Unwanted Attention

The sun cast a gentle glow through the vibrant foliage of the garden, where nobles meandered, their laughter mingling with the soft rustle of leaves as they adjusted their parasols to shield themselves from the sun's rays. Amara sensed their gazes before she even laid eyes on them. She stood out—a figure both admired and the subject of hushed conversations, the woman who had seemingly emerged from obscurity to capture Lord Harrington's interest. Positioned near a blooming rose bush, she attempted to blend in, but her thoughts were interrupted by the smooth, practiced voice of Lord Pembroke. "Miss Blake," he said, his tone oozing charm. "You've become quite the topic of conversation in the county. A mysterious beauty, indeed." She turned to him, mustering a polite smile. Pembroke was strikingly handsome, almost too perfect, with his golden locks and polished demeanor. "I wouldn't say I'm mysterious, Lord Pembroke. I simply prefer to keep some things to myself." He chuckled lightly, leaning in closer. "A woman of intrigue. Lord Harrington must be quite taken with you to keep you so near." Before she could reply, a shadow loomed over them. James's voice, low and unmistakably frosty, shattered the moment. "Pembroke," he said tersely, his gaze slicing toward the man's hand, which lingered too close to Amara's. "I wasn't aware you were invited today." Pembroke straightened, his smile unfazed. "Ah, Harrington. Always the protector. One might think Miss Blake requires safeguarding." "She doesn't," James shot back, his tone sharp. "But I do enjoy discouraging nuisances." Pembroke tipped his hat with a smirk, stepping back. "I'll leave you to your business, then." Once he departed, Amara turned to James, raising an eyebrow. "That was unnecessary." James's expression was inscrutable, but his jaw was clenched. "Men like him aren't interested in genuine conversation. Trust me." Amara sighed, yet the hint of protectiveness in his voice sent a warm flutter through her, no matter how much she tried to resist it.