Scoundrel With A Noble Heart (sequel of Disgraceful)

Chapter 73

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Matthew's loathing eyes immediately roved over Jeremy's broad, muscled figure and his hands balled into fists at his sides. He remembered Arabella telling him that after the incident of the forced separation, she heard that Jeremy had already impregnated a serving wench, which meant that he'd been cheating on her all the time. Well, he couldn't blame the young, naive girls for falling prey to this cad. Jeremy definitely had his attractions. Even in rags, he was an arresting sight. A humble Adonis with hair the color of wheat, a pair of smoldering brown eyes, and a tall, muscular body.

As if sensing Matthew's scathing gaze, Jeremy turned his gaze to Matthew, who had the chance to give him the death stare a moment before the innkeeper's voice startled them out of the charged silence.
"Is everything alright?"

"Yeah." Arabella averted her gaze, while Jeremy hurried to take their luggage, and precede them upstairs. As they followed Jeremy along the dim staircase in silence, Matthew stole a glance at Arabella. She tried to hide her nerves, but her eyes couldn't lie. The usual spark had gone, and to see that Jeremy still had such an effect on her made Matthew seethe with jealousy.

Because their rooms lay at the very end of the corridor, the three of them should endure the awkward tension a little bit longer. The short distance to their rooms felt like a thousand miles, but finally they made it across the passage. Jeremy stopped in front of the second door to the corner and put down their luggage. He unlocked the door and opened it so they could see the inside, then he stepped back and wisely addressed Matthew instead of Arabella,
"Which luggage goes in here, Sir?"

"Never mind, you can leave now."
Matthew replied curtly, not bothering to hide the disdain in his voice. Without another word, Jeremy departed, his brisk footsteps echoing in the quiet corridor.

Once Jeremy disappeared down the stairs, Arabella brushed past Matthew into the room and crossed to the wide bed in the middle of the room. She sat down on the edge, gazing idly into space.

She'd never thought that she'd ever see Jeremy again, and the unexpected encounter left her shaken and upset. She remained silent when Matthew carefully moved towards her and stopped by her side.
"Bella, that man is ..." He let the sentence unfinished.

"Yeah, it's him." She kept her gaze averted as if afraid he might be able to see straight into the core of her soul. He let a few moments pass before asking carefully,
"Are you alright?"

"I don't know."

Frustrated, Matthew paced the short length of the room back and forth. He took an abrupt halt when a thought occurred to him.
"Bella, we don't need to stay if it makes you uncomfortable. We can go find another lodging."

She shook her head slightly.
"There's no need. It's getting dark and the streets will be dangerous to travel."

She was right. Besides, the driver had informed him that this inn was the only accommodation within five miles. Suddenly gripped by the feeling of helplessness, Matthew observed Arabella's expression. He really wanted to reach out and clasp her into his arms, but she looked somewhat distant and unwelcoming that he refrained from doing so. Still, he felt compelled to comfort her. Careful not to sound pushy, he gently began,
"Bella, if you want to talk about it-"

"No!" She suddenly snapped, startling him.
"Matthew, please! I just want to be alone right now!"

Her fiery response shocked him to silence. It took him a few moments before he could find his voice.
"Alright. I'll be in the next room if you need me."