Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8

“ E vie, are you sure you’re quite confident to accompany me? It’s been a long day, for all of us, you could always show me a visit to the library some other time.”

Cecilia pursed her lips, glancing at her friend as they strolled through the dimly lit hallways of the Holloway estate. The air was thick with edginess, the evening's events still lingering in the back of their minds.

Evangeline smiled. “No, Cece, it is fine, truly. We shall be a bit busy with the wedding arrangements tomorrow, so right now is a perfect moment,” she laughed awkwardly, “And we need the calm.”

Cecilia smiled weakly at her soon-to-be sister in-law’s positivity, “I suppose you are right, but still.”

“Of course I am,” With a bounce on her feet, Evie turned and walked in front of Cecilia suddenly. “In fact-” she hesitated, her gaze drifting over Cecilia’s shoulder. “I was just?—”

Before she could finish, soft footsteps echoed behind them, and Cecilia turned to find Nathaniel walking towards them, his presence shifting the atmosphere.

He offered Cecilia a weak smile. “Sister, may I speak to my bride Evie for a moment?” he asked, his tone desperate to be casual but with an undertone that suggested urgency.

Cecilia’s heart thumped slightly. She could sense the tension in the air, but she pushed it aside. “Of course ,” she replied, forcing a smile and a calmness in her voice. “I’ll… head to the rooms, I suppose?”

Evie’s eyes widened. “Oh, no, no, please, Cece. Head to the library. Follow the directions I listed earlier. It’s not quite hard to find. You’d love it, I promise. You’d find a number of books that could help you research too.”

Cecilia raised a brow in thought. “I don’t know. It’s already quite late, and-”

“All the more reason you should go!” Evie was quick as she cut in, “It’s best you familiarize yourself with the place, so returning at another time would prove less difficult when finding what you need.”

Nathaniel nodded with a half smile, “Go bury yourself in books till you’re ready to shut your eyes, sister. It would be a healthy distraction.”

Cecilia could tell the couple felt somewhat guilty for her butting in to defend their matter. She watched her brother closely, hoping he wasn’t so terribly upset, and his romance could trump these complications .

“All right,” she nodded with a smile. “I shall attempt to find the library by myself.”

Nathaniel chuckled, “God speed, sister.”

Evie looked between them, her expression mixed with gratitude and concern. “Thank you for giving us a moment. I shall join you soon,” she said, her voice softening.

Nathaniel nodded, his gaze lingering on his sister. “Indeed. Thank you, Cece,” he echoed, his words carrying a weight that made her stomach twist.

As they walked away, Cecilia watched them disappear down the hallway, their figures slowly fading into the shadows. With a deep breath, she turned back to her path, the echo of her footsteps filling the silence as she ventured deeper down the hallways.

As she walked, her thoughts were once again consumed by the events of dinner that evening. Each flickering flame cast dancing shadows on the walls, but her mind remained fixated on the duke.

The way he had held her gaze, those burning eyes piercing through the atmosphere, sent an electric thrill coursing through her veins till that moment. His voice, rich and commanding, had resonated with an authority that both captivated and unnerved her, leaving her breathless in its wake.

She replayed their conversation in her mind, the boldness she had summoned to speak back to him still reverberating within her. It had felt exhilarating in the moment, a surge of defiance against his imposing presence.

However, now that the encounter was behind her, a heavy fatigue settled over her like a thick blanket. Each breath she took felt labored as she recalled the intensity of his stare, the way it seemed to strip away her defenses and lay her bare.

After dinner, in an effort to lighten the mood, Evie had suggested the visit to the library, a place Cecilia had already expressed interest in exploring. It was clear desperate attempt to redirect their thoughts away from the tension that had filled the dining room.

“Let’s go after dinner,” Evie had insisted with a warm smile, her voice bright and hopeful, a stark contrast to the heaviness that lingered in Cecilia’s chest.

Cecilia had agreed somewhat halfheartedly. Yet, now she found herself growing excited at the thought of viewing at last, the expansive reading room Evie had promised.

Cecilia finally arrived at the library door, her heart fluttering with anticipation as she recalled Evie's directions. As she pushed the heavy oak door open, a soft gasp escaped her lips.

It was a breathtaking scenery, bathed in the warm glow of enclosed candle light that filtered through tall, arched wall posts. Rich mahogany shelves lined the walls, filled to the brim with leather-bound volumes, their spines embossed with intricate gold lettering.

In the center of the room stood a grand wooden table, its surface scattered with open books and a few delicate quills. Plush, deep green armchairs were strategically placed near the fireplace, where embers glowed softly, casting flickering shadows that danced across the walls.

Cecilia felt a wave of calm wash over her as she stepped further inside, the scent of aged paper and polished wood enveloping her, her fingers instinctively reaching out to trace the spines of the books.

