When Two Hearts Meet (Brightmore #2)

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter 24

It was colder than she anticipated, Oriana realised, gripping her cloak tighter around her throat and rubbing her hands together.

And Cole was taking his sweet time.

The centre of the maze had been transformed into a small romantic escape- perfect for a couple seeking a secluded tryst. It was not as resplendent as the set-up Dani had contrived for the scavenger hunt all those weeks ago, but it would do.

A smaller marquee was situated on the open patch at the centre, near the fountain and flanked by roses that were no longer in bloom. Oil lamps were lit, interspersed around the garden, for the sun would surely set soon and leave them in darkness. Inside the marquee, Dani had arranged for refreshments to be placed within a basket for them to enjoy later, if they reconciled, and just like before there were cosy sconces to warm the interior, blankets and cushions littering the ground.

Oriana hoped he would see it for what it was- a reminder of the day they had decided to first make the eternal commitment to each other, whether he sailed for months or not- she belonged to him.

She swallowed against the trepidation that threatened to overwhelm her, niggling thoughts or doubts making her fret that Cole simply didn't want her anymore. He must think the worst of her, and justifiably so. Inwardly, she cringed and steeled her shoulders, the longing to see him again and hear his voice stronger than her doubts, stronger than any fear she may have.

Cole made her wait another thirty minutes before stumbling around a corner, along with Lord Ashcroft who was, very firmly, holding the man by the back of his dishevelled coat. The captain cursed and straightened, his eyes snapping to Oriana with a coldness that hurtled straight through her soul. She swallowed.

"He's all yours, Miss Brightmore," Rhys drawled, releasing Cole who lurched away from him and tossed him a withering glower over his shoulder. "Apologies for the delay." The earl bowed slightly in her direction. "It took some... convincing to get Captain Stanley to leave the castle."

Cole muttered something under his breath that was directed to the earl, but Rhys merely gave them each a tight-lipped smile before taking his leave. Those grey eyes were coldly aloof as he considered Oriana, then the marquee behind her, before focusing on an invisible point somewhere to her left.

She braced herself for whatever was about to transpire between them, for his possible rejection, for even if they were betrothed... he could choose a different life, one where he was married to her but not with her. Oriana balled her fists into her skirts, every part of her beginning to shake- with the cold, with her nerves.

Suddenly, after a drawn-out moment of silence, Cole appeared to sigh and then turn, making for one of the exits, making to abandon her without hearing her out-

"Cole, please." It was a panicked sound, breathy and edged with tangible need. Oriana realised she had lunged a step forward, desperately drawn to him. He stopped, turned away slightly from her so that only his profile was presented, and his shoulders slackened. There was an ache emanating from him that matched her own and her feet carried her forward some more, urged by what she felt from him and for him.

"Cole," she whispered, now close to him. She tilted her chin up, willing him to look at her, willing him to turn and react in some way, any way. "I'm... sorry." Her voice caught, throat constricted. The sound arced through him and he shuddered. Oriana touched his arm, hesitant but unable to resist. Underneath his coat, firm muscle greeted her fingertips and she heard him expel a harsh breath. "I didn't know."