Persuaded & Rescued by Bree Wolf

Author:Bree Wolf [Wolf, Bree]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bree Wolf

Chapter Nine

Should and Shouldn’t

Leopold’s insides churned. It felt as though a hot coal rested in his belly, burning its way through him. He remained hidden behind the stone wall corner, his hands balled into fists and his feet eager to rush out.

Always had he been a rational man, not one prone to fits of anger or rash actions. He tended to think things through thoroughly before acting, quite unlike his younger brother, who often rushed headfirst into the unknown. However, here, in this moment, Leopold wanted nothing more than to barrel out into the open and claim Maryann for himself.

Doubts had been with him before; nevertheless, hearing her mother announce Maryann’s engagement to another had changed all that. In the moment, she was completely lost to him; he knew without question that she was the one.

That he wanted her.

That he could not let her go.

That he loved her.

His heart ached so fiercely that he thought it would give out any moment. Pain radiated from it into every region of his body. It felt crippling, devastating, lethal. The only small consolation was the look upon Maryann’s face for it told him clear as day that she felt as he did. This news was not good news for her; in fact, she looked all but destroyed.

A few more words were exchanged between mother and daughter before the elder woman headed back inside. The moment she disappeared from view, Leopold noticed a change in Maryann.

All of a sudden, she seemed vulnerable, weak, barely able to hold herself upright. All strength had left her, her iron will no longer able to fool her body.

In the next moment, her eyes closed, a look of exhaustion upon her face, and Leopold knew what was about to happen.

Without thought for discovery, he surged forward in the very moment her legs buckled. She slumped downward, and his heart jumped into his throat.

Leopold all but threw himself forward and barely managed to catch her before she hit the ground. His breath came fast as she fell into his arms, her body limp. “Maryann?” he called as loud as he dared.

Her eyelids began to flutter, and then she was looking up at him. “Leopold?” she whispered, and his name upon her lips brought him unexpected joy. “What happened?”

With a glance in the direction of the windows, behind which Lord Hefferton’s guests were still dancing and chatting, Leopold pushed himself back onto his feet, hoisting her in his arms. Then in a few quick steps, they were back in their hidden corner.

He could only hope no one had seen them.

Gently, he set her down upon her feet, her hands holding onto him to steady herself. Leopold could not help but smile for it reminded him of the night they had met when he had been the one in need of support.

Her wide eyes looked up at him, her fingers still curled into his jacket. “What happened?” She asked again, her gaze drifting to the side, to where she had collapsed a moment ago.

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