Page 16 of Adoringly, Edward
But he couldn’t face her again. He just…didn’t know how.
It was best if he maintained his distance. Because he was sick. He would always be sick. And she deserved someone healthy in her life. Even if the man was twice her age.
“Please send my regrets to my friends,” he said quietly, using the wall to help him stand on wobbly feet. He squeezed his eyes shut when his surroundings spun. Despite his best efforts, he could not remain a good host for a second longer. Clara would have to play the part for the rest of the night.
Without another word, he retreated to the safety of his tower.
With a look of regret, Cedric closed the door. And locked him inside.
IF EDWARD WAS anything, it wasnota person who thrilled in the rise of the sun, in the arrival of a new dawn. He preferred staying up late reading books or looking at the stars. But he most certainly shied away from the bright light of the sunrise, especially as it smashed into him the moment he stepped foot downstairs the next morning.
Cedric followed several steps behind him. Over the years, Edward had grown used to his shadowing presence. And unfortunately, more than once, Edward had had need of it.
But today? He felt stronger than he had in a while. Perhaps he ought to spend the time outdoors while he still could before winter—
He paused in his step as he entered the dining room. Light spilled over an unexpected presence sitting at the far end of the table. Nearest the window. Next to his sister.
Edward’s eyes nearly bulged out of his head. His breath faltered in his lungs. The world seemed to tip upside down and almost spilled him on the floor.
He grabbed onto the back of a chair as a shaky exhale left his lips, and he couldn’t help but stare back at a pair of dark brown eyes as they leveled their mischievous, amused gaze on him.
“Lady Vivienne,” Edward choked, his attention dropping to the playful smirk at the edge of her lips. “What…? Why…?”
Oh, she was impossibly more beautiful than even yesterday. Full brown hair cascaded over her shoulders. A velvety green gown hugged her body in all the right places. And her eyes… Lovely. Captivating. Alluring.
“I do regret that my mother has fallen ill and cannot find the strength to journey home.” Vivienne reached across the table and squeezed his sister’s hand. “Clara has been most generous by allowing us to stay the night.”
“You stayed the night?” he spluttered. “Why was I not informed?”
Clara rolled her eyes. “Don’t mind him. His opinion is worthless in estate matters such as these. You and your mother are most welcome.”
Edward’s lips thinned at the embarrassing slight, though he took heart in knowing someone else was in the room, and Clara would be on her best behavior. “Then I will take myself and my worthless opinions elsewhere.” He gathered several scones and pieces of cheese on a plate and retreated from the room. With a hurried step, he crossed the estate, unlocked his study, and ducked inside, hearing Cedric follow behind.
But when he turned, rather than finding Cedric’s constant presence, his stomach tightened when he found Vivienne instead. His heart misbehaved, fluttering inside his chest. Breathing became difficult for the most wonderful reasons.
At least until he recovered from his shock enough to respond with panic. “Why are you here?” he hissed, glancing out the door only to find Cedric across the hallway with his back turned to them and Clara nowhere in sight. “You can’t be here.”
“I forgot something from my room,” she replied with that mischievous smile on her face.
“No, nothere.” He gestured to his office. “Why are you in my home?”
“And why not?”
“Why not?” he spluttered. “You know why. We can’t be doing this. This is a bad idea.”
“What exactly do you mean bythis, Edward?”
Her mouth curved up in a sultry grin as she ran a finger down the length of his chest. Heat spiked in his body in response to her touch. He couldn’t bring himself to pull away. He didn’t want to despite knowing he should.
And then she lowered her voice, her eyes sparking playfully. “I found you in the real world. And I am quite surprised we didn’t run into each other before now.” Her gaze passed over his face, and her expression softened. “You look nothing like I remember you.”
“I can say the same about you, Vivi.”
How much time had passed? Six? Seven years?
“Lady Vivienne?” his sister called somewhere down the hall, and his feet froze to the floor. “I do look forward to that carriage ride. I feel a bitter storm brewing in the air, and it may be our last opportunity.”
Before he could protest, Vivienne latched onto his arm and pulled him out of the study just as his sister rounded the corner. Upon seeing the two of them, Clara’s lips thinned with disapproval and disdain. The sight curled his stomach. Clara would likely seek him out later to punish him.