Evangeline was certainly right.

She chuckled to herself as she selected a volume that caught her eye, and opened it gently, eager to lose herself in its pages. The words seemed to swirl in her mind, promising escape. Cecilia had always loved books of all kinds.

Just as she began to immerse herself in the text, the door creaked open behind her, interrupting her reverie.

“Evie?” Her head snapped up, and her heart raced as she turned to face the figure standing in the doorway.

Time seemed to freeze as she locked eyes with the person who had just entered. The familiar silhouette sent a jolt of recognition through her, and for a moment, her breath caught in her throat.

“What are you doing here?” The duke’s voice sliced through the silence of the library, sharp and demanding. His gaze bore into Cecilia, surprise morphing into a predatory glint that sent a shiver down her spine.

Caught off guard, Cecilia felt heat rush to her cheeks, a flush of embarrassment and anxiety. Words eluded her, and she struggled to form a coherent response. Alistair stepped further into the room and into the light, his tall frame imposing against the backdrop of the elegant library.

“What are you doing in my library, Miss Everton?” he pressed, his tone now laced with irritation, a hint of malice threading through his words.

Cecilia frowned, a spark of defiance igniting within her. “Evie invited me to see the library, I told her of my love for books,” she finally managed, her voice steady despite the racing of her heart.

Alistair raised a skeptical brow, his lips curling into a slight smirk that did nothing to ease her tension. “And where is Evangeline now?”

His question hung in the air, heavy with implication, and Cecilia felt a wave of panic wash over her. She clenched her fists at her sides, trying to maintain her composure.

“Perhaps I’m mistaken, but it seems you’re dangling on implying something rather… indicting, Your Grace. What are you trying to say?” she shot back, challenging him with her gaze, even as her heart thudded loudly in her chest.

Alistair took a step closer, the air thickening with heavier tension. “It’s rather odd, isn’t it? Evangeline inviting you here, yet she’s nowhere to be found.” His voice dripped with condescension, and she could see the amusement dancing in his eyes, as if he relished her discomfort.

Cecilia fought against the magnetic pull of his presence, struggling to rein her eyes away from the obvious pull of attraction, his strong build and confident demeanor being very hard to ignore. She could feel the heat radiating from him, an energy that was both alluring and infuriating.

“Perhaps she could’ve found herself busy for a moment, Your Grace,” she replied, her tone sharper than intended, trying to mask the flutter of her stomach. “Or perhaps she trusts me to explore on my own. As would be expected, considering we’re soon to be like sisters.”

Alistair’s expression shifted slightly, the malicious intent still lurking beneath the surface, but there was something else—a flicker of curiosity that made her wonder what he truly thought of her presence in his space.

“What game are you playing at, Miss Everton?” His voice was low, his tone dripping with suspicion as he narrowed his eyes, as though scrutinizing her every move. The library, with its towering shelves and dim lighting, suddenly felt like a cage.

Cecilia crossed her arms defensively, a wave of annoyance washing over her. “Is it now a crime to be invited into the Holloway library being a guest oneself, Your Grace?” she dragged, her voice firm despite the continuous fluttering in her stomach.

I cannot handle another confrontation with this man, not right now.

Why, oh why, is this happening? How could I be so unlucky?

Alistair stepped closer, his tall frame casting a shadow over her. The soft glow of the candlelight caught the intensity in his stormy blue eyes, and for another brief moment, she was struck by how striking he looked, even in this heated confrontation.

“It’s suspicious, considering the display you just put on earlier,” his harsh, yet steady tone drew her back to the moment. “I’ll tell you this; You’re not fooling anyone.”

“You would stand here and declare you truly believe me some sort of schemer?” she challenged, her heart racing. The way he stood, shoulders squared and posture unyielding, made her acutely aware of the power he wielded, and yet, she couldn’t back down.

“Though it might add an unnecessary grace to your level of intelligence, but yes, yes I do,” he retorted, a slight smirk playing at the corners of his lips, though.

Cecilia could see the tension in his jaw, the way his fists clenched at his sides, as if he were battling with himself. She lifted a brow slightly.

Perhaps he does not wish to argue with me either?

Then, leave, Alistair!

Cecilia took a deep breath, trying to maintain her composure. “You’re twisting this around,” she argued, her voice wavering slightly. “I’m not here playing any games. I am a guest, and above all, Evangeline’s friend. I was invited.”

“Invited or not, it seems you’ve taken quite an interest in my affairs,” he replied, stepping even closer, the space between them charged with an electric tension that made her pulse quicken.

Why won’t he stay away?

Despite the yelling in her head, accompanied by her best efforts, she found herself drawn to his intensity. She shook her head, trying to dispel the thoughts swirling in her mind. “I’m nothing short of absolutely uninterested in anything that concerns you, Your Grace,” she insisted, hoping her tone sounded more convincing to him than it did to her.

