A Certain Wolfish Charm by Lydia Dare Page A

you."
       "For now," she added quietly. "Tell me, when morning comes, will you need me then? Or will you still be intent on sending me away?"
       She saw a number of emotions flash across his face. Then he shook his head and stumbled backward. "I shouldn't be here. I'll see you in the morning."
       Lily brushed away a tear as she watched him leave her room, wondering if she'd just made the biggest mistake of her life.

Thirteen

    Simon awoke with a splitting headache, blinking painfully when the morning light flooded his vision. What had he done the night before? Ah, yes, finished off a bottle of whisky. He'd started it before his encounter with Lily and finished it after. He was playing with fire where she was concerned. She was fortunate he'd been so deep in his cups last night, dulling the intense call of the moon, or he wasn't sure what would have happened.
       What a lie.
       He knew exactly what would have happened. He'd have taken her beneath him and ruined whatever chances she had at a normal life. He wasn't at all certain that her protests would have even hit his ears until it was too late. Thank God he'd been foxed.
       Simon pulled himself from bed, noting the room spun if he moved too quickly. "Parker!" he bellowed, covering his ears when they rang.
       A moment later, his valet threw open his dressingroom door. "Yes, Your Grace?" The young man's eyes were wide, taking in Simon's form.
    He must look even worse than he felt.
       "Prepare my bath, and…" his voice trailed off, certain Parker would know what he needed.
       Soon he sank down into the warm water of the bath and closed his eyes. How would he face Lily after the things he'd done last night? More importantly, how could he keep her safe from himself tonight, when he transformed into something that would terrify her? His drink had saved her last night, but it wouldn't help her this evening. He could imbibe all the whisky in Scotland beforehand, but it wouldn't make a bit of difference. The full moon would have him in its grips regardless.
       After his morning ablutions, Simon made his way to the breakfast room where he found Will slicing his sausages on his plate. He barely looked up when Simon fell into a spot across from him.
       "If you're looking for Lily," his brother began with a glower, "you're too late. She's already gone."
       Simon's heart lurched. Gone? "Where?" he couldn't help but ask, though he had no right. It was the best decision for her. Still, a cold emptiness settled over him. He couldn't imagine going through the day if he didn't get to see her. She'd left? Just like that? No warning? No good-bye? Just… gone? He must have terrified her.
       Will looked at him as if he were the village idiot. "To the Hawthornes'."
       Simon released a breath he didn't know he held. "Oh, yes, of course." Thank God.
       Will shook his head. "You're just making it worse on yourself, you know. You should have taken care of the situation last night when you had the chance."
       Will's hearing was as keen as his own. No doubt he had overheard the entire exchange with Lily, even if he tried not to. Simon scowled at his brother, hating that his privacy had been compromised. "She asked me to leave, as I'm sure you know."
       Will scoffed. "Like you've been asking her to do? Neither of you mean it. You're obviously made for each other."
       "Why are you in such a sour mood?" Simon finally asked, after a footman had placed a plate of baked eggs and sausages in front of him.
       Will's blue eyes shot up, piercing him. "Prisca Hawthorne not only sent her father's carriage for Lily, she also came along for the ride. Insufferable chit takes special delight in making my life hell."
       Simon raised one brow, the memory of his carriage ride with Lily fresh in his mind. Turnabout was fair play, after all. "I don't know why you don't just bed the girl and put the rest of us out of our misery." He took a bite of