Page 55 of Untaming Lady Violet
Gratified by visual proof that the robins had survived in her absence, Violet leaned back against tree’s rough bark. The stem of a vibrant, yellow wildflower was absently twirled between her fingers. She had plucked it along the way through the meadow after slowing her frantic escape from the house.
A grimace twisted her features as she thought of her actions. It was cowardly, but there was no choice other than to flee at the first available opportunity.
Standing in the sunshine that was Grace Willsdown March, proved entirely too painful. Violet’s heart and cheeks had begun aching with the effort of smiling as if nothing were wrong. She withstood the torture for as long as possible, all the while wondering how long she must pretend. How long must she keep up the façade that she was not madly in love with the man who perhapsstillloved the duchess?
“Are the robins still alive?”
Violet clutched the wildflower with such force it ended up crushed between her fingers. So immersed was she in despair, she failed to notice Tristan’s approach. His footsteps had fallen with quick softness on the grassy soil, and now, he stood only feet away.
Quickly dashing a tear from her cheek, she turned toward him, smiling brightly as if his presence did not affect her in the slightest.
“They are.”
Tristan cocked his head when he heard the cheerfulness of her tone. Hands clasped behind his back, he stalked toward her.
“I thought perhaps there was a dire outcome, based on your tears.”
Violet’s teeth clenched. Could she conceal nothing from this man? “I don’t know what you mean, Longleigh.”
Frowning, Tristan reached the oak, leaning a forearm against its surface. The look he gave was intensely scrutinizing. “You cannot hide such things from me, Violet.”
“How did you know where to find me?”
He gave her a crooked smile. “No one else may have noticed you running past the library windows, but I certainly did. Naturally, I followed what I believed to be your path. I wanted to assure myself of your safety. So, here we are.”
Tristan stood so close that his trousers brushed against her skirts, and his fingers, if he were to flex them the slightest bit in her direction, would actually slide over her hair. Violet swallowed hard, praying he would not do that. She would crumble like a house made of straw if he dared touch her right now. Her feelings skated too close to the surface, barely held in check with the tightest of reins.
“Yes, here we are.” She dared glance up at him and was immediately sorry. Dark with concern, his eyes bore into hers until she squirmed under their intensity.
“Why did you leave?” Tristan questioned softly.
“I felt like taking a walk.” Violet averted her gaze, remembering she held a crumpled blossom in her hand. “I needed some fresh air.” Tossing the flower aside, she told herself she would not look at him again. “Well, I should go back now.”
Before she could push off from the tree, Tristan shifted so that his body blocked hers. “Violet, wait. At the very least, tell me what has upset you.”
Violet was certain she would not survive it when his fingers drifted down until they rested lightly in the hollow of her throat. He stroked the indention there with a feather-soft caress.
“It is nothing, Tristan. Nothing you should concern yourself over, anyway.”
“I don’t believe you.” He leaned forward, his nose touching hers almost playfully. “Shall I kiss the truth out of you? Make a game of it? For every truthful answer you give me, I shall kiss you until your toes curl.”
Violet bit her lip against the thrill elicited by the mere mention of kissing.How I wish it was as simple as that. I wish I could treat whatever is between us as a bit of sport. But I’ve not the heart for it.And I’m too weak to deny him.
When she did not reject his suggestion outright, a wry smile lifted Tristan’s lips.
“Kitten, you remember, don’t you, that I’ve promised nothing in this game of ours? A game you agreed to. Mutual pleasure is the extent of things, and if you are unwilling to continue in such a manner, you need only say the word. I will not force anything upon you that you do not wish to experience. But decide now if I should keep you or let you go. I find my patience grows treacherously thin.”
Violet’s mouth tightened. “I do not require a reminder that you merely toy with me. I realize this is a farce and the outcome matters very little to you.”
“Oh, kitten. If only that were the truth. You mean more to me than you can possibly understand.” Tristan’s mouth hovered above hers, his hand never leaving her throat. Those long, strong fingers curled around the column of her neck as if he intended to contradict his own promise of releasing her.
“Now, I am the one who cannot believe you, Tristan. And I’ve no intention of kissing you to discover if what you say is truth or fabrication.” Violet quickly ducked beneath his arm. With deceptive calm, she strolled away without a single care he might haul her back against him.
Glancing over her shoulder, she found him watching her retreat with a puzzled expression twisting his features.
“Violet, this discussion is not over. And this kiss, this kiss will happen, eventually. You know that.”
“I know nothing of the sort.” Violet was proud that not even a sliver of shyness was evident in her voice. “Oh, and Tristan? You have no need to worry for my safety here at Darby Meadows. I’ve explored every inch of this estate over the years and know it as though it were my own. Your show of concern is touching, however. Insincere, but touching. I’ll see you back at the house.”
