‘I knew that,’ she says tightly.‘I’m not blind.Everyone knows, but did you consider how much more complicated this makes everything?’
‘I should have.I’m really sorry.’
‘Are you?’
‘I’m sorry that you’re upset.’
‘That’s such bullshit.’
‘Blaire.’
‘What?What have you to say, Lachlan?He’s…’ She trails off, shaking her head and then says, quieter, ‘You are many things, but not unintelligent.’
‘That’s up for debate.’
‘Sex complicates everything.’
‘I won’t let it.’
Blaire’s hand is wrapped around the necklace.
He’s terrified she’ll yank it off, break the chain and throw it at him.
‘You’ve alreadylettoo much happen.’
‘I love you so much, Blaire.Please.’
Her gaze darkens.
‘It’snotthat.You and I walk the knife’s edge, Lachlan.For you to fuck with the balance isreckless,and for it to be selfishly done is hard for me to swallow but swallow I must.’She looks away.‘We’ve adjusted before.We will again.’
‘I’m sorry.I…’ He trails off.
‘“I… I…”You what?Hollow apologies and nothing to say.Fucking men,’ she mutters, mouth twisting.‘Don’t be sorry.Becareful.’
‘You know I will.’
‘I don’t know that.’
‘Yes, you do.’He steps away, hand in his hair.‘I know it’s…’ Wrong.Bad.Complicated.‘Not the best idea, but it’s not like the old man forbade it.’
‘Can you hear yourself?’
‘I’m just saying—’
‘You sound like Fenwick.’
‘That’sdifferent.’
‘Because you decided it.Do you think my concern is Penhalyx?Are you really so blind?’
‘I must be, because yeah, that’s what I think,’ he says quietly.
‘I’m worried aboutyou.’
‘You never need to worry about me.’
‘Well I do.’
