“Dare I hope that you are one of those people?” Roswell asked.
Anette held his gaze, and she wasn’t entirely sure what passed between them, but something did. It was as if their two hearts beat as one.
A deep clearing of a throat came from the doorway, causing Roswell to take a step back.
She turned her head and saw her brother watching them with annoyance on his features. He did not look pleased to see them.
Caleb stepped further into the room. “What, pray tell, was going on in here?” he asked, his voice accusatory.
“Nothing,” Anette replied.
“You expect me to believe that?” Caleb asked.
Anette placed a hand on her hip, daring her brother to challenge her explanation. “I do, because it is the truth.”
Caleb looked as if he had more to say, but thankfully, he let it drop. He shifted his gaze to Roswell and said, “I need to speak to you.”
Roswell bobbed his head. “Likewise.”
“We can speak in the study,” Caleb said before he turned to leave.
As her brother departed, Roswell gave her a look that she couldn’t quite decipher. “Thank you, Anette… for everything.”
Anette brought a smile to her lips as she tried to appear indifferent. “You are welcome, my lord.”
After Roswell exited the study, Anette dropped down onto the settee and sighed. Why wasn’t she doing more to protect her heart? If she continued down this path, she had no doubt it would end in heartache for her.
ChapterSeven
Roswell followed Caleb into the study and he was a smart enough man to know that his friend was fuming. Not that he blamed the man. He had been entirely too familiar with Anette in the drawing room just now, but he couldn’t seem to help himself.
Caleb spun around and asked in a low, demanding voice, “Why?”
Not understanding the question, he inquired, “Why what?”
“I thought we had an understanding,” Caleb said. “You promised that you wouldn’t pursue my sister.”
Roswell wanted to keep this conversation private so he quickly closed the door. “I’m not.”
Caleb’s brow shot up. “Then explain to me why I saw you two holding hands in the drawing room.”
Putting his hand up, he said, “It is not what it seemed. I told Anette about my mother and she was providing comfort.”
“You do realize that you can provide comfort without touching one another.”
“I know, but it was all very innocent.”
“Like your kiss?”
Roswell frowned. “I do not know why you insist on bringing that up,” he said. “It was months ago, and I have moved past that.”
“Clearly you haven’t.” Caleb advanced towards him. “I thought we agreed that you would spare Anette from the burden that comes with the choice of our profession.”
“We did, but—”
“No buts,” Caleb said, speaking over him. “If anyone discovers what we do- what we have done- then they will come after our loved ones.”
Roswell knew that Caleb was right, even though it pained him to admit it.
