Page 34 (2/2)

"Abby, please!" he begged as she pounded ineffectually at his shoulders "I must have you Yield to me! I will make you love me, I promise"

"I already love you, you idiot!" she sobbed

He pulled back ide eyes "What? You said you only wanted--Daled above the ground as he hugged her

"What the devil is your objection toher down, Rhys scrubbed a hand over his face and growled "Why in the world would a man marry a woht you only wished to "

"Good God" His eyes closed, even as he reached for her again "You will be the death of ain," she implored, her lips pressed to the line of his jaw

"I love you madly"

Isabel looked away from the scene, a fresh kerchief pressed to her face "Res," she said to the nearby footman, who hurried to do as she ordered She settled into the seat, leaned her head back and closed her eyes, which didn’t stop the tears froardless

Perhaps it was only she as cursed

"Bella"

Opening her eyes, she glanced at Rhys, whose torso filled the doorway

"Stay," he said softly "Talk totheir feelings," she replied with a watery sht You should not be alone now"

"I want to be alone, Rhys Staying here, pretending to be hen I am not, would be the worst form of torture"

"What in hell happened with you and Grayson? He was sincere in his wish to win your affections I knoas"

"He succeeded" Leaning forward, she spoke urgently "You took a risk for love, and it has paid you handsomely Pro else, just as you did today And never underestiail"

Rhys scowled "Please do not speak in riddles, Bella I ae"

She set her hand over his where it curled around the door frao before Grayson arrives We will talk more when you return to London with your fiancée"

It was that one-word reminder that caused him to nod and step back He would stay and speak with the Hammonds She would survive, as she always had

"I will hold you to that, Bella," he warned

"Of course" She offered hi smile "I am so happy for you I do not approve of your lad that you have found the one woies for me I did not have the ti proficient at saying that, aren’t you?" Isabel sniffled and swiped at her eyes "I love you, as well Now let o"

Rhys stepped back and shut the door The coach lurched intobliss behind, but taking the memories with it

Isabel curled into the corner and cried

Gerard rode his ate When he drew to a halt before the front steps, he threw hiroo any semblance of decorum, he ran up the stairs to his rooone and a tersely worded note requesting that her belongings be sent to her His response knotted his gut and stole his breath like a physical blow

He realized then hoounded she was He sank onto the nearest chair, Pel’s missive crushed within his clenched fist He was stunned, unable to comprehend what had happened to the happiness they’d enjoyed upon waking o

"What transpired?" asked a voice fro up, Gerard found Trenton leaning against the jahed "Were you aware that Isabel wanted children?"

Trenton pursed his lips athe topic with her, but it stands to reason that she would She is ro more romantic than a family"

"How could I havea child a probleht and entered, taking the wingback opposite

"A woman I once cared for died in childbirth," Gerard er

"Ah, yes Lady Sinclair"

Gerard’s gaze lifted with a scowl "How in hell can Isabel ask ht of her increasing fills me with such terror I can hardly bear it The reality would killback into the chair, Trenton crossed one foot over the opposite knee and gave a thoughtful hu delicate, but I am not blind Over the weeks since your return, I have seen bruises on Isabel Occasional bite marks Scratches I would venture to say you are not a man who practicesthe way, you found some confidence that she could withstand such depth of ardor"

"Damned if this isn’t unco?" Trenton prodded When Gerard gave a jerky nod, he said, "If memory serves me correctly, Lady Sinclair was of delicate stature In fact, the difference between her and Bella is so extreme one cannot help but wonder how it is that you were so attracted to both"

"Different motivators behind the two attractions" Gerard stood and walked slowly about the roo out pockets of exotic floral scent in the air Em had appealed to his pride Pel appealed to his soul "Very different"