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nShe noticed that since few days Warren seemed to have a change in attitude. It was as if he was trying to build a rapport by inviting her out with him. All of them had decided to play along until the truth was out of the bag but it made her ponder what Nicholas thought on Warren and her spending time together.

n“Sure,” she replied back with a smile. She didn’t know if she imagined it but for a fleeting second, she felt his eyes move around her neck before he looked back up at her eyes.

n“It is a large gathering for our family and friends at the Saint Boulevard estate,” he explained, getting up from the couch he stood there pausing for a few seconds before continuing to speak to her, “Heidi…I wanted to ask you something,” he turned around to face her.

n“Do you think, there’s still a chance?”

n“Chance?”

nHer brows furrowed in puzzlement before it dawned what he meant.

n“Is it too late?” He asked her with an emotionless expression on his face. She readied herself to speak about her feelings for Nicholas but Warren surprised her with his confession, “If it is possible, I would like to make you my wife. Not because of the truce but because I like you.”

nHer lips parted but with no words to speak. When she had asked about Warren, Nicholas had told her that he was helping in moving the truce forward but what was she supposed to say? If she was right, Warren had confirmed his doubt if Nicholas had bit her neck to place a mark. Obviously the mark was hidden due to which no one could see. It was still a mystery though on how it had appeared in front of Lettice.

nShe wished someone interrupted them right now but no one knocked or opened the door to the study room. This was something she should have prepared but who knew Warren would confess to her like this. Warren had been a gentleman. Sure, they didn’t come in terms about the slavery but he was a good man and he deserved to be get a straight answer. Thinking it was better to finish it at once Heidi spoke,

n“I am sorry but I don’t think I can return back your feelings, Warren.”

n“So it is late,” Warren gave her a sad smile.

n“It isn’t just that,” she shook her head, “I think some of us connect with the another on a different level even if the views are not same. Sometimes you meet people who will accept you no matter what and who you are without a word and when you do, you cannot help but fall further in love.”

n“Is that how much you love him?” Warren asked without picking Nicholas’ name in the conversation.

n“I do,” Heidi smiled softly staring down at the floor before looking back up at him, “Warren, you are a wonderful person and even though we haven’t spent much time you have been very kind to me. I am grateful for it but I am sorry that I cannot return back your feelings as my heart belongs to someone else. I hope you find a wonderful person,” Warren sighed.

n“I think most of us admire your charming quality of being forthright. Including Nicholas himself I am sure. Thank you for being honest,” he smiled at her holding no ill feelings towards her, “I hope he treasures you,” Heidi felt her cheeks turn red and she did nothing but smile.

n“Would you want me to accompany you to the soiree which you mentioned earlier?”

n“Only if you’re willing. We do have to close to the end line of the truce,” Heidi was glad that Warren took her sincere feelings without any retort to it. At least this way there would nothing awkward between them anymore.

nWhen Heidi and Warren went out of the room, outside the mansion entrance as Venetia and Warren were leaving, Warren spoke to Nicholas in a low tone to keep the conversation between them.

n“I know you were listening to us,” said Warren to see Nicholas raise his perfectly shaped brow.

n“Was I now?” he cracked a smile in the end.

n“I will wait for you to slip up. Once you do, I will take care of her,” Warren said to his cousin with a grim expression, “I am not joking about it.”

n“Of course, you aren’t but you will be waiting for the impossible. Take care, cousin,” Nicholas waved his hand. Warren stepped into the carriage before the carriage took off to the Lawson’s mansion.

nHeidi saw Nicholas look at the carriage that disappeared into the thick forest and when he turned around he looked straight into her eyes, his intimidating eyes were too much to handle for her weak, human heart but she continued to stare back at him. He made his way to where she was and leaned down to kiss her on her lips not bothering about the shocked expressions of the passing maids and servants. The servants were sworn to keep silent about their masters affairs therefore it didn’t matter what he did. She tilted back her head so that she could kiss him back. It was a sweet kiss that made her curl her toes.

nPulling back, she found Nicholas giving her a full blown smile which made her wary and in turn it made him chuckle.

n“Now that the nuisance is gone, why don’t we spend some quality time together,” he stated before tugging her hand which he held in his.

n“Where are we going?” she asked him curious with a spark of excitement.

n“Hunting in the forest for dinner,” and she let him lead her towards the horse shed with glee.

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