Page 84 of A Duke for Hire

“Thank heavens you came,” she breathed as he led her away, “I was just about to-”

“What the bloody hell was that?” Hugo growled, cutting her off as he pulled her into a dance.

Shocked at his sudden change in mood, Seraphina misstepped.

“Excuse me?” She whispered, glancing around them to see if anyone noticed.

“Carrigan,” Hugo snapped, “Regretting your choice in husband?”

Seraphina narrowed his eyes at him, angry that her reason for relief was turning into discomfort.

“The only remorse I have is coming back to this awful city,” she hissed. “If you had only heard what he was asking me–”

“I have heard plenty,” Hugo grumbled.

Seraphina pulled herself away from his grasp, not caring if it stirred more whispers or not.

“I want to go home. Now.” She stated.

“Fine by me,” Hugo seethed as they drew more stares.

“Tell me what is going on right now,” Seraphina demanded as soon as they were back in their London house.

He had not spoken, had not even looked at her in the carriage ride back.

“You tell me,” Hugo sneered, pulling off his cravat as he passed the bedroom floor. “What were you doing with Carrigan? Smiling at him like that? Letting him get so close?”

Frustrated, Seraphina began pulling off her gloves.

“Idid not allow him to do anything,” she insisted, “And I was only smiling to hide the utter rage he was making me feel! I was trying to avoid a scene!Everyonehad their eyes on us tonight.”

“I am well aware,” Hugo snapped, shedding his jacket. “They were not just watching us. They were talking about us.”

“Oh, trust me,” she snapped, “I know. Carrington was inquiring when I would be your prey.”

Hugo froze, letting his jacket fall from his grasp as his angry gaze settled on her.

“Hewhat? It looked as if you were flirting with him.”

Seraphina was taken aback.

“Flirtingwith him? I wanted to slap him for the things he was saying!”

Hugo’s shoulders dropped slightly.

“I thought you wanted him,” he murmured. “He would have been much better for you. A safer choice.”

Seraphina’s mouth dropped agape.

“I do not want him!” She insisted, pulling her jeweled hairpiece from her head. “I wasdisgustedby the things he was insinuating.”

She put the hairpiece down on the nearby dresser, and went to him. She reached for his hand but he pulled it away, giving her a distrusting look.

“I have never been like this before,” he said with annoyance, “Never felt jealous over a man paying any woman any attention.”

“Jealous,” she echoed, understanding dawning on her. “Is that why you are so angry? You truly think I would want someone like him?”

“Is that not exactly the type of man you wanted before our scandal?” Hugo insisted.

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