Page 31 of Keeper of Secrets

“Why?”

“I’m going to button your dress and you’re going to tell me why you’re wearing it.”

“That is my problem,” she answered, her features growing harder than he’d ever seen them.

His gaze narrowed as he circled about her and reached for the tiny buttons, beginning the slow process of fastening each one.

Her sweet scent, floral with a hint of musk, filled his nose as his gaze traced the curve of her bare shoulder.“All of your problems are my problems, wife.”

She made a pishing noise.“I’m not your wife yet.”

“You’re my charge and soon you’ll be my wife.It’s my job to care for you.”

She looked away, her mouth tightening, as she purposefully didn’t answer.

He frowned in response.He’d never seen Chloe like this, something was amiss.What was wrong with her?He much preferred those lips under his in a kiss instead of pursed with disapproval.

He reached the top of her corset, finishing the buttons over the skin of her back, which was softer than the silk of the dress.He dropped his face closer, wanting to taste her skin.His fingertips danced across her back, gooseflesh rising on her arms.

He smiled, catching her gaze in the mirror again.“Tell me, wife.Where are you going?”

“I’m not your wife.Not yet.And even when I am your wife, you’ve been clear that to the rest of the world, you’ll continue to play the part of unattached duke.”

Her hands had pressed to her stomach, her elbows out.It only emphasized her narrow waist and the swell of her ample breasts, her cleavage visible in the reflection.His entire body responded, his cock swelling in his breeches.“I won’t ask again.Where are you going tonight?”

Her chin notched up.Where had the demure woman from a week ago gone?“The Rightly ball.”

He should be furious.She’d not asked him if she could attend events without him, nor had he any idea with whom she planned to attend.But relief pulled at his shoulders.They’d be in the same place at the same time.He could watch her, make sure no other man swooped in and plucked her fruit.Because the way she looked tonight…

“You’re not going.”

“I have to go,” she cried, spinning toward him.“Countess Green is on her way here to fetch me.It would be so rude to cancel now.”

But he’d remembered that Strongborn would be there as well.They were widow hunting.Not that a night’s fun would deter Strongborn.The man was also in the market for a wife… and Chloe, suspicions aside, was the most beautiful debutante of the season.The competition wasn’t even close, which meant Strongborn would be interested.But Ryker couldn’t very well tell the other man that Chloe was already attached.

His hand on Chloe’s shoulder tightened.“Chloe.”

“You promised.It was my only request, that I get to attend some events before I leave London.”

Damn himself to hell.Because Chloe’s happiness mattered to him.If he made her stay home after he promised, he knew she’d be upset.And he’d missed her these past few days.

But to bring her meant that she’d meet Strongborn.That he’d fail at his Club task.That London would see her in that dress.It hugged every lush curve, complimenting her large blue eyes and thick blonde hair.She’d have her pick of men.

His plan was falling apart, and he knew it.It had been a stupid plan to begin with, but the moment she’d added that addendum, he’d been doomed.And he’d allowed it.Why?

Because… he was enamored.Had been since he’d first laid eyes on her.Christ.

Now, however, he had to choose.Honor their agreement, knowing that it would be the end of his plan, the end of his involvement in the club.And what if Chloe was in league with Adam?What if she was the Judas?He didn’t want to believe it, but her timing was suspect.Either way, it was a fool’s errand to allow her out this evening.

He turned toward the door.“Sorry, love.But you’re staying in.”

And then, walking to the door, he grabbed the key from the lock, closed the door behind him and turned the lock with a decided click.

CHAPTERTEN

Chloe stared at the door.

Had he just locked her in?

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