Page 60 of Wedded to the Sinful Duke

He bowed before her, offering other parting words. “I hope your husband knows how fortunate he is because I know you have been looking at him the entire time we were dancing.”

“Oh, I…” she started, but his smile assured her he didn’t hold it against her.

She didn’t have to say anything. He nodded one last time to her and disappeared into the crowd, leaving her even more confused than she was before.

CHAPTER 28

Jonathan’s jaw tightened as he watched Ciara and Lord Prescott twirl across the dance floor.

The sight of another man holding her, making her laugh, and sharing a moment that should have been theirs filled him with fierce, unfamiliar jealousy. His eyes followed every graceful movement, every smile she bestowed upon Lord Prescott, and it gnawed at him relentlessly.

“Careful, Jonathan,” Hector’s voice broke through his thoughts, laced with a teasing edge. “Your jealousy is showing.”

Jonathan snapped his head towards Hector, his eyes blazing. “I’m not jealous,” he growled, his tone betraying his words. “I simply don’t trust that man.”

Hector raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at his lips. “Really? Because it looks like you’re about to march over there and challenge him to a duel.”

“Careful, old boy,” Jonathan snapped, his fists clenching at his sides. “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Although Jonathan would never usually talk to Hector like that, it was obvious that Hector could immediately see what was happening. As with every best friend, he knew not to take it personally, and instead, he kept turning the mirror of self-realization in Jonathan’s direction, so he himself could see what was truly happening to him.

Hector chuckled, unfazed by Jonathan’s anger. “Oh, I think I do. It’s written all over your face. You can’t stand to see her with another man, can you?”

Jonathan’s glare could have melted steel. “I’m warning you.”

Hector held up his hands in mock surrender. “All right, all right. No need to bite my head off. But for what it’s worth, you should talk to her instead of pushing her away. You’re only hurting yourself.”

Jonathan didn’t respond, his gaze returning to Ciara. The dance was ending, and she curtsied gracefully as Lord Prescott bowed. The sight of her, so poised and elegant, only intensified the ache in his chest. He knew Hector was right, but his pride and fear of vulnerability held him back.

But then, he reminded himself that she was his wife.His.

The moment the music ended, and Ciara moved away from Lord Prescott, Jonathan couldn’t contain himself any longer. He crossed the room with determined strides, reaching her just as she was about to rejoin Adeline.

Without a word, he discreetly took her arm and guided her towards a quiet corridor, away from the prying eyes and curious whispers of the ballroom.

“What on earth do you think you are doing?” she hissed quietly, through clenched teeth. “Unhand me!” Her voice was low and furious as they reached the secluded corridor.

He spun around to face her, his eyes blazing with emotion he couldn’t contain any longer. “No, I will not! What were you thinking, Ciara?”

Her eyes flashed back at him, revealing anger. “What was I thinking?” she echoed his question back at him. “You told me to find a lover, Jonathan. So, I did exactly what you suggested.”

The words stung, and Jonathan’s grip on her arm tightened involuntarily. “You know I didn’t mean it.”

“Then what did you mean?” she snapped back. “You push me away then get angry when I do as you tell me. Make up your mind, Jonathan.”

He took a step closer, his face inches from hers. “He can’t have you.”

“Why not?” she demanded, her eyes searching his, not understanding why he would say that and change his mind so swiftly.

“No one else can have you.” Not even he understood, but he allowed the words to flow out of him like a river that had no end.

Before she could respond, he pinned her against the wall, his hands on either side of her head.

“No one else can have you,” he repeated, his voice a husky whisper. “I’ve claimed you. You’re mine now. Mine.”

Then, with a fierce, desperate passion, he captured her lips in a kiss. It was a kiss that spoke of all the longing, frustration, and desire he had been holding back. His hands slid to her waist, pulling her closer as if he could erase all the distance he had put between them with that single, searing kiss.

He could feel her initial shock melting into a mixture of anger and passion as her hands moved to his chest, pushing him away slightly, but in turn, his grip on her tightened, refusing to let go. The intensity of the way she kissed him back left him breathless, his mind spinning with conflicting emotions.

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