Page 98 of The Duke's Jilted Bride

As pleasure built toward its peak, she kept her eyes open, watching the emotions play across his face. The vulnerability there, the wonder, mirrored what she felt in her own heart. When release finally claimed her, it washed through her in waves that seemed to flow between them as she cried out his name.

He followed moments later, his body tensing above hers before shuddering in surrender. They remained connected as their breathing slowed, neither willing to break the bond they had forged.

Later, as they lay tangled together on the Turkish rug in front of the cold hearth, Selina traced slow, idle patterns across Rowan’s chest, her thoughts drifting in the soft glow of afterglow. The study’s familiar features—his orderly desk, the book-lined walls, the decanter of brandy resting untouched—seemed transformed, quietly sanctified by the intimacy they had just shared.

“We should dress for dinner,” she murmured, though she made no move to rise.

“Mmm.” His fingers skimmed lazily over her bare shoulder. “In a moment.”

She smiled against his skin, perfectly content to stay where she was. A month ago, she never would have imagined this. Not just lying in her husband’s arms, but feeling truly at home there. Trusted. Wanted. Loved.

The realization struck with quiet force.

She loved him.

Not out of duty, as she had loved her first husband. Not with the resignation that had accompanied the start of this marriage. But with something true and unshakable, something that filled every space in her heart.

She loved her husband.

His strength and his scars. His careful words and quiet gestures. The man who had survived the unthinkable, yet still held tenderness in his hands. The duke who had once married her for convenience, yet now looked at her as if she were irreplaceable.

It should have frightened her, given everything they had been through.

Instead, it felt like peace.

CHAPTER 32

“Imust say, the Hartington ball has exceeded my expectations,” Felix declared, raising his champagne glass in a mock toast. “The music is tolerable, the food isn’t poisoning anyone, and Lady Hartington hasn’t cornered me about her unmarried niece even once.”

Rowan smiled despite himself. “The evening is young. Give her time.”

“Speaking of time,” Felix nodded toward the entrance, where Matthew Colfield had just arrived. “Your wife’s former suitor has made an appearance.”

Rowan followed his gaze, studying the viscount with an objectivity that would have been impossible weeks ago. The man looked pleasant enough in his formal attire, though his cravat sat slightly askew. He scanned the room, his face brightening when he spotted someone in the crowd.

“He seems happy,” Selina observed, appearing at Rowan’s side and slipping her hand through his arm. “Miss Thornton must be here.”

“You’re not planning another matchmaking scheme, are you?” Rowan asked, surprising himself with the lightness in his tone.

“I don’t think they need my help anymore,” Selina replied, nodding toward where Matthew now stood, engaged in animated conversation with a pretty young woman. The way he leaned toward her, his entire focus on her words, spoke volumes.

Felix chuckled. “Young love. So earnest, so awkward.”

“As opposed to old love like yours?” Rowan shot back. “Remind me, which widow are you currently pursuing?”

“None at present,” Felix said with exaggerated dignity. “I’m taking a sabbatical from romance to focus on more serious matters.” He winked at Selina. “Like ensuring your husband remembers how to enjoy himself occasionally.”

Selina laughed, the sound drawing Rowan’s gaze to her face. She looked radiant tonight in a gown of deep emerald that brought out the gold in her hair and the warmth in her eyes. The sight of her happy—truly happy—sent a curl of satisfaction through his chest.

“If you’ll excuse me,” Felix said, suddenly spotting someone across the room. “Lady Cromwell just arrived, and she promised to introduce me to her brother about that shipping venture.”

As Felix disappeared into the crowd, Selina leaned closer to Rowan. “He’s not really interested in shipping, is he?”

“Not in the slightest,” Rowan confirmed. “Lady Cromwell’s companion, however…”

Selina shook her head, smiling. “Some things never change.”

They made their way through the ballroom, stopping occasionally to exchange pleasantries with acquaintances. Rowan found himself surprisingly at ease, the social niceties that had once felt like an intolerable burden now merely a backdrop to the pleasure of having Selina by his side.

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