Once Upon a Temptingly Ruinous Kiss - Bree Wolf Page 0,85

he’s watching you, that he’s close by.”

Leonora began to tremble, and Drake tightened his hold on her, hoping she would find it reassuring. “Christina asked if something had changed,” she told him, her wide blue eyes looking up into his. “She asked me if I knew who it could be.” She shook her head, a helpless look coming to her face. “But I don’t know. Believe me, I’ve tried to remember, to somehow…” Her voice broke.

“I know you did,” Drake said gently. “Perhaps your sister is right.” He frowned, trying to remember if anything had happened or changed in Leonora’s life recently. “Perhaps something has changed, something that prompted him to send you the notebook, to let you know that he is nearby.” That he is displeased, Drake thought, but did not say.

“But what? I cannot think of anything.”

Drake thought back to the day of Lord Sedgwick’s visit, wishing he had seen the young lord’s face when Leonora had refused his kiss. “Has Lord Sedgwick called on you as of late?”

Leonora frowned, then shook her head. “No, not since the day he—” Her eyes widened, and another shiver snaked down her back. “Do you think it could be him?” She exhaled a sharp breath. “But why? He always seemed so…kind and…”

Utter disbelief lingered in her gaze, reminding Drake of how he had felt the day he had found his mother dead in her chambers. He had stood there for a small eternity, staring at her lifeless body, unable to believe the truth right in front of his eyes.

“It’s a possibility,” Drake grudgingly admitted, hating to put new fear into her eyes. When she looked up at him, though, he was surprised to see her gaze clear and contemplative.

“How can we be certain?” she mumbled, and he could feel her hands below his tense once more. “Did your investigator find out anything about the masquerade? About the guests attending that night?”

Drake wished he could give her better news. “I’m afraid nothing of importance. As expected, it has been most difficult acquiring names with certainty. Of those that he provided me with, none appeared to be the one we seek. I’ve had them followed for weeks, and so far, nothing out of the ordinary, nothing suspicious has been reported back to me.” A sharp breath rushed from his lungs. “I’m sorry.”

A soft smile came to Leonora’s face. “Thank you so much for everything you have done, for everything you are doing.” Her hands released their tight grip on her arms, and she moved them away, letting them slide out from underneath his.

Drake instantly regretted the loss of her touch. He made to step away but stopped when Leonora suddenly reached out a hand and tentatively cupped his face, smiling up at him. “Thank you.”

Countless heartbeats passed as they stood, simply looking at one another, things unspoken lingering in the air around them. Drake wanted to ask a thousand questions. He wanted to pull her into his arms. He wanted to know if she had truly kissed him back earlier that day. He wanted…

…her.

In that moment, it was as clear as a bright summer’s day. He wanted her. He wanted Leonora.

Forever.

Not only for those few stolen moments every other day. He wanted her in his life every day, every moment. He wanted to walk outside with her on his arm. He wanted to dance with her. He wanted to kiss her again.

Yet, he did not dare. He could not be certain how she felt. If indeed her heart had warmed toward him or if all she felt was gratitude because he offered her protection.

Now, was not the moment to ask. Now, was a time to act. Once and for all, they needed to find out who had attacked her, who was quite obviously watching her, following her. This had to stop. Drake needed to ensure that she would be safe from now on.

Gently, he placed his hand upon hers still resting upon his face. “I will have Sedgwick followed,” he told her, needing her to know that she was not alone in this, that he would be by her side. Always. “We will find out if it was him.” His hand pressed closer to hers. “You cannot go anywhere by yourself, do you hear me? Always remain close to your family and know that I will never be far away. I promise, I will watch over you. No one will hurt you ever again.”

Drake hoped with every fiber of his being that this