Page 79 of The Duke’s Unwilling Bride

As we step near, he turns a bit and instead opens a balcony window, motioning for me to come outside. When I hesitate, his smile turns predatory. “Come now. There is nothing wrong with being alone with your family. Not with you being so well matched with the duke.”

Every instinct in me screams to leave, to go back to the safety of the ball. And yet, if there’s anything in this conversation I can use, anything that can provide further proof, I have to see it through. I can’t allow my temerity to cause me to lose footing.

The cool night air sends bumps racing up and down my arms. From out here, the party seems like a distant memory. Too distant. Something isn’t right, but I haven’t a clue what it could be. It’s nothing I can put my finger on. Perhaps it’s too much drink? Or is it I’m in the presence of such evil?

“Tell me, Cousin. Does Foxford satisfy you?”

Whatever question I thought he’d ask me, this was not it. “I beg your pardon?”

He turns, his eyes blazing as he steps closer. “Oh, I think you know exactly what it is I asked of you.” Grabbing my chin with his fingers, he cranes my neck and looks down at my mark.

Right now, it’s my only saving grace, and again, I’m grateful Joseph gave it to me. “I was hoping I hadn’t. Your question is highly inappropriate.”

“Come now. No need to play coy with me. Most women take lovers after marriage. Most men, too.”

“We are not like that. I neither need nor want someone else.”

“Ahhh. But can the same be said for him? I’m sure by now you’ve questioned where he goes at night. Hmm?”

Internally, I roll my eyes. Since finding me at The Rose and Thorne, Joseph has not once left our bed chambers. But still… it is a sore spot of mine, and I loathe that Asher can apply such pressure.

“What my husband does is his own affair.”

“Even if that ‘affair’ is with other women? Ladies that can provide him something a gentle woman such as yourself is unable to?”

“Your point, Asher?” I grind out, unwilling to let this treachery take hold, especially from one that’s lied so much.

“My point, dear cousin, is I was unable to marry you. I needed to marry rich or marry you off and collect the dowry. Now that you’re locked into eternal bliss, I find I’m now in a position to offer you something I’ve wanted for so long.”

“You cannot be serious.”

“Think about it. Your husband is a busy man. No doubt unable to see to your many needs. Allow me that pleasure.”

The way he nearly purrs out that word makes me want to gag. He slides the back of his hand across the swell of my breast as he goes to cup my cheek. Revulsion churns in my gut until I’m nearly about to hurl all over the asinine Alpha who’s propositioning me. Through the bond, I cry out my distress, begging for Joseph to find me, to help me.

“Move that hand before you find it separated from your body,” Joseph’s voice rings out behind me, nearly buckling my knees with relief. “Oh, forgive me, Middlehey, I did not recognize you.”

I glance back, hurt and confusion swirling through my mind. But my husband gives me a soft shake of his head, so imperceptible I almost miss it.

Soon, my love. We must play this game, woo him over so that we may give the final blow. Hold on just a bit more. Can you do that for me? Can you be my good girl and trust me?

Taking a deep breath, I force my body to calm and step away from Asher and into Joseph’s awaiting arms. “Don’t be silly, darling. His hand is innocent, I swear,” I lie, charming my cousin. “He was simply inquiring if I was happy as your wife. Which, of course, I am. Deliriously.”

“Come. I am here to fetch you both for dinner.”

“Splendid,” Asher cries out, giving me a conspiratorial wink. “And I look forward to conversing with you later.”

“And I you, dear cousin.”

I watch his back as it retreats from us, waiting until he’s far enough away to collapse against Joseph. “He-”

“I know, love. But soon, he will not be able to so much as darken our doorstep. Shall we eat? I feel a nice claret will calm your nerves.”

We walk into the feast, and my eyes are drawn to all the couples eating and conversing. Everyone seems to be having a grand time, and I so long to revel in their happiness. Perhaps my husband is right, and I should partake of the strong drink he’s offering.

Joseph graciously allowed me to be the one to oust the snake, but the longer this charade goes on, the more I want to toss it back into his lap. Encouragement flows through the bond, reminding me I can be strong. Blazes, I took on a duke once with the rapier. This can’t be nearly as hard.

Rising from my chair, I tap the glass with the edge of my knife, my pulse pounding in my ears. All eyes look at me, including Asher. Still, he doesn’t seem to have a clue.