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Faith had known he’d say that before she asked, but nevertheless, she’d hoped…
She turned toward the pathway leading to the side of the house.
Gilly spied her and bounded to her side, offering a doggy grin.
Scratching behind his scruffy ears, she considered bolting.
Would Constantine pursue her if she hoisted her skirts and pelted off like a recalcitrant child?
Probably.
He wore no hat or gloves, and upon closer inspection, it looked as if a toddler had tied his rumpled neckcloth. As usual, it appeared he’d combed his hair with his fingers. The unruly, slightly messy style suited him.
Had he dressed in a rush?
Why?
She kicked at a pebble, taking her frustration out on the rock. “Why?”
Bother and blast, she’d said that aloud.
He didn’t know what she’d been thinking. He’d assume she referred to his earlier statement.
Gilly darted off to explore the long grass, barking every now and then at a canine discovery.
The seconds ticked onward as Faith walked several paces, and still he didn’t answer. At last, she gave him a side-eyed glance. Surprised to see him regarding her with such warmth and affection, she stumbled.
At once, his strong hand encircled her elbow and steadied her.
“Let’s just say I’m not ready to quit the field just yet.” He released her arm and pointed his attention forward.
Faith gaped at him.
Ready to quit…
What?
She needed to set him straight at once.
“My lord, if you are under the misconception that I shall change my mind, you are wrong.”
It would be the height of folly to do so. Faith would have to be out of her bloody, everlasting mind. And that she assuredly was not. There was something to be said for self-preservation and all of that fribble.
“After the things you said…” She bit her tongue. Repeating those caustic words would benefit no one.
“I spoke out of anger and frustration, Faith, but that’s no excuse. My behavior was unforgivable.”
With a heart-wrenchingly gentle smile, Constantine stopped and tipped her chin upward with his free hand. He dropped a kiss on her nose, and after the little quivers of desire stopped assailing her, Faith’s heart tumbled to lay at his booted feet. Any more of that flirtation or seduction or whatever it was, and she feared her heart would be his to do with as he wished.
Blast the man.
This is exactly what she didn’t want to happen.
“We need to talk, Faith.”
“We are talking right now.”
An enigmatic smile tipped Constantine’s much too shapely mouth up rakishly on one side, and he grazed his bent knuckle over her jaw.
