Titania quickly let her pretense of distress go when she realized Mr. Greyback was choking. She was hazardous to the man's health. Truly, she should walk away from this poor man before the Greybacks were left without a patriarch. She thought to reach for him, but caught herself before she could have him questioning her motives and morals. It seems she was determined to give him reason anyhow.

Anya was so careful, so cautious when it came to public perception, even now that she was beyond the desirable age. She'd been reserved so long, it was second nature, but here she was in shadows with an unrelated man. Anya hadn't initiated contact, but she didn't move to end it. If anything, she found his retreat upsetting. "That is the second time you've pulled away from me tonight. I am beginning to believe it is personal." As soon as the poor attempt of a jest was out, she regretted it. "I am so sorry, that was rude of me to say. I am too forward."

Before she could say more, he invoked the sibling she'd managed to forget for a moment. "Forgive me, but what does this have to do with Isobel?" Her eyebrow had barely risen, before the pieces clicked into place. "All of this was a ruse. Isobel's convenient illness, dressing me like a harlot," the knot forming in her gut kept her from even flinching at the word. "This is all some ridiculous joke then. How could I be so naive?" For a moment, sapphire eyes went to ice and she slammed them shut against the wave of frustration.

"I do not think you cruel, but contrary to rumor, I am not unfeeling. I cannot appreciate being toyed with in this manner. Did you know about this? The truth, if you please." While she attempted to keep her voice steady, she flinched at the vein of hurt in her voice, the vulnerability. What would be worse: his knowledge or his ignorance?

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