Page 54 of Wedded to the Beastly Duke
She gave a little laugh. “Do you believe we are so well matched, you and I?”
Something flared in his eyes as he looked down at her, and although she couldn’t sense his feelings, she understood the want that washed over him in a shudder that seemed almost visceral.
“Aside from that,” she whispered, “I know we are aligned in our want of… certain intimacies.”
He blinked, his jaw worked, and for a moment he looked utterly dumbstruck. Before he could utter a response, the dance ended and she pulled back, out of his reach. Having his hands on her during a conversation like that—when she harked back to the most wonderful evening of her life—was a dangerous one. They were in public, after all.
“I should go,” she said, drawing away.
One step, then another, and for a moment he rocked on his heels as though he fully intended to follow her.
Then she turned around, and he let her go.
ChapterSixteen
Adam had fully intended to leave Emmeline to her own devices as the ball progressed. But every time Rickard approached her to ask her to dance, he found himself intervening to ensure she didn’t dance with him.
His jealousy made no sense—he knew that. Logically, he was very aware that as Emmeline was his wife, he had the prior claim, and he wasn’t even concerned that she might develop feelings for Rickard, no matter how charming the man might be.
The fact remained, however, that he couldn’t bear to see her dancing and smiling up at him, so desirable, so enticing. And Rickard, not seeming to understand his less-than-subtle warnings, kept approaching her, kept attempting to dance with her.
Hiswife.
There was only so much of it that Adam could take, and eventually, he cornered Rickard against a plant pot. The other man swallowed visibly, and Adam felt a wave of frustration that not only had he been brought here but they were accompanied by a man who was masquerading in their house as his brother’s friend when there was no proof of that.
Perhaps he was acting on his jealousy, but enough was enough, and he had reached the very end of his tether.
“Rickard,” he growled.
“Adam,” Rickard said, his gaze darting to his face and away again. “Is everything all right?”
“It will be soon. Let’s speak outside.” Adam nodded at the open doors of the patio. “I’m a trifle warm.”
Rickard looked very much as though he wanted to argue against it, but Adam left him no choice, herding him out of the room as though he was a misbehaving child he very much wanted to discipline.
Once and for all, they were going to get to the bottom of this mess.
The moment they were both outside, free of the gently blowing silk curtains, Adam rounded on Rickard.
“So,” he said voice low and dangerous. “Why don’t you tell me the real reason you’ve come to stay with us?”
Rickard looked like a rabbit trapped in the lamplight, his eyes wide and a little fearful. “I don’t quite understand your meaning.” He gave a shadow of his usually charming smile. “I’ve already told you.”
“No. You told me a version of events I’m not sure I fully believe.” Adam stepped closer to him. “My brother never knew you. You were not friends and never have been. So, let’s be truthful now. Are you my wife’s lover?”
Rickard blanched. “Of course not.”
“Do you aspire to be? I see the way you look at her.”
Rickard glanced at the door as though trying to judge whether he could escape through it. “I have no interest in seducing your wife,” he said. “She is a charming, elegant woman, naturally, but she is yourwife. Of course, I have no aspirations in that direction.”
“Is that so? Then explain to me how you convinced her to invite you to stay? Explain to me why she insists on defending you, when no part of your story adds up.”
“For that, Your Grace, you will have to ask her.”
“She believes your story, but we both know it isn’t true.” Adam leaned closer, taking in the man’s blue eyes, the way they were the same shade as his own. “So, I’ll ask again. Who are you, and what are you doing with my family?”
“I’ve told you the truth—my name is Rickard, and?—”
