Before she could speak the door open and Daniel stepped inside, closing the door quietly behind him as if he didn't want anyone to know he was there.
His eyes immediately looked into her her - worried, intense, searching.
"Mary" he breathed, taking stepped closer " my mother was just here what did she want?"
Mary swallowed hard " nothing important just household things. "
Daniel raised an eyebrow, unconvinced " don't lie to me . I know how she is what did she say?"
He walks closer too close until she had no choice to step back, her calves touched the edge of the bed and Daniel's presence towered over her - not threatening but overwhelming.
"Daniel please I'm tired I don't want any trouble. "
" trouble " he repeated softly " you think I'm trouble?"
His voice dropped as he cupped her cheek forcing her eyes to meet his .
"Mary, you've been avoiding me for days and now my mother comes talking to you?about what?"
Mary looked away but Daniel gently turned her face back toward him.
" she said something didn't she ?" He whispered " did she tell you to stay away from me?"
Mary throat tightened " Daniel....please your mother has plan for your life. She wants you to marry someone..."
" I don't care who she wants." Daniel cut in sharply
" i care about you."
Mary breath hitched " don't say that you don't know what you're doing. "
" yes I do "
His voice softened.
" I know exactly what I am doing "
He leaned his forehead against hers his hands resting on her arms.
" you think fees words from my mother will push me away from you? You're wrong."
" Daniel "
" no"
He slid his arms around her waist pulling her gently but firmly against him.
" I'm not letting you go. Not after that night, not after everything. "
Mary froze. Her pulse racing.
He held her any closer.... if he stay any longer.
He will feel it
Or see it
Or somehow know
Daniel pulled back slightly scanning her face.
" Mary what's wrong? You look pale."
His voice dropped into concern
" are you sick? Are you hurt?"
Mary's breath trembled. She shook her head weakly. But Daniel wasn't convinced his hands brushed ger stomach lightly as he tried to steady her.
And Mary's entire body stiffened.
Daniel felt it
His eyes narrowed slowly, suspiciously, intensely " Mary.. " he murmured.
" ... why did you react like that ? "
Mary froze . Daniel question hung heavy in the air and the closeness of his voice made her chest tightened.
She force herself to turn away slightly, hoping he wouldn't see the panic in her eyes.
" I am not reacting " she whispered, her voice barely steady " you just suprised me that's all ."
Daniel stepped closer his expression becoming sharper , more searching.
" Mary... stop lying. "
His tone wasn't angry. It's was worried, confused " you've never looked at me like that before, like you're scared of me."
She shook her head quickly " I'm not scared of you."
" but something is wrong. "He insisted " ever since you came back from the hospital you've been... distant, avoiding me and now the moment I walk in you pull back like you touched fire."
Before she could answer footsteps sounded in the hallway.
The doorknob began to turn.
The door open gently and a maid stepped inside. She frozewhen she saw Daniel.
" s..sorry to interrupt " she said quickly keeping her eyes low." Mr Daniel ... madame Carter is looking for you."
Daniel blinked, surprised " for me?"
"Yes sir She said it's urgent."
Mary fell a brief if relief escape her. So small that Daniel didn't notice. The pressure in the room loosened just slightly.
Daniel ran a hand through his hair, frustration flickering across his face before his control it.
" alright "he said with slow exhale . But then he turn to Mary again his voice hovering " we're not done talking. Mary, I'm coming back."
Her stomach tightened but she nodded silently.
Daniel looked like he wanted to say more ask more. But the maid stood waiting and he finally stepped past her.
As he walked out he looked over his shoulder once more lingering on Mary with worry and something deeper he hadn't dare to name yet.
The moment the door close, Mary let out a shaky breath her hands trembling.
She knew his question would only grow sharper.
And she knew she wasn't ready for the day he learned the truth.