Abducted: A steamy, witty, Regency Romance, forced proximity, fake fiance, secret identity, happily ever after drama (Rogues Worth Saving Book 3) by Lee Mihwa

Author:Lee, Mihwa
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2024-03-12T00:00:00+00:00

Elara settled in the carriage dreading the awkward silence ahead. She would rather have joined Shelley and Mr Smith, but Preston wanted to ride with her alone. How silly of her, she thought. She had raced to him with her heart pounding, but now, she wanted nothing more than to avoid him. A part of her did not wish to be reminded of the man she had lost. She wrapped her arms around herself, feeling profound loneliness.

“What is tormenting you so?” His voice washed over her, gentle and caring like when they had first met.

“Naught is bothering me.” She shook her head without looking at him. “I am happy to have your assistance.”

“It’s my pleasure,” he said while he shuffled through the papers on his lap.

“Doesn’t your wife mind that you travel for days with an unwed woman?” she asked.

Preston stilled briefly before answering, “I work with many women, married and unmarried. She has come to expect it.”

“Have you travelled far to meet with them? Alone?”

He paused before replying, “No.” He looked up and met her eyes. “Are you concerned for my marriage, my lady?”

“Not exactly. I only feel remorseful for taking you away. If I were her, I would not be happy at all especially when…”

“When?”

She turned towards the window. “When we shared intimacy.”

“You do not need to worry. This is my work. She understands that.”

“What is she like?”

She was aware it was foolish of her to want to know more, but she could not help herself. The idea of another woman plagued her day and night. Mayhap if she could picture her, turn her into a real person instead of a mirage, she would accept his situation and stop dwelling on him.

Preston sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I think I should keep my private life to myself. It is not helpful for either of us to discuss my marriage.”

“You know all about my affairs.”

“Yes, out of necessity.”

“I told Father we were betrothed,” she blurted. When no response came, she glanced at him, fearing he may be cross.

He was watching her in stunned silence. “Why?”

“James was…threatening me, telling me he would take me by force… in front of Father.”

She covered her face in her kerchief and stifled her sob. Her resolve to stay strong crumbled in front of a man who had been her protector. She wanted the same protection from him against James, against heartbreak.

She didn’t see him approach, but his strong arms circled her and pulled her to his chest. He was on his knees on the floor and kept her secure in his arms through the bumps and sways until she could speak again.

“I told him I was betrothed to a powerful man and I’ve given him my virtue. I thought it might give him pause before he carried out his threats. It seems to have worked, but he will see through me if I wait too long. I wanted to give Father more reassurance. I thought a name might make it seem more real so… I gave him your name.

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