A Rogue No More - Lana Williams Page 0,78

cared about was to do as Sir Alexander ordered and cancel her contract.

He dreaded the task ahead as he knew that no matter how he worded it, the news would hurt Annabelle. But going through with it would ensure her wellbeing and provide time to try to find a way to resolve the situation if such a thing was possible.

The sound of her voice as she spoke with Bing sent his heart thudding painfully. He reminded himself that she was more important than the publication of her book.

Then she stood in the doorway, stealing his breath as she so often did, a golden light in his dark world. He didn’t care for the wary look in her eyes or the fact that he was about to worsen it.

“Annabelle, this is a lovely surprise.” He forced a smile though he was certain she’d see through it. She already knew him too well.

“Thomas. I hope the day finds you well.”

“Indeed, it does.” He moved around the desk to take her hand. “And you?”

“Well enough.” She glanced over her shoulder as Bing closed the door to give them privacy. “I came by as I have something I wished to discuss without delay.”

“All right. My apologies for missing the garden party yesterday,” he began, wishing he could tell her everything. “Something unexpected arose.” He gestured for her to take a seat and released her hand, taking care to avoid looking at her any more than necessary.

“Oh? What’s happened?”

He glanced up to find worry filling her expression and briefly closed his eyes, telling himself to take the opportunity she offered. “I’m afraid I have bad news.”

Fear of losing her crept over him, tightening his chest and restricting his breath. He knew how important her stories were to her and could only hope she’d eventually forgive him for what he was about to say.

“Please tell me there hasn’t been another murder.”

“No.” He sat heavily in his chair then folded his hands on his desk as he met her gaze. “Artemis Press has decided not to distribute the second printing of your first book or publish your latest work.”

Her eyes went wide with shock. “What do you mean? You said you liked it. We already have a contract.”

“After discussions with my brothers, we have decided to pursue literary works and memoirs rather than mysteries.” Though tempted to tell her that they were merely delaying publication, he feared Sir Alexander might find out he hadn’t cancelled her contract, which would risk everything, including her.

“I see,” she said. His heart pinched as her surprise turned to hurt, clearly visible in her expression. “Actually no, I don’t. What brought about this decision?”

He waved his hand in the air, hoping to suggest that the details behind it mattered little. “As I said, a meeting with my brothers.” He couldn’t hold her gaze as he lied. He reminded himself this was for her safety as well as her family’s. “My eldest brother, the Earl of Carlington, has a penchant for memoirs and poetry as well as non-fiction.”

“Memoirs...” She said the word slowly as if he spoke a foreign language with which she was unfamiliar.

“I don’t suppose you’ve considered writing something of the sort. A book of poetry, perhaps?” He raised a brow even as he prayed that she’d say no. He didn’t want her to write at all until Sir Alexander had been stopped.

“No.” Her gaze shifted, looking anywhere but at him, causing his heart to lurch. “Definitely not.”

“Annabelle—” He didn’t know what he could say to ease her disappointment, but before he could think of anything, she stood abruptly and held out a gloved hand, palm up.

“No need for further explanation, though I must say I’m disappointed you’re choosing to break our contract. We have nothing more to discuss at the moment.” She turned and strode toward the door as if anxious to escape only to turn back. “I would like my manuscript returned to me.”

“Of course. I have it at home though.”

She gave a single nod. “Please have it delivered as soon as possible.” Then she reached for the door.

“Annabelle, wait.” He rose, wanting her to stay so he knew she was safe. So that he could make certain she didn’t hate him as much as he feared she did. “You said there was something you wished to discuss with me.”

“You already answered the question I had. Good day.” She glanced over her shoulder, and he was relieved not to see any tears.

But he quickly realized the icy distance in