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The summer was unusually warm and long. Lord Ashwin’s stay extended well into September, news that left Sadie relieved and uncertain. Since their embrace on the beach, she’d thought of little other than returning to his arms, and while he’d humored her on a number of occasions, he never pressed for more.
Delighted to see the true gentleman he was, she was nonetheless perturbed by his lack of passion for her.
While having her morning tea on the terrace, she spotted him circling around the garden and stepped out to block his path. “I don’t understand why you insist on remaining so distant and aloof.” Her patience wearing thin, she decided to confront him before his stay came to an end.
“There is much you don’t understand about the workings of a man and his passions.”
“Then enlighten me, kind sir, for you seem to have the uncanny knack of touching deeply on my emotions only to turn away once you have me enflamed and longing for you.”
He circled past her and continued his slow, steady stride amongst the roses and hydrangeas.
“Please don’t disregard me in such a fashion.”
“It is not my intention to disregard you, simply to protect you.”
“Protect me?” She brought her prim fists to her hips. “Protect me from what?”
He turned to face her, his eyes pained under the dark veil that had descended upon them. When he reached up to grip her shoulders, she was surprised by the gentleness of his touch.
“From me.”