Page 27 of When a Duke Desires a Lass

He was making headway with her.

“I vow, I’m a good listener, Emily, and trustworthy.”

Tilting her head, she searched his face.

“It’s not a pretty tale, Tobias. Nor does it shine a favorable light upon me, my judgment, or my integrity and honesty.”

She dropped her gaze to her hand still tucked into his. A ghost of a smile bent her mouth, so sad and fragile that a vice squeezed his heart.

What had happened to make her so distrustful? To have such a low opinion of herself?

“In truth, you may wish to keep Avery from my company when you know the whole of it.”

The last came out a meager whisp of sound.

What had reduced his intrepid, courageous Emily to this wounded creature?

“I sincerely doubt that, Emily.”

It was too soon to tell her that he loved her—had loved her for months. That nothing she could say or do could purge the love firmly bedded in his heart.

He nudged her chin up with his finger.

“Trust me, sweetheart. I vow, ye’ll not regret it.”

Presenting her profile, she shifted her attention to the storm brewing outside. Tobias would be bound that an equally fierce tempest raged within her.

He remained silent as the clock counted each passing second.

She must decide she wanted to confide in him without further persuasion.

He wanted her to reveal her secrets because she trusted him. Not because fear or duty or obligation motivated her.

Sighing, she closed her eyes, her golden-tipped lashes fanning across her delicately sloping cheeks.

Eyes still shut, she murmured so softly he had to strain to hear her. “I trusted a man once before and have regretted it ever since.”