“By telling you the truth, that makes me a monster?”
“You’re jealous. That’s the truth. You’re jealous. Because Nigel cares for me and I for him. And you don’t understand something unless it’s base and sordid.”
“Base and sordid? Is that what I am to you, Emme?”
She flinched and didn’t answer his question.
“Or maybe I just feel things more deeply, and you don’t understand that. That frightens you,” he returned.
“Nothing you could say or do would frighten me, Everett.”
“Nothing?” He stood right before her.
“Nothing,’” she assured him.
He pulled her into his arms, and she shivered, whether against the cold or his touch, she did not know.
“Don’t,” she said weakly.
“I thought nothing could frighten you.”
“I’m not frightened of you. It’s cold,” she whispered.
“You should be frightened, little ice queen,” he whispered back.
They stood staring at each other, her upper arms held in his grip until a voice called out to her.
“Emmeline? Are you out here?”
She stepped away from Everett just as Nigel came into view. He smiled at her and then caught sight of his brother. “Everett. I didn’t know you were here.”
“I just came out here and stumbled upon Emme.”
“You should come inside, Emme. It’s too cold out here.” Nigel gave her his arm, and she took it.
“Everett, you coming?” Nigel asked.
“I think I’ll stay out here a moment longer.”
Emmeline moved with Nigel out of the garden but cast a glance back at Everett. His eyes remained fixed on her. Even when they were back inside the warm parlor, she could still feel his dark eyes on her.