Page 18 of The Duke and the Temporary Bride

“Oh…” She yawned further and shuffled back, her behind nearly grazing his manhood again. “Is it morning already? God, I slept better than I expected.”

Benedict was quick to climb out of bed, fearful of what might happen if he remained there any longer. The urge to climb over her was more than he could bear, forcing him to look away as he rose.

“How did you sleep?” she asked.

“Terribly,” he barked, angry at himself, not her.

“Oh. I am… I am sorry.”

He winced when he heard the hurt in her voice, but he did not dare turn around. Lying in bed as she was, the morning sun shining on her face, her nightgown barely managing to hide the voluptuous body beneath, Benedict did not dare gaze upon her.

“We need to leave soon,” he said instead as he rounded the bed and made for the door. “Do not linger in bed all morning.”

He did not wait to hear her response as he stumbled out of the room, finding safety and peace of mind around the corner and away from his wife. Alone, he pressed himself against the wall and took deep breaths, closing his eyes and focusing on anything but her.

That was too close. Far, far too close.

It was less than an hour later when they found themselves back on the road. As was the case yesterday, Selina sat across from Benedict, who spent the journey facing away from her, ignoring her the best he could. He felt guilty for behaving in such a way but told himself it was for the best.

What would happen when they arrived and were forced to live together? He still was not sure. But for now, dispassion and disinterest were the best he could offer. That, at least, would force him to control himself.

“How much longer until we arrive?” Selina asked suddenly, over an hour into their journey.

“Soon,” Benedict uttered, not looking at her.

“Could you please be more specific?”

He groaned purposefully. “Within the hour. Possibly less.”

“Good.” She shifted nervously. “I am not one for traveling, truth be told. It will be nice when we finally arrive.”

He nodded but said nothing.

Throughout the journey, he had dared cast the occasional glance in her direction. She was dressed simply today, in a yellow petticoat paired with a white chemise and a maroon spencer. Nothing overtly sexual about it, but with her ample curves, it was as if she was trying to tempt him.

Worse that once again, he could feel her watching him. He continued to stare out the window, praying that she would look away.

“Have I done something to offend you?” she asked suddenly.

“Excuse me?” He turned and looked at her.

She raised an eyebrow. “You have barely strung two words together since we left the inn, and while I have long since accepted that you are the strong and silent type, it is beginning to feel personal.”

“I assure you it is not.”

“So, you are not angry with me?”

“Why would I be?”

She shrugged. “Any number of reasons, I imagine. But this marriage seems like a pretty good place to start.”

“I have told you my feelings about this marriage.”

“And I have told you mine. Which is why I think it is rather unfair to hold it against me, as you’re clearly doing.”

Benedict clenched his jaw and took a deep breath. “I am not holding it against you. Far from it.”

“Well, what then?” she huffed. “To be honest, I thought that we were… I do not know, making some progress? If we are to spend the rest of our lives together, it would be nice if we could talk to one another.”

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