Falling Apart by Taylor Ryan

Author:Taylor Ryan [Ryan, Taylor]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-03-07T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 23

I was a little surprised when the viscount appeared again as the sun dipped behind the horizon. I knew he had to be overwhelmed with work, especially with both the Count and his steward unavailable to help him. That he took the time to come check on me once more warmed my heart.

Tareth greeted him cheerfully, and I was glad to see that my brother wasn't still wallowing in guilt after my colossal breakdown. Our long chat this afternoon had relaxed him, and I felt like brothers again, for the first time in years. My panic at how he might judge me after knowing of my circumstances had diminished in light of his own guilt as well as his anger at our father's trespasses.

While we hadn't talked of papa or the marquis again this afternoon, an unspoken pact had emerged between us to lay our guilt aside. Neither of us were at fault for what papa or the marquis had done. I'd had a hard time accepting that until Tareth had tried to take the blame for things he'd had no control of, and I'd realized that was exactly what Ash had been trying to tell me. But knowing it and truly believing it were different... yet a stirring in my belly had me thinking maybe I could.

"How are you feeling?" Ashton asked as he strode across the room.

"Better, sir, thank you." A flicker of irritation crossed his face, but apparently he decided not to correct my addressing him as 'sir' again.

"Good." He turned to address both my brother and me. "I've ordered supper to be delivered up here tonight. However, I'm hoping you'll both want to dine in the main dining room with me tomorrow. I think Kye could use a change of scenery. I'm sure he's tired of being cooped up in here all day." He smiled knowingly before returning his attention solely to me. "I just want you to know, you are free to go where you wish around the estate."

I gaped at him as he seemed to know my thoughts. How had he known I would never have left this room without his permission? That I would never have even asked permission to do so?

"Thank you... sir." A small smirk played at the corner of my lips as I intentionally addressed him as 'sir' this time.

This time I elicited a small growl from him, and he crossed his arms in an irritated huff.

A soft snicker escaped before I could hide it behind my hand. Tareth was staring at me in shock, apparently realizing I'd just intentionally baited the viscount.

Ashton's frown slipped into a grin as he realized I'd been teasing him.

"You're welcome, little one," he enunciated the pet name Donnelly had given me.

I glowered at him for a moment at the retaliatory moniker before he laughed and leaned over, pressing a quick kiss to my temple. "Maybe you won't be so stubborn about remembering my name now, huh?"

"Yes, sir," I said obstinately as I tried to keep the smile from tugging at my lips, causing him to laugh even harder.

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