Page 119 of A Story of Love

“Why?”

His brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”

“I mean why did you think I needed new gowns and expensive jewels?”

His lips parted and, for the first time since she’d met him, he looked uncertain. “I gave them to you because I wanted to. And because I thought you’d look lovely in them.”

“Because I didn’t look lovely enough in my usual clothing?” she asked, wishing that her tone had not turned quite so shrewish.

“I believe I said before that you would look beautiful in sackcloth, Lorelei.” The furrows in his brow deepened. “Are you angry with me for giving you gifts?”

Was she?

“Or are you angry that you didn’t discover who’d given them to you?”

She opened her mouth to deny that, but then paused, her eyes on his face. He’d looked so happy—joyous, even—when he’d come into the room. And now he looked shuttered, wary, and—yes—hurt.

And all because he made the mistake of being generous to you.

Lori drew in a deep breath and then exhaled slowly, bewildered and annoyed by the emotional whirl in her head. “I am not angry.”

“But you’re not happy, either.”

“I’m… concerned.”

“Concerned that I gave you some gifts?

She nodded.

“Why?”

“I’m…not sure,” she admitted. “It is only that giving gifts—especially items like clothing and jewelry—is something a man does with his mistress.”

He folded his massive arms over his chest and his frown turned into a scowl. “I thought I made my feelings for you clear last night, Lorelei.”

I think I’m beginning to fall in love with you.

Lori bit her lip, suddenly seeing her behavior from his point of view. She had assured him on their first night together that she understood what this—their affair—meant: that it was nothing more than temporary physical gratification.

She had also assured him—repeatedly and emphatically—that she had no other expectations of him, certainly not marriage!

He had not lied to her, not like Dorian had done at first, when he had sought to seduce her. All along Fast had been open and honest. And now she was accusing him of treating her like a mistress when that was exactly what she was.

You are furious at him because you want more.

She was. And her behavior—her desire for something more permanent—mortified her.

Lori forced herself to meet his gaze, hating the reserve that had entered his icy eyes. Eyes that had been warm only moments earlier.

And it was her fault for treating him as if he were Dorian.

He deserved better.

Lori took a step toward him. And then another, until she was standing close enough to touch him. That short walk was one of the hardest things she’d ever done.

“I’m sorry, Fast.”

Chapter 26