When he asked where Cassandra was, he’d been primly informed she was out running errands. Not certain what else to do, he saddled his horse, intent upon a long, hard ride.

Because he’d been denied the ride he’d really wanted.

The grounds were excellent for any sort of terrain a man might wish to have. And the groom who accompanied him was fast, agile, and talked little. All excellent traits, in Damian’s opinion.

He rode hard and fast, wiping his mind clean of any thoughts. Including ones of a petite brunette with soulful eyes and enough passion to keep a man entertained for months on end. Maybe years.

He shook that thought away.

This was not a long-term arrangement.

After nearly three hours, they finally circled back to the house. Damian was tired, his mind wiped blessedly clean as the stables came into view.

But another sight filled him with all the tension of which he’d worked so hard to rid himself.

Walking along the trail was Cassandra herself, carrying several packages under her arms.

Without thought, he swung down from his saddle and handed his reins to the groom. “Can someone wipe him down for me?”

“Of course, Your Grace.” The other man replied, leading his horse away.

Cassandra had stopped, turning toward him. “You didn’t need to stop on my account.”

“Why didn’t you take a carriage if you had all those packages?”

She shrugged. “I am enough of a burden to Raithe. And I don’t mind the exercise.”

He grimaced as he pulled several parcels from her arms. “You worry too much about being a burden to others. Live life for yourself.”

She shrugged. “I think I worry the correct amount.” He watched as she caught her lip. “You are a man and a powerful one at that. You’ve no idea what it means to be judged by others and treated harshly for your shortcomings.”

He sensed there was more to this comment. “Who judged you?”

“No one,” she started toward the house again. “But they will.”

Ahh. Now he understood. She was worried how the world would perceive her if she accepted his offer. “You shouldn’t let other people shape your opinion of yourself.”

“It’s easy to believe that when you don’t agree with them. But in this case, if people were to think badly of me because I was your lover, I’d be inclined to think them correct.”

Damian let out a growl of frustration.

He supposed part of what made her so special was that she was moral. Cassandra was a treat only he got to unwrap.

But he didn’t like waiting and she was making him participate in an excessive amount. “Patience is not my virtue.”

“What is?” she asked, stopping again to turn to him.

“Strength,” he answered, reaching out and touching her arm. “I can shield you from the worst…”

“Not when it’s over,” she whispered back. Then she began walking again. “That’s the whole thing. Your protection is very finite.”

They’d nearly reached the kitchen door as Cassandra stopped to allow him to open the door for her.

He did so, glad that he’d taken several packages from her. It meant he’d once again have access to her room.

“The protection of my money will last the rest of your life.”

“Will it keep people from treating me rudely? From whispering behind my back?” she started up the stairs.

Tags: Tammy Andresen Romancing the Rake Historical
Source: readsnovelonline.net