Page 82 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

Lord Evan’s brow furrowed. “I am no hero.”

“But you are.”

“No, I am not,” he said, his voice rising. “I have done some terrible things, horrific things. No matter what I do in this life, I will never be able to atone for those.”

“That can’t possibly be true.”

“It is, and it would be best if you stayed far away from me.”

Jane took a step closer, and she had to tilt her head to look up at him. “I don’t want to stay far away from you.”

“It would be much easier.”

“Yes, it would.”

Lord Evan’s eyes grew intense. “You are too good for the likes of me,” he murmured.

“I don’t believe I am.”

“A future between us would be impossible.” He leaned closer, holding her gaze.

“Why is that?”

“You must trust me on this.”

Lord Evan’s eyes dropped to her lips, and her breath caught in her throat. Did she dare to believe that he wanted to kiss her?

Baldwin spoke up next to them, startling them both. “Aren’t the gardens beautiful this time of year?”

Lord Evan jumped back, and it was only in that moment that she realized how close they had been to one another.

“They are quite beautiful,” Lord Evan said, his eyes lingering on Jane.

Baldwin looked displeased by Lord Evan’s remark. “May I speak to you in my study, Corbyn?” he asked gruffly.

Lord Evan cleared his throat. “Yes, I would like to speak to you, as well.”

Stepping closer to Jane, Baldwin offered his arm. “Allow me to escort you back into the house.”

“Thank you,” she replied.

Corbyn stepped intoBaldwin’s study and heard the door slam shut behind him. He turned back around to see Baldwin staring at him thunderously.

“Do you want to explain to me what the blazes you were doing with my sister in the gardens?” Baldwin asked.

“Nothing.”

Baldwin lifted his brow. “You truly expect me to believe that nothing is going on between you two?”

“I do.”

“Then you are a blasted fool.”

“I won’t disagree with you there.”

Baldwin crossed his arms over his chest. “You appeared as if you were about to kiss her.”

“I assure you that was not my intention.”

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