Page 44 of Good Duke Gone Cold

“I tried to tell you before.”

Her voice was hoarse, “Tell me what?”

“I’ve already told you.”

With more determination, she mustered a stronger implore, “So tell me again.”

“Everyone gets hurt!”

“What do you mean?” She coughed and didn’t stop until she reached for some water.

“Nevermind. I can see you’re still ill. You need rest.”

She shot daggers at him with her eyes then turned her head to look past him and out the window.

He tried to deflect the daggers but a few took hold.

***

Gregory didn’t bother avoiding Mary. He didn’t want to delay the inevitable, so he waited in the study until quarter after midnight the following night. Just when he thought was being delusional thinking she would show up, he heard soft padded steps behind the door. It opened and her frangible body slowly snuck into the room.

She closed the door quietly while facing the lock. He wanted to stride over to her and close his body around her. He wanted to protect her. He needed to leave her alone.

“Mary.”

“Gregory,” she leaned against the door, for physical or emotional support.

“What do you mean everyone gets hurt?” He wasn’t expecting small talk, but he also wasn’t quite ready to cut to the chase.

“You already know.”

“Then pretend I don’t.”

He exhaled and chose to be direct.

“It’s dangerous for people to grow close to me.”

“Dangerous for who? Them or you?” Her words struck him hard. More daggers he couldn’t deflect.

“For everyone,” he growled.

“Pain is everywhere, Gregory. Grow up. Be a man. Be the man I have seen in you.”

“I can’t be that man for you.”

“Don’t be that man forme. Be that man for yourself.” She practically yelled at him.

He shook his head. It was too much.

“You need to leave Chatsworth.”

Mary slumped against the door. He knew the pain he was causing her, but he couldn’t stop. “Not forever, just until I can get away again. Two weeks should be enough time.”

She pushed her palms against the door, refusing to be the victim she continued her blitz, “So hurt me before I hurt you?”

“It’s not like that.”

“It is exactly that.”

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