---- She didnt answer immediatelyshe hesitated, eyes fixed on the carpet.
Isighed and stood, walking toward her.
Answer me honestly.
Do you want to go to this academy? J...
[have to be a good lady so I dont embarrass Father Duke...
I will go » Thats not what I asked you, Lavinia, I interrupted, crouching down to her level.
I gently lifted her chin with my finger, forcing her to meet my gaze those red eyes filled with rejection at the idea.
It was obvious she didnt want to go and be locked away in that noblewomans prison.
Tell me the truth.
What do you want? Go on, dont be afraid.
Your father wants to hear you, I spoke to her with warmth for the first time.
It felt strange, but I knew how important this girl was to Katherine.
Tunderstood nowLavinia had been nothing more than an innocent victim of all the dark dealings of the adults around her.
No...
no, Papa...
I dont want to leave home...
her little mouth trembled, struggling to hold back her sobs.
ll study really hard at home, but dont send me to that school, I dont want to go, Papa, I dont want to! She suddenly threw her arms around my neck, hugging me tightly.
She started crying against my shirt.
I remained a bit stiff, unsure how to reactI had never interacted much with children.
In the end, I awkwardly patted her back and assured her she wouldnt ---- have to go to that school, that she could stay home happily.
I would hire the best tutors for her.
Lavinias scent was soft, childlike, but also floral.
However, mixed within it, I discovered another fragrance a hint of lavender that I had overlooked, buried beneath the emotions of this dramatic scene.
I lifted my gaze and turned my head, catching sight of her watching us from the gap in the door that Lavinia had left half-open.
Thad no idea how long she had been there, but our eyes met across the distance.
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Her brown eyes were wet, brimming with emotion, a storm of complex feelings swirling in their depths.
She pushed the door open and stepped into the office.
Her cheeks flushed pink.
She looked embarrassedI wasnt sure if it was because she had been caught watching or because of all the sinful, forbidden things she had done to me last night.
"Mama!" Lavinia lifted her tear-streaked face upon seeing her, but she didnt let go of me.
In the end, I picked her up and carried her over to where Katherine stood.
"Daughter, I was looking for you.
So, you came to visit your father," she said softly, stroking the girls hair.
Lavinia smileda real smile, one I had never seen on her before.
She always seemed moody and withdrawn, but now, she looked radiant.
"Mama, Father Duke said I dont have to go to that school.
You...
you approve, right?" she asked hesitantly.
"Of course.
Mama only thought before that it was the best choice, but I ---- was wrongvery wrong." Katherine frowned slightly, stealing a quick glance at me.
"My parents are the best!" Lavinia suddenly squealed with joy, slipping her little arm around Katherines neck and pulling her toward us.
She stumbled forward, landing against my chest, the three of us pressed together like a real family.
Lavinia hugged us both, rambling about how happy she was, while those warm brown eyes stared up at my icy blue ones, which devoured her intensely from above.
My free hand slid down to her waist, pulling her even closer against me as if we were truly a husband and wife holding their child.
Katherine avoided my gaze, speaking softly to Lavinia, but she didnt pull away from my hold.
Then, out of nowhere, a subtle touch ghosted over my chest where she was leaning against meher fingers lazily tracing circles over my shirt.
Her lavender scent filled my nose, drifting from her chestnut hair.
Something warm stirred in my heartthat possessive instinct of...
pack.
My pack.
And I would protect them at all costs.
!!!
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