AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“No, that sounds appalling. I only wondered if that was how you managed to build any sort of muscle.”
“Well, it has nothing to do with bravely fighting my brothers, unfortunately. I have spent a good deal of time in the last few years managing and working on different parts of the house. I enjoy the exertion, and riding or hunting does not provide enough for me.”
Ah, like the rut in the road. I hadn’t even questioned why James and Benedict did the labor themselves instead of requesting it of the servants, but I realized now how odd that was.
“I am not complaining,” I said softly.
“You might when I grow old and have less time for these pursuits. Softening is part of aging.”
“I won’t mind if you soften, James.” I pressed my hand against his heart, heat seeping through the shirt and warming my palm. “This is my favorite part of you.”
“My manly chest?”
I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Your heart.”
He laid a palm over my hand. “Good, because it belongs to you.”
My breath caught, and I looked up sharply to find him looking seriously down at me. His gaze flicked to my lips, and the heated conversation we shared only a few minutes ago was fresh in my mind. It is torment having you so near, and yet, such a great distance from me still. That distance was important, and I would not sacrifice the reparations to my name—indeed, to his family name—for the sake of a kiss.
James swayed toward me, but I turned my face away, avoiding the kiss I so desperately wanted. “We’ve five months yet to go,” I said softly.
“An eternity,” he mumbled.
I could not agree more.
