Page 68 of The Duke's Impossible Deal
She turned to face him. The mask of fury had vanished; his face was ghostly white and ashen, eyes wide as he stared at her.
She took a step towards him, her voice calm and gentle. “I wanted to give the man who hurt Georgie a piece of my mind, but it seems you beat me to it.”
Tobias’s eyes widened even more, his muscles tensing. She could see the last dregs of anger, but there was something else there. Shame.
“You heard everything.”
It was not a question, but Rowen answered it anyway, taking another careful step towards him. “I did.”
“I should not have done that. I should have stayed in control. If the children had seen that… But when I saw the marks on Georgie’s arm, I was so angry. I am still so angry. I wanted to punish him. I wanted him to feel afraid. I enjoyed making him afraid.” Tobias moved as though to leave the room. “There is something wrong with me.”
“No.” Rowen put herself in front of him, holding up her hands.
Her heart twisted at the pure venom in his words. She ached at the viciousness he was showing. Not towards her, but towards himself.
How could he think that?
“Did you not see me? You should be running.” He gestured to the door, even as he towered over her.
Rowen stood her ground. “I am not scared of you, Tobias.”
“You should be.” His words were little more than a choked whisper.
“Why? Because you threatened some worm who harmed our family? Because you spoke the language that a man like that understands?” She felt a lump form in her throat. “You did something I could never have done. Your actions have kept us all safe.”
“You could have done the same; do not sell yourself short.” Tobias gave her a wry smile that did not reach his eyes. “I have seen the way you protect the twins.”
“In truth, I would have had far less control than you. I would have done far worse to him and been half as effective.” She gave him a bitter smile. “Men like that respond to power, and they do not think women hold such things.”
“You do not think me a monster?” His eyes searched her face, as though looking for the lie.
“No, Tobias. Not for a second. You have been more of a husband to me in this moment, more of a father to my children than the late Earl ever was.” Her eyes filled with tears as the truth of her words hit her. “You keep your promises; how could I fear you for doing that?”
Words are cheap.
She took a step forward, tears streaming down her face, and wrapped her arms around him. At first, he tensed, but then she felt his arms slide around her, holding her against him as though he would be her safe harbour in storm.
The smell of cedar and pine was like a warm blanket on a cold winter night. She could feel the beat of his heart against her ear. She hugged him tightly and let him hold her. He stroked her hair and murmured soothing words to her.
When her tears subsided, she leaned back, looking up into his face through watery eyes. She dabbed at her cheeks and gave him a small smile.
He handed her a handkerchief. His eyes were wide with concern, his lips downturned, but then his brow creased with confusion.
“Thank you.” Rowen wiped the tears from her face. “For everything.”
“You do not have to thank me.” His deep voice vibrated through his chest.
“I know, but I do not want you to think I take you for granted.” Rowen reached up and put a hand on his cheek.
She expected him to flinch, but he did not. She felt the faint pinprick of stubble against her skin. His green eyes met hers, so soft they reminded her of the first tentative blooms of spring.
“Would you like to join us for dinner tonight?” she asked, biting back a small laugh when his eyebrows flew up.
“It would be my pleasure.” Tobias gave her a small smile.
“Good.” She stepped out of his embrace, the loss of his warm touch sending gooseflesh across her skin.
“I should wrap up this business with Mr. Grey. I will have the butler put out word that he is not to be trusted. And I shall also share the information with some acquaintances who have a penchant for rumor-mongering.”
