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.

first time she had heard him say it, and it was at odds with his cold and imposing facade.

don’t want you

then.” “You will do no such thing!” Whitney snapped incredulously. “This is the Howard residence. People will talk if they see you coming into my bedroom so often. “I didn’t malire you were so afraid of mere talk. Are you worried Damian might hear about our little trysts?” Noel asked, tong his dark, piercing gaze on her She explained, “I just don’t want Grandpa to hear of this trant disappoint him or break his heart like

yet she somehow ended up getting tangled with Noel instead. She didn’t feel bad for doing this to Damian, though she couldn’t help her guilt toward Elijah.

won’t be

Howard family at

of the guilt he felt for Margaret, and this was his way

were case, it wouldn’t make a difference who whitney married, even

surprise, ware of Noel’s

then, a lock came from the door. The maid outside asked if Whitney was

–

come back a little later? She shot Noel a wide–eyed look and urged in hushed

instead asked deliberately, “Through the

There’s someone outside” she whispered exasperatedly. What would

hands up as if Whitney were making things hard for him on purpose. “But you wouldn’t let me climb over balconies anymore.” The

om

y in the

pleading look. “This will be the last time I have you climb over balconies. Now please

pecked her on the lips. Chucking, he left and disappeared from the balcony Only then did Whitney quickly pull on her clothes. A few minutes later, she

not have breakfast together on most