AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Father, please,” Wayne interrupted. “I beg you, do not try and talk me into coming back. I do enjoy my job, and I wish to stay as a Runner.”
His father expelled a deep breath and nodded. “Then I shall let you attend to your lady friend. But please, make certain she gets home safely and that nobody spots her with you.”
“I will.”
Once his father walked out the back door and closed it, Wayne sighed and rubbed his aching temples. He truly didn’t want to ruin Regina’s name or cause humiliation to his family, but discussing what had happened between him and Regina was imperative. It couldn’t be put aside.
He moved back to the lobby and around the counter. Regina was still crouched low and had a slight shake to her body. His chest squeezed with guilt again. He truly hadn’t meant to put her through this.
“My father is gone.”
She swung her attention toward him with wide eyes. He reached out his hand, and she grasped it as he helped her stand.
Being this close to her again, he studied her lovely face. What had his father seen to make him think Wayne had given her his heart? Was it the sparkle in his eyes? Or was it his relaxed stance? Perhaps it was the desire he was certain was written all over his expression whenever looking at Regina.
“Wayne?” Her throat jumped. “Do I need to be worried about what your father said?”
She referred to what his father said about giving his heart to a woman. Wayne grinned. “Fathers believe they know everything.”
She narrowed her gaze on him. “You didn’t answer my question.”
He rubbed his thumb across her knuckles. “I think we need to get you home before anyone else decides to check on my father’s jewelry store.”
Without waiting for her answer, he kept hold of her hand and pulled her around to the lobby again. As he passed the hearth, he lifted her hooded cloak and wrapped it around her body. The warmth from the material would keep her comfortable during her journey home.
“Wayne, I hope you are not planning on taking me home.” Her voice trembled.
“I will follow you to make certain you get home safe.”
Releasing a sigh, she nodded. “I thank you for thinking of my safety.”
Her sweet words melted his heart. Tenderly, he caressed her cheek. “I cannot think of anything else right now. Although I’m glad you met with me tonight, I fear we cannot meet like this again.”
Disappointment filled him after the words left his mouth. He had never been a scandalous man, but heaven help him, he wanted to see her again, like this. He wanted to hold and kiss her until they fell asleep in each other’s arms.
Sadly, his father was correct. Wayne’s selfishness would ruin both families, which meant he and Regina could never do this again.
* * *
WAYNE BUNDLED HIS THICKcape around him as he rode behind Regina on their way to take her home. He tried to make certain it appeared as if he was not following her, just in case someone noticed. But he didn’t want to get too far behind and have something happen to her.
Although they had nearly been caught together this evening, he couldn’t remove the wide smile from his face. His body still hummed with excitement as he thought of their passionate kiss and the words exchanged between them.
It hadn’t been the poison. He just knew it. The things they had shared tonight had come from the heart. If only he knew how to convince Regina of that. And once that happened, would she still want to be with him?
He was now more determined to find the proof required to arrest the earl so that Wayne could end things with Jane. Regina Taylor was the only woman he wanted now. The only woman he had ever wanted. Of course, he hadn’t realized this until earlier. No other woman had stayed in his thoughts like Regina.
The rain didn’t seem as heavy this late at night, which relieved him. He didn’t want Regina catching a chill just because she ventured out into the night to meet him. But the cool air would certainly threaten to make one of them ill if not treated properly.
As they rode up the drive to her home, he noticed it wasn’t as luxurious as the earl’s estate. But money didn’t matter to Wayne. It never had. Baron Fraser’s home was well taken care of and appeared very welcoming. Wayne was certain the atmosphere inside reflected the outer appearance.
Regina neared the stable, and Wayne stayed back, hiding behind a large tree. He noticed that when she entered the barn, no servant came out to help. Guilt filled Wayne. He didn’t want her to ready her mare for the night by herself, especially since it was his fault she was out so late.
Without another thought, he urged his horse closer to the stable and dismounted. Once he had the steed tied to a post, he hurried inside. Just as he suspected, she was trying to remove the saddle by herself.
She must have seen him out of the corner of her eye because she whipped her head around and looked at him with wide eyes. He smiled and stopped on the other side of the horse.
“What are you doing here?” she whispered.
