Once Upon a Temptingly Ruinous Kiss - Bree Wolf Page 0,83

Do you not remember how he reacts every time the papers report about yet another useless, immature altercation in Hyde Park? He detests people who solve their problems in such a childish way. He would never do that.”

Leonora stared at her sister, wishing she could believe her. “You cannot be certain of that. It is always different to imagine what one would do if one were in that situation. It is quite another matter once one actually finds oneself in that situation. I will not risk any of my family for this. Not Father. Not Troy.”

Christina sighed. “Then what will you do? You cannot simply ignore this. Who knows what he’ll do next!” She looked imploringly into her sister’s eyes. “You cannot handle this on your own.”

Leonora stilled, her gaze no longer seeing her sister. “No, I cannot,” she mumbled absentmindedly, doing her utmost to ignore the sense of panic that began crawling up her spine. “I need…”

Drake.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

A Trusted Ally

When Drake heard footsteps echo closer down the hall, his mind immediately went to Leonora. And then he remembered how she had left earlier that day, that thoughtful look in her eyes. What had gone through her head? Had she come to regret their kiss? Did she now?

It was a thought he could not banish from his mind. It tormented him, and he found himself rising to his feet again and again, pacing the length of the room, his thoughts helplessly entangled.

And then the door burst open, and despite his disbelief, it was Leonora who suddenly stood there.

Only now, naked fear stood in her eyes in a way Drake had never seen it. She was all but panting for breath, and although her cheeks were flushed, her skin seemed pale.

Shooting to his feet, Drake rounded his desk and in a few large strides, he was by her side. Forgotten was every thought of not frightening her by a sudden approach. “Are you all right? What happened?” he demanded, his hands reaching for hers, finding her skin ice-cold and her fingers trembling even wrapped within his own.

Her chest continued to rise and fall with each rapid breath as she stared up at him. It seemed all thoughts had fled her mind, and for a moment, Drake worried that she had gone into shock. What could have happened to her between the time she had left his house and now? She had gone home after all, had she not?

“Leo!” Drake called, his hands gripping her shoulders and giving her a slight shake.

Although her gaze cleared, tears came to her eyes, and she suddenly looked utterly vulnerable.

Breakable.

And then she closed her eyes and sank into his arms, sobbing helplessly. Her knees buckled, and Drake barely managed to catch her before she could slump to the floor.

Gently, he picked her up, looking around, his eyes sweeping over the study. He wished he had a settee here and briefly considered taking her into the drawing room. Still, she had never been anywhere else in his house. This was their room, and for a reason he could not name, Drake did not dare force her out of this familiarity.

Ultimately, he had no choice and decided to set her down in one of the armchairs. Yet, when he tried, her arms around his shoulders tightened and she clung to him like a magnet, unwilling to let go. And so, Drake took the seat himself, holding her on his lap as she continued to cry.

Overwhelmed, he held her close, not knowing what else to do. His heart broke at the sight of her misery, and he felt a familiar outrage slowly building in his chest. His muscles tensed, demanding a release, something to do. Yet, all he could do was hold her. His hands brushed over her arms and shoulders. He gently touched her face and tugged a curl behind her ear. He touched her in a way he had never dared before and was genuinely surprised to feel her snuggling closer.

Long moments passed before her sobs finally began to calm. Her breathing slowly evened, and he could feel in the way her body grew rigid that she was slowly becoming aware of how she lay nestled in his arms. “Do you want me to release you?” he whispered in her ear, her head still resting upon his shoulder.

At first, Drake thought she might not have heard because she remained quiet. Then, however, her fingers curled more tightly into his jacket. “No,” Leonora finally replied, her voice still