“Then why are you even here?” he pressed, his voice low and challenging.

Oh my goodness.

What is this… feeling?

Caught in the whirlwind of their confrontation, Cecilia knew she should back down, but something within her refused to yield.

“Do you find this appropriate, Your Grace?” her voice trembled slightly as she crossed her arms, trying to maintain some semblance of authority. The library now felt claustrophobic, the towering shelves of books a stark reminder of the isolation they shared. “Badgering me here. Two unmarried people alone in a place like this? What are you trying to achieve?”

Alistair’s expression darkened, annoyance flickering across his features. He leaned against the edge of the desk, arms crossed, his posture exuding confidence.

“Badgering you?” He scoffed, eyes wide with offense. “And you think you’re in a position to lecture me? After everything you’ve done?” His voice was low, each word deliberate, as he suddenly stepped closer again, cornering her.

Cecilia’s heart raced, a mixture of anger and embarrassment flooding her. “What do you mean by that?” she shot back.

“Oh, or do you no longer recall how you first threw yourself at me? Must I spell it out for you? Shall we revisit the day in detail?”

Insufferable man.

Cecilia’s cheeks were a bright red and it took everything in her to stop from making a dash for the door.

There was something all too different about the current situation. They were arguing as always, yet, perhaps it was the hour. It felt… dangerous.

“How long shall you continue to believe a false idea of how things happened? I wouldn’t have even been in a foot’s distance to you if it were up to me, Your Grace! You bumped into me!” Cecilia took several steps back at last, growling.

“Oh, spare me,” Alistair scoffed, his annoyance all too evident. “You think I don’t see your little game? Past the day we met, you’ve been trying to trap me into a marriage ever since you first set foot in this house. You want to be a duchess, don’t you?” His voice was laced with accusation, and Cecilia felt her cheeks flush with shock.

“W-what?!” It took everything in her to stop from laughing in his face.

“Desperate for me to notice you, is that it?” he continued, his gaze unwavering as he studied her, as though searching for a crack in her facade. He cocked his head and folded his arms, bringing to her notice his rolled up sleeves.

Cecilia clenched her fists, fighting against the flutter of attraction she felt. “You think so little of me,” she replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. “You have no idea what I’m capable of or what I truly want.”

“Then enlighten me,” he taunted, his tone sharp but there was a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. “What is it you want, Lady Cecilia?”

The question hung in the air, and for a moment, she hesitated, the weight of his gaze making her feel exposed. “I need not tell you anything about myself,” she shifted her gaze from him.

“You certainly did not care about keeping anything to yourself, even something as important as your dignity, when you kissed me,” Alistair’s voice was sharp, his broad shoulders blocking the light, causing only shadows to be cast over his malicious expression.

Cecilia felt a surge of heat rise to her cheeks, a mix of embarrassment and indignation. “I had no other choice! You were about to expose us in a hard to be explained, precarious situation, and I—” she paused, trying to catch her breath, “I did what I had to do.”

His blue eyes narrowed, a flicker of something between anger and reluctant understanding passing through them. “You think that makes it acceptable? You practically threw yourself atop me!” He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming, his scent filling the space between them.

Cecilia clenched her fists, battling the urge to step back. “It was a desperate moment, and you know it!” Her voice was rising now, filled with frustration. “You were being reckless, if anything, one would say your actions that night could be explained as you trying to trap me in a marriage. You wanted us to be caught!”

“You dare to call me reckless?” Alistair’s expression shifted, and Cecilia almost scrambled back at the sight. “And yet, you think no matter what the situation was, that justifies your actions? I would advise that you watch your tone, tongue and actions around me from this moment. I have let you get away with enough.”

Cecilia opened her mouth to respond but faltered, her gaze drifting away as she contemplated her words under such a fierce gaze. Her legs felt frozen to the ground, and a silence stretched between them, nearly suffocating.

Finally, Alistair shook his head, his jaw tightening. “I shall expect you to keep your distance from me from now on, Miss Everton. Surely, you’re expected to remain on my premises for a while longer, still, we must not interact.”

The command hung in the air, heavy and final. Cecilia felt a wave of annoyance wash over her. Yet she did not say a word.

“You have my permission to use the library, for now,” He gave her one last, demeaning look, and finally, turned to make his exit.

“Self-absorbed and arrogant,” Cecilia muttered under her breath as he walked away. She watched him go, the way he moved with an aura that both frustrated and captivated her.

Despite the anger simmering within her, she couldn’t help but admire the strength in his form, the way he carried himself. It was maddening. Why wasn’t his insanity enough to dissuade her from noticing the reality of his looks?

The conflict within her raged as she stood there, feeling the weight of the moment settle heavily on her chest, unable to help from feeling like this confrontation had shifted something between them.