The Kiss that Sparked it All

“Did I ask for your opinion?” Nolan turned his head, giving Madeline a fleeting glance that seemed to splash her excitement with icy water.

Madeline’s words got stuck in her throat as if the chill from his gaze had frozen them solid.

Imogen, feeling a mixture of frustration and sympathy, nudged her daughter, who stood frozen in place. The girl had a penchant for the spotlight, but she had to learn when to step back. Nolan wasn’t someone she could just approach on a whim. Hadn’t she seen the fire in his eyes when he caught sight of Regina’s bruised face?

Madeline was too quick to defend Francis, not using her head. Imogen’s heart softened, though; after all, Nolan was her daughter’s first crush, and it pained her to see Madeline so heartbroken, especially since Francis had so hastily matched Regina with him.

Imogen simmered with resentment. Why should that woman’s daughter be so lucky to land Nolan? He was supposed to be the perfect catch for her own girl!

Even Francis gave Madeline a disapproving look. She still hadn’t given up, had she? No matter what, Nolan wouldn’t fall for a girl of her status, even if he wasn’t with Regina.

And it wasn’t that Francis was snobbish, but Madeline, despite years under his roof, couldn’t hold a candle to his eldest. She was all about looks, neglecting her studies entirely.

Only Imogen, short-sighted as she was, would try to pull the wool over his eyes on her daughter’s behalf. But what did it matter to Francis if she learned anything or not? His concern was his own daughter’s success.

He knew his responsibilities. Regardless of how obedient Madeline seemed, she wasn’t his to count on in his old age.

Now, all his hopes were pinned on Imogen, giving him a son to carry on the Tanner family name.

Regina blushed under Nolan’s intense gaze. The half of her face that had been struck was already swollen, and now she was heating up with embarrassment. Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

“I’m okay, really. It just looks worse than it is,” she murmured, trying to free herself from his concern.

Nolan’s frown deepened. “Are you telling me this happens often at home?”

Before Regina could deny it, her father hastily interjected, “Not at all. I never lay a hand on Regina, I just lost my temper today, that’s all. You know I wouldn’t take my anger out on my own family, let alone my daughter.”

A savvy servant had already set out fresh fork and plates beside Regina’s seat.

“Since you’re here at lunch time, why not join us?” Francis offered. “I’m afraid we’ve started on some of the dishes, but the kitchen can whip up something else if you prefer. What do you fancy?”

Regina, hopeful, looked to Nolan for approval. Even if he was upset, he couldn’t turn down a meal, especially when she was looking at him with those eyes.

“Just order what you like; I trust your taste,” he said, his resolve softening despite himself.