When Love Is a Lie

( was already bright outside, and the household statt of the Howard residence had likely started their tasks for the day. Anytime now, someone would enter

aney’s room and help het downstairs to the breakfast table.

We expected Noel to have lett by now. She didn’t think he would still be here!

“Heartlessly kicking me out after ountryst, huh?” Noel strode over to the bed, reimigorated after last night. He raked his gaze down her neck

eds then did Whitney realize she was naked. She quickly pulled the covers over her bot hissed when a sharp pain shot up her arm. She had forgotten that her lett

At least try to remember your left wrist is hurt, Noel drawled, his brows forrowing as he reached for her wrist. Inspecting it, he mused, “Don’t bother covering yourself. I’ve already seen every part of you

“You knew I was still recovering, vet last night–Whitney broke off, blushing with embarrassment.

Noel glanced at her, taking in the long, dark hair that spilled over her porcelain skin. He could see the purplish–red marks on her skin from when he had gone a to rough on her last night

little

Blood rushed to Whitney’s face and the tip of h

tipot her ears when she caught him staring. She covered his eyes with her right hand, snapping, “Will you stop looking! “How can I when you’re so beautiful?” be countered, his voice deep and lifting.

spew such sweet nonsense? This was the first time she had heard him say it, and it was at odds with his

changed the topic “You I don’t want you climbing

coming into my

instead. She didn’t feel bad for doing

“Oh, Grandpa won’t

bound to marry into the Howard family at some point. Noël knew Elijah

felt for Margaret, and this was his way of maiding up for his past mistakes.

difference

asked in surprise, ware

maid outside asked if Whitney was

–

a little later? She

not frazzled and instead asked

someone outside” she whispered exasperatedly. What would the maid think if Noel waltzed out

were making things hard for him on purpose. “But you wouldn’t let me climb over balconies anymore.” The maid outside asked aloud

om

y in the

Now please go. Please!” Nort couldn’t bear teating her anymore when he saw her imploring expression and turned to leave through the balcony.

steps before he hurried back to the bed, tipped up her chin, and pecked her on the lips. Chucking, he left and disappeared from the balcony Only then did Whitney quickly pull on her

Howard family did not have breakfast together on most days.