Free A Kiss With Scandal (Scandals & Secrets 4) by Janelle Daniels

the two of you together last night, I have a feeling it never quite went away.”
    Sugar lumps . Why, in the singular conversation Derek overhears, did her mother have to mention her girlhood infatuation?
    “It’ll be all right, dear. You don’t have to make any decisions while we’re there. But I just wanted you to know your father and I approve of the match, if it’s what you wish.” She kissed Charlotte’s cheek. “We’ll depart in a couple hours after our trunks are loaded.”
    “I’ll be ready.”
    Her mother left the room with Rosie, closing the door to silence.
    Charlotte didn’t dare speak. She couldn’t. What was there to say?
    Derek shuffled under the bed, emerging head first from the dusty depths. He brushed his coat off, but didn’t meet her eye. It was considerate of him, but it didn’t lessen her humiliation.
    She moaned. “Please tell me you weren’t listening to that.”
    “Would it make you feel better if I told you I wasn’t?”
    “Only if it were the truth.”
    When his gaze slowly met hers, her breath stilled. Something heated in the depths of his eyes sparked warmth within her.
    He opened his mouth to say something, but closed it, shaking his head. “I don’t want to lie to you. There’s been too many lies in my life. I can’t do it anymore. Not to you.”
    He seemed torn. Torn with how he should handle the situation. Was he as embarrassed as she? Or was it something else?
    “Look,” she said, “we don’t have to discuss this, all right? We’ll pretend my mother didn’t come in here and say any of that. You’re doing your job. That’s why you’re here. It doesn’t have to be anything more.”
    She held her breath, awaiting his answer. The air was thick, and whatever was said in this moment would set the tone between.
    He raked a hand through his hair as he paced the room. “Charlotte, it’s not that. Things are complicated.”
    She held up her hand. “You needn’t explain. As I’ve already said, I know what this is. There’s no need for more.” She smoothed the blanket, proud of her control when she felt tied up inside. “Now, how will we get you out of here?”
    “Let me worry about that. You focus on packing what you need. I don’t know how long we’ll have to stay there, but I’m hoping we’ll capture them soon. My men will continue to watch the house and inform me once you leave for my estate. I will follow you and conveniently run into you at the first posting inn, suggesting I join your party.”
    “You’ve thought of it all.”
    “’Tis my duty.”
    Of course it was. He was honorable, strong, and capable. Those qualities had always drawn her to him. Probably always would.
    After his hesitancy just now, she’d be a fool to dream there might be more between them.
    And she hated being a fool.

Chapter 9
    R eturning to his estate failed to produce the joyous sensations others experienced when retiring to their countryseat. Full of painful memories, Derek was just starting to tolerate coming back.
    The trip had been uneventful. With Charlotte tucked into one of the guest suites, he was assured his staff, trained for much more than household duties, would keep her well protected. And if that failed, any person who entered her rooms would be greeted by a high-pitched barking, white fluff ball. He still wasn’t convinced the creature was a dog, but he had no desire to get close enough to the animal to find out for certain.
    The animal had been sleeping in another room last night. Thankfully . The pup could have caused significant problems.
    Henry entered the imposing study, and Derek nodded in greeting. His father had ruled the house with an iron fist, and this had been his throne room. The dark paneling and towering brick fireplace were meant to intimidate. Derek hated the space and the memories it held as much as he despised his father. “I’m sorry for the wait.”
    “It’s no trouble.” The man shifted comfortably in the oversize leather