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If he didn’t let her go now, she would never trust him again. If he did, there was no guarantee she’d ever return.
Love is never selfish, she’d said just a few minutes ago. Had he always been this selfish? Had he ever considered what she wanted, truly?
Blake scrubbed his face with his hands. If he let her go now, he might never see her again. But if that was what she needed to be happy, then he would do it.
“I am releasing you from our deal,” he said hoarsely. “You can leave if that’s what you want.”
Annalise’s eyes widened for a moment, and her lips parted. She didn’t expect him to comply, he realized.
“I shall put a large sum of money into your separate account. You will be free to do as you like.” He took a deep breath. “I shall ask for the carriage to be prepared for you when you’re ready, but I insist on sending at least four footmen with you for your safety. When would you like to leave?”
“Come morning.” Annalise’s voice was quiet but firm.
“The ball is going to last until morning. Perhaps you’d want to rest—”
“I want to leave in the morning, Blake.”
Blake took a deep breath and nodded. “If that’s what you want. The carriage will be ready in the morn.”
There was a long pause while Blake stood still, devouring her form, memorizing every line of her face. He wished he could bottle up and keep her voice too. He would play it every night before sleep. She loved to play the pianoforte, but her voice was the sweetest music for his ears.
Annalise sat there simply watching him, too. Was she also trying to memorize him, or was she waiting for something?
Finally, Annalise licked her lips and said, “Thank you.”
Then she stood, walked past him, and left the room.
