Page 53 of The Masked Baron
Andalin bit her lower lip. “You know as much as I do. But surely you wouldn’t want your best friend connected to me. Not when you know better than anyone of my upbringing.”
Ellis rubbed his thumb against her fingers. “You are my ward and a lady. Lord Kerrigan would be lucky to have such a sensible woman by his side.”
Andalin softly giggled. “Sensible?”
Ellis smiled. “I thought your idea tonight of a school ingenious. Though, if I were to tell Kerrigan your curiosity and temper has given you the mark of a troublemaker, he might just rescind his offer before it’s been properly made.”
This drew a real laugh. She didn’t laugh like this with Lord Kerrigan. And yet, Lord Kerrigan hadn’t an ugly past or a desire for vengeance so strong it monopolized his thoughts. It would be much better for her if she did love Lord Kerrigan.
Andalin grew serious. “Since we aren’t yet certain of Lord Kerrigan’s feelings, let’s not speak of it. It might never come to pass.”
Ellis gave her a small smile and nodded in agreement. He released her hands and sat back in his seat.
“Ellis?”
“Yes, sweet Annie.”
Andalin’s arms tingled at the low tone of his voice. The recent memory of him kissing her flashed through her mind. “I hope you will be ready to tell me soon what has been on your mind.”
“So do I.”
***
When the carriage stopped, Ellis brought Annie into the house. The butler nodded a quiet welcome, which must have surprised Annie. Then Ellis escorted her up the stairs and stopped in front of her room.
“How did you know this was my door?” Annie asked.
Ellis stared at the painting on the wall next to her. He wasn’t afraid; he was just careful. “I’m very protective of the people I care about,” he explained.
Annie’s beauty tonight made speaking around her more difficult than normal.
Her long eyelashes batted in concern. “You can’t help everyone. Bad things happen.”
Ellis knew this, but he also knew he would never be able to live through the loss of another loved one. He wanted to be the Dark Rider tonight. He wanted to keep Mr. Crow and anyone else who threatened Annie on the other end of his sword.
“Where will you stay tonight?” Annie asked.
Ellis felt sheepish. He hated keeping so much from her. “I’ll stay here.”
Annie’s brow furrowed as if she was trying to piece together the little information he was giving her. “Do the Whites know?”
Ellis grinned. “Yes, they know. I have my secrets, but I am more honest than I look.”
Annie’s lips quirked. “Yes, it’s the mask.”
Ellis rarely felt the mask on his face anymore. He had worn it for so many years. Even so, it was a constant reminder to him of what he had lost. He hated it. “Does it really change things?”
Annie shrugged her dainty shoulders. “If you’re asking if it helps fuel the wicked rumors about you, then yes. Maybe if it were pink, it wouldn’t be so fearsome.”
Ellis chuckled. “I will have one made up. I will wear it when we dine together at home.”
Annie scrunched her nose. “I don’t know if I could keep a straight face.”
“Nor I. You do have a way of making me laugh.” Ellis hadn’t had a reason to laugh or be happy for such a long time. He wasn’t ready for Annie to leave him. And if she did marry Kerrigan, he would be forced to see her often. It would be a punishment every time he did, knowing she was not his.
“Good night, then, sweet Annie.” Ellis reluctantly relinquished her hand. He watched her enter her room and close the door behind her, and he clenched his fists. What was he playing at? He was vying for her affections when it was completely impossible for them to be together. At least, it would be when he finally told her everything.
Ellis made his way to the dark corner bedroom that was usually his when he stayed at the Whites’ house and entered. He locked the door behind him so there wouldn’t be any surprises while he slept. He didn’t know the Whites’ staff as well as he did Kerrigan’s, and he didn’t want to kill anyone by accident.
