Outside, they were both bathed in the cool evening air as soon as they stepped out.
The tension in her shoulders slackened slightly. She hadn't expected her words to leave such a painful weight on her chest, but what else could she do?
Looking at the large, warm hand holding her smaller one, she felt a sliver of relief. He had come with her.
A slight ripple stirred in her heart, but she quickly reminded herself not to hope for too much. After all, he had only married her by mistake, leaving his fiancée behind. And with Scarlett's temperament, she was certain she would soon be kicked out of the marriage.
She dared not hope for anything more.
Slowly, she twisted her hand in an attempt to pull it away, but to her surprise, his grip remained firm. She hadn't expected such strength when the touch itself had felt so gentle.
She lifted her gaze to meet his. "Can you let go now?" she asked softly, tiredness etched in her brow.
"Why let go?" he asked, a playful glint in his eyes.
