The words burned on her tongue, but Minerva couldnโt give them voice. What a hopeless coward she was. She could pound on his door at midnight and demand to be respected as an individual. She could travel across the country in hopes of being appreciated for her scholarly achievements. But she still lacked the courage to ask for the one thing she wanted most. To be loved, just for herself.
Tessa DareSo odd. Most women of his acquaintance relied on physical beauty and charm to mask their less-pleasant traits. This girl did the opposite, hiding everything interesting about herself behind a prim, plain facade. What other surprises was she concealing?
Tessa DareDonโt you do that.โ She turned away from the mirror, toward him. โDonโt you dare make a joke. It took a great deal of courage to say what I did. And you donโt have to speak a word in return, but I will insist you be man enough to take it. I wonโt have you making light of my feelings, or making light of yourselfโas if youโre not worthy of them. Because you are worthy, Colin. Youโre a generous, good-hearted person, and you deserve to be loved. Deeply, truly, well, and often
Tessa Dare