Page 142 of The Highlander Who Protected Me

“You make me sound like a cherry pie.”

“An exceedingly apt analogy, pet. But getting back to that letter—”

She slid a slow, teasing tongue over her upper lip, hoping to distract him. “Perhaps you might like another sample, just to check.”

When he gently traced the outline of her lip, Ainsley’s heart gave a hard thump.

“I will make a note so as not to lose my place,” he said. “But first tell me more about your mamma’s letter.”

She sighed. “Oh, very well. As I mentioned, she informed me of my sister-in-law’s pregnancy, but also said that I was not to expect further updates, especially not from my brother. Or from either of my brothers or their families, in fact. According to Mamma, they’re all mortified and disgusted by my selfish behavior.”

“Your brothers sound like a pair of stupid prats, if you ask me.”

“You’re sadly correct in that assessment.”

“Then why does their disapproval trouble you? As far as I’m concerned, they’re beneath your notice.”

“Perhaps, but my sisters-in-law are quite nice, and I do hate the idea of never seeing any of my nieces and nephews again.”

Royal frowned. “Even your family must eventually become reconciled to our marriage. At that point, you can try reestablishing relations.”

“It doesn’t matter,” she said, forcing a smile. “I have all the family I need. I don’t think I could manage both mine and the Kendricks, to tell you the truth.”

“Of course it matters,” he replied. “I know how much this hurts you, Ainsley, and I’m deeply sorry for it.”

He was right. Her family’s rejection had been a dagger blow to the heart. Even though she’d known it would be the likely outcome, such a comprehensive break was still shocking. Only by acceding to their demands could she possibly return to their good favor. That she could never do, for a hundred reasons starting with the man sitting before her.

“Would you like Nick to write to your parents?” he added. “A letter from the Earl of Arnprior might help, especially if he employs his most imperious, high-stickler manner. Your parents would like that—a message from one snob to another, as it were.”

“God, no! He can’t ever write to them, and neither can you.”

When Royal’s eyebrows shot up, she mentally cursed her blunder. But it would be fatal ifanyof the Kendricks communicated with her parents. Then the whole sordid mess would surely come out, and Royal, along with the rest of his family, would likely toss her out onto the street.

“I mean, it’s very nice of you to offer,” she amended, trying to smile, “but I’m convinced it would do no good, and might only make matters worse.”

When his gaze narrowed suspiciously, Ainsley felt heat creeping into her face.

“What aren’t you telling me?” he asked.

“Nothing!”

He made a frustrated sound under his breath. “Ainsley, I truly wish you would trust me. I cannot help you unless you do.”

“Of course I trust you, Royal. With everything, including Tira.”

Well, everything but the whole truth, which made her feel like a vile worm. But complete honesty at this point would only benefit Cringlewood.

He drew back and crossed his arms over his chest. “You certainly have an odd way of showing it.”

That stung. “Youkept your secrets, as I recall. I had to push to get you to share them.”

“And as I recall, share I did.”

She’d walked right into that one.

Better find a way to walk out of it.

“Royal, it’s just that . . .”

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