Sylvia Day - [Georgian 03] by A Passion for Him

pulling her away from the tree to shake her, his dark eyes boring into hers. “I’m sorry I scared you, but you left me no choice. You won’t see me, won’t talk to me—”
    She ceased struggling when he pulled her into a tight embrace, the powerful length of his frame completely unfamiliar to her.
    “I’m removing my hand. Hold your tongue or you’ll bring the guards over here. ”
    He released her, backing away from her quickly as if she were malodorous or something else similarly unpleasant. As for her, she immediately missed the scent of horses and the hard-working male that clung to Colin.
    Dappled sunlight kissed his black hair and handsome features. She hated that her stomach knotted at the sight and her heart hurt anew until it throbbed in her chest. Dressed in an oatmeal-colored sweater and brown breeches, he was all male. Dangerously so.
    “I want to tell you I’m sorry. ” His voice was hoarse and gravelly.
    She glared.
    He exhaled harshly and ran both hands through his hair. “She doesn’t mean anything. ”
    Amelia realized then that he was not apologizing for scaring the wits from her. “How lovely, ” she said, unable to hide her bitterness. “I am so relieved to hear that what broke my heart meant nothing to you. ”
    He winced and held out his work-roughened hands. “Amelia. You don’t understand. You’re too young, too sheltered.”
    “Yes, well, you found someone older and less sheltered to understand you. ” She walked past him. “I found someone older who understands me. We are all happy, so—”
    “What?”
    His low, ominous tone startled her, and she cried out when he caught her roughly. “Who?” His face was so tight, she was frightened again. “That boy by the stream? Benny ?”
    “Why do you care?” she threw at him. “You have her .”
    “Is that why you’re dressed this way?” His heated gaze swept up and down her body. “Is that why you wear your hair up now? For him ?”
    Considering the occasion worthy of it, she had worn one of her prettiest dresses, a deep blue confection sprinkled with tiny embroidered red flowers. “Yes! He doesn’t see me as a child. ”
    “Because he is one! Have you kissed him? Has he touched you?”
    “He is only a year younger than you. ” Her chin lifted. “And he is an earl. A gentleman. He would not be caught behind a store making love to a girl. ”
    “It wasn’t making love,” Colin said furiously, holding her by the upper arms.
    “It appeared that way to me. ”
    “Because you don’t know any better.” His fingers kneaded into her skin restlessly, as if he couldn’t bear to touch her, but couldn’t bear not to either.
    “And I suppose you do?”
    His jaw clenched in answer to her scorn.
    Oh, that hurt! To know there was someone out there whom he loved. Her Colin.
    “Why are we talking about this?” She attempted to wrench free, but to no avail. He held fast. She needed distance from him. She could not breathe when he touched her, could barely think. Only pain and deep sorrow penetrated her overwhelmed senses. “I forgot about you, Colin. I stayed out of your way. Why must you bother me again?”
    He thrust one hand into the hair at her nape, pulling her closer. His chest labored against hers, doing odd things to her breasts, making them swell and ache. She ceased struggling, worried about how her body would react if she continued.
    “I saw your face, ” he said gruffly. “I hurt you. I never meant to hurt you. ”
    Tears filled her eyes and she blinked rapidly, determined to keep them from falling.
    “Amelia. ” He pressed his cheek to hers, his voice carrying an aching note. “Don’t cry. I can’t bear it. ”
    “Release me, then. And keep your distance.” She swallowed hard. “Better yet, perhaps you could find a more prestigious position elsewhere. You are a hard worker—”
    His other arm banded her waist. “You would send me away?”
    “Yes,” she whispered, her hands fisted in his sweater.