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Victoria scoffed.
“Really? You truly believe you didn’t murder Richard over a woman? You can keep protesting as much as you want, but we both know you killed him. And I’m never going to forgive you for that.”
Blackmore stopped suddenly, causing Victoria to trip over her skirt and almost fall over. She grabbed onto him to stop herself from ending up on the ground. Their faces were now only inches apart. Even in the darkness, with the moon behind him, Victoria could see the rigidly cold expression on his face. It sent a shiver through her body. But instead of wanting to run away from him, she found herself wanting to wrap her arms around him.
Wait, what are you doing? Maybe you should really be committed if you’re thinking like this.
“I think it’s about time you went back inside, Miss Hayward.” His voice was barely a growl, something that seemed to tickle her skin, and Victoria had to suppress a shiver. “It’s very late, and you need your sleep. A lady who lives on very little sleep isn’t a very nice person.”
“I hate you.”
“I know. And I’m never going to forget it.” He started to walk away. “Let’s go. The sooner I can get you inside, the sooner I can go about my business.”
“You should have left me alone before.”
Blackmore snorted, but he didn’t respond. They headed through the garden and around to the side door. Victoria suspected he wouldn’t leave her alone until she got to the door and actually went inside. Even if she got her bag and waited until he had gone, she wouldn’t get far. Already, she was exhausted.
If she was going to leave, she was going to have to do it soon. But it wouldn’t be tonight. Maybe tomorrow night.
The side door suddenly opened as they were nearing it, followed by some giggling. Someone was still awake. Did she have help? Victoria opened her mouth to shout, but Blackmore clamped a hand over her mouth and pulled her behind a tree. Victoria squealed and tried to pull away, but he hauled her against his chest.
“Don’t even think about it,” he whispered. “Unless you want me to say we were sneaking out for an assignation.”
Victoria froze. He wouldn’t do that, would he? He hated her as much as she hated him. Why would he do that? But she wasn’t about to push him to find out.
They waited, Victoria watching as two figures, clearly a man and a woman, moved into an embrace and kissed. As they watched, Victoria became painfully aware of Blackmore pressing up against her.
It was something she wasn’t used to, but it wasn’t unpleasant. She was keenly aware of the hardness of his chest and how firm he felt. Even the hand over her mouth was warm in spite of the slight chill that had picked up. The raspy breathing in her ear was also distracting.
Victoria could feel her heart racing, but she wasn’t exactly sure what it was racing for.
Finally, the man and the woman broke apart, and then the man was leaving, walking in the direction of the stables. The woman watched him go until he was out of sight, and then she went back inside, closing the door behind her.
“Looks like you’re not the only one doing something you shouldn’t at night,” Blackmore murmured.
Victoria growled and pushed his hand away.
“That’s nothing to do with you.”
“You’re right. But you are everything to do with me now.”
“No, I’m not.”
Blackmore gave a mirthless chuckle. Then he pulled away from the tree, taking her with him. Holding her hand, he walked her to the side door, checking it carefully.
“Good. It’s still open. Now, you get inside before someone raises the alarm.”
Victoria didn’t want to go in. She actually wanted to run away. But Blackmore wasn’t going to let her get away with anything.
She held out her hand.
“Give me my things.”
“I think I’ll keep a hold of them for now.” Blackmore slung the bag over his shoulder. “Just so I know you’re not going to run away.”
“What? But all of my money is in there!”
“All the more reason I should be holding onto it. Don’t worry. You’ll get it back when we are married when I’m confident you’re not going to run away from me.”
