Page 145 of Temporary Vows

I’ve come to realize that the house doesn’t feel like mine whenhedoesn’t feel like mine.

Given how few times he’s actually felt like mine, it’s laughable.

“How about some dessert?” Parker seems genuinely to be trying to cheer me up.

“I’ll have something small.”

I’m just trying to be nice. After dessert, I’ll head home.

We’ve been here for a little over an hour already. I didn’t speak much when the food came. The time was broken up by eating. I couldn’t even appreciate the English-style food. It tasted like nothing to me.

Parker raises his hand and signals for the waiter to come over. Instantly, the waiter marches across with his notepad in hand, ready to take our order.

“Can we have the dessert menu, please?” Parker asks.

“Sure thing, sir.”

The waiter hurries away to get it.

Parker turns back to me and looks me over curiously. “I may be overstepping again.” He leans on his elbows. “But I’ve considered that I may have upset you the other day when I mentioned Dorian’s unsavory habits.”

“No, don’t worry about that.” How could I have him feeling guilty when what he told me was true? If anything, he was probably just trying to warn me.

No, I did not think that made him a saint. I was still sure he had ulterior motives. But it was a warning nonetheless.

“You seem like a nice person. I just didn’t want him to take advantage.” It must be habit. He places his hand on his heart, like the other day.

“I know my cousin. And I’m sure you must have read about the Grace Astor scandal.”

“Yes. I am fully aware of it.”

“Good. It’s good to be open-minded.”

I was open-minded, so open-mindedness I was wondering why he was so interested in making Dorian look bad to me.

He reaches across the table and takes my hand.

My first instinct is to pull away, but I don’t want to embarrass him or look like I’m being awkward, so I keep my hand there.

“I’m here if you need me.” His piercing eyes bore into me with more than just the offer of comfort. “For whatever you need. Whether that’s books, talking about England, or anything else.” His voice drops on the last two words. And there’s no mistake in the implication in those words.

My stomach squeezes at the same time the hairs on the back of my neck rise. “Thank you. That’s kind of you.” I try to conceal the discomfort in my voice, but the slight quiver betrays me.

He notices.

I attempt to move my hand but his grips tightens. Not threatening, more like he wants me to pay attention.

“Don’t be fooled by charm, Elodie.” Parker cocks his head.

It’s funny, Dorian said the same thing about him.

“Get your hands off her right now!”

The boom of a voice carries across the room. Everyone turns in that direction, and all conversation ceases.

I look up, stunned to see a ferocious-looking Dorian making a beeline toward us.

My entire body goes rigid. I barely register when Parker removes his hand from mine. He looks just as shocked to see Dorian too.