The Day of the Duchess (Scandal & Scoundrel, #3)

by Sarah MacLean

“I cannot take it back. I can only tell you that I—” “I know.” She cut him off. “You were angry.” “I was more than angry.” He reached for her, trying to explain himself. She stepped backward toward the trees, and he stilled. If she did not wish his touch, he would not give it. “I was destroyed. You didn’t tell me—Christ, Sera. I was to be a father.” She shook her head. “You didn’t want her.” The words stole his breath. “I never said that.” “You did!” The accusation came on a flood of anguish. “You said you didn’t want a life with me. You didn’t want a family. You didn’t want children.” “I was wrong. I was angry and I was wrong,” He rushed to right it. “I wanted that life. I wanted that child.” Christ, how they had ruined each other. He pressed on. “I wanted that child, and I wanted you. But I was too angry, too cowardly, too rash to see it. I’ve never wanted to hurt someone as much as I did that day. I thought it was a lie—everything between us.” She nodded. “It wasn’t.” “No. It wasn’t.” “She wasn’t a lie, either.” “No. She wasn’t.” He ran a hand through his hair, the only thing he could do to keep himself from touching her. “Sera, if I could take it all back . . .” She shook her head. “Don’t. You can’t take it back, and even if you could . . . If we’d stayed together, something else would have driven us apart. Don’t you see?” No. He didn’t see, dammit. “That’s the point,” she continued. “I’ve never not wanted to kiss you, Mal. I’ve never not been willing to beg for your t...