten, twice-shy category. She wants you to have the best life possible.”

“That would be with the person I love, Colin. I love you!”

“Your life with me would be miserable,” he stated coldly. “You wouldn’t come before anything—my company, myProtector duties…nothing. I won’t give you a family, or the white picket fence every woman wants.”

She stood up, her face thunderous. “Don’t you dare think that you know what goes on in my head, Colin.”

Yes, Ellie, get angry. Anger is good. It’s better than heartbreak.

He held up both hands. “Just stating the facts as I’ve seen them, over years of matchmaking. I’ve been trying hard to get you to trust me, so that when I sprung Reg on you, with his wealth and title, you wouldn’t freak out and ruin the entire deal. Apparently, I missed the mark, and you got the wrong idea. I thought I was clear back in Boston.”

She folded her arms and her eyes narrowed. “You coward.”

An icy vise gripped him at her words.

“You’re lying. You’re afraid of this connection we have. For some reason, you are terrified. I know I’m not imagining this. I’m certain I’m not, no matter how hard you try to deny it. Why won’t you give us a try?”

He kept his face neutral, though the fact that she saw right through him was unnerving. He had to sever their ties; if he didn’t, she’d be stuck with him forever.

She deserved so much more than what he could offer.

“No.”

“Give me a reason why!” At his silence, she finally exploded, “You are the most stubborn ass I’ve ever known! You’re giving up the chance for love? For happiness?”

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