Emma's Dilemma by Hatch Donna

Author:Hatch, Donna
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical romance, regency romance, vampire romance, novella, sweet romance, halloween romance

Chapter 4

Bennett arrived at promptly in their family house in Mayfair at one o’clock in the afternoon. Mesmerized, Emma remained rooted to the cushions of her settee as he strode into the parlor. He swept off his hat, revealing his shining black hair, and removed a pair of spectacles that had been darkened as if he’d held them over a fire and gotten them sooty. He glanced about the room before his gaze landed on her, sending her nerves into a tingling frenzy.

Her mouth dried. Good thing she was already sitting or surely her knees would weaken. How was it possible he was even more handsome than last night?

It didn’t matter. She wouldn’t let him hurt her or turn her into an evil being.

Although, the though of spending eternity with him…

No. She mustn’t think of that.

Bennett greeted Mama, affecting a courtly bow, and exchanged a few pleasantries with her and some of the other guests. A moment later, he made his way to Emma. He took a seat next to her on the settee and looked at her as if she were the only person in the room. “How’s the ankle?”

His nearness emptied her mind of all coherent thought. “My ankle?” she repeated.

He gestured to her feet resting on a footstool. “The one you twisted last night?”

She let out a weak laugh. “Oh, that ankle. Still sore, I’m afraid.”

He nodded. “I’d planned to invite you to go riding with me, but it looks as though we’ll need to wait until your ankle heals.”

“Riding?”

In the daytime? How much sunlight could he take? Even with his darkened glasses, surely not much. Just how powerful was he? Or perhaps the belief that sunlight burned a vampire’s skin was false.

His dark gaze penetrated her eyes straight into her soul. “You wouldn’t mind being seen with me, would you?”

“Seen with you?”

He smiled. “Any particular reason why you’re repeating everything I ask you?”

“Ah…” No, no particular reason, except she was so confused. She loved and trusted the old Bennett. And she loved this new dark Bennett. But could she give him her trust?

She drew a breath and took herself in hand. “Forgive me. My injured ankle appears to have had some effect on my wit. No, of course I don’t mind being seen with you. I would love to go riding with you when I’m able.” Perhaps if she went riding with him, she could decide what must be done.

Bennett listened, watching her intently, as if he would rather do nothing else. She’d always loved that about him.

“We could ride by carriage instead of horseback,” he said. “I have a new team I’d like to show you. I assume you’re still horse-mad?”

She smiled and tossed her head saucily. “I am, and my father still refuses to take me to Tattersalls.”

He frowned. “Certainly not. No place for a lady.”

“He allows me to go with him from time to time when he attends auctions in Ireland.”

“I suppose that can be overlooked, even by a sophisticated gentleman as I.” A self-deprecating smile touched his mouth.

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