Taming of the Beast (Scandalous Affairs #2) - Christi Caldwell Page 0,71

having doubted him swelled all the more as more layers of the mystery that was this man fell into place, revealing the complex puzzle of Tynan Wylie.

Color splotched the rugged planes of his clean-shaven cheeks. “I only—”

“And do not say you only look after them because of a service they provide to you,” Faye cut off that feeble excuse. “Because I’ve already said they aren’t serving you now, and you are still providing a home for them. You care about them. And,” she said gently, “that is nothing to be ashamed of, but only something to be admired for.”

A muscle ticked at the corner of his eye, and reflexively, Faye brushed her fingertips over that throbbing.

“You’re imagining Sara and I something different than we are,” he said somberly. “You see a fancy, well-spoken, well-dressed young woman, one whom you could probably confuse as a member of your station.”

“That you were born outside the peerage doesn’t make any of those things you say untrue or different,” she murmured.

“We’re not those things, Faye.” He drew back, and her hand was left stroking the air. “We lived in a workhouse. I crushed bones that were used for fertilizer in some,” he flicked a crystal bead dangling from her sleeve, “fine lord’s gardens. And at just four, my sister was actually planting a garden to earn her keep, because that’s what’s expected of all who live in those godforsaken places.”

Hurt cleaved at Faye’s heart for the struggle he and his sister had known.

On the heels of that was pride for what he’d risen against and shame at having been so oblivious to the plight of those like him. This was why he’d jeered her, insisting that she didn’t know about struggle. Because she didn’t. Not compared to what he spoke about and had lived and not what so many others had lived and still did.

“I know what you’re thinking,” he said.

“You couldn’t begin—”

“That I’m to be admired for somehow rising up. I didn’t,” he said flatly. “I was pulled out. Saved by a benevolent lord who pitied me.” Bitterness filled his eyes. “By a man who knows better now.”

Then it hit her. “You went to him, didn’t you?” When he’d been dashing about, and she’d gone to his residence, believing the worst about him, he’d been attempting to salvage his work.

“Aye. And he’s not wrong for denying me this time.”

Her heart flipped at the hopelessness that stole through his eyes. She knew a proud man like him would be horrified to know she’d seen that fleeting sentiment. “You’ve done what you needed in the name of survival. If he does not understand that, then he was never as benevolent as you claim he was. You and your sister are not less because of your birthright, which is beyond our control.”

A glint sparked in his eyes, but the flicker of warmth went out like a swiftly snuffed candle. “This from the woman who believed I had her attacked?”

“I deserve that. I was wrong,” she said, proper shame bringing her gaze briefly down to the pretty patterned floral carpet under their feet.

Tynan nudged her chin, forcing her gaze up to his. “It doesn’t matter, Faye. You weren’t. Not in the way that matters most, questioning my motives, mistrusting what I’m capable of.”

His hand fell away, and she mourned the loss of that coarse, but tantalizing, caress. There was a finality to that pronouncement, and as he took a step toward the door, she moved in a whirl of skirts, positioning herself in front of him.

“I don’t want this to end.” She meant what had sprung to life so quickly between them. “Our arrangement.” She settled for the safer, less complicated words and thoughts she couldn’t sort out.

Tynan cupped a hand about her nape, the power and heat of that touch instantly liquefying her, turning her muscles useless, and warming her inside as she melted against him. “You were the one who declared it over and walked off yesterday, Faye. Are you telling me you’ve changed your mind?”

“I did,” she whispered. “I have. Changed my mind.” Her eyes went to his mouth. “About so much.”

His gaze fell to her lips, and that same tempting spell that had dazed her on the streets when she’d first tasted his kiss took hold now. She went up on tiptoe just as he bent his head, and their mouths met in the kiss she’d craved.

All too briefly.

Footfalls echoed in the hall.

Tynan yanked his lips from hers. He was immediately across the