Page 64 of A Bride for the Devilish Duke
He seems pleased with my answer. That is well. I do not think that I could bring myself to agree with his dissolute attitude any more than Damien could.
“You may call meEmma. That is what my family and friends call me.”
The Regent clapped his hands to his heart.
“Oh my, a true honor. Thank you, my dear. I must introduce you to Maria. I think you would get along famously. She is a commoner but also loves the country. You will come to afternoon tea. We will arrange it.”
Emma's attention was all on the touch of Damien's hand on hers. He had shifted his stance slightly and now stood with one hand resting gently on the small of her back. It felt proprietary, and that, in turn, was a thrilling sensation. Chills ran up her spine. She knew that she was blushing from his gentle touch but hoped it looked as though she was simply thrilled at the personal invitation from the Regent.
“We can discuss that other matter soon, Redmane. The matter which had been left in my care by your illustrious father,” the Regent chirped as he turned away, “don't worry. I approve heartily of your wife and her family. Heartily! Yes, indeed!”
Emma bit her lip. The Regent had turned away so suddenly that she'd had no opportunity to repeat her curtsey to him. And had no desire to relinquish the touch on her back. A crowd followed the Regent; another crowd, smaller, closed into the void he had left. They all seemed keen to address themselves to the Duke and Duchess of Redmane, buoyed by the Regent's enthusiastic acceptance of them. She looked at Damien and found him glancing at her. He leaned close.
“I am sorry for the way I spoke earlier. I will explain.”
“Are you sorry for the right reasons, or is it just that you are grateful that I impressed the Regent?” Emma asked.
Their faces were inches apart and Emma was very conscious of the many eyes upon them. Damien's eyes bored into hers, making her feel naked before his gaze. Butterflies tumbled in her stomach and she could feel her pulse at her throat. She swallowed but did not look away.
“There is much that you do not know about me.”
“Much that I should like to know.”
“And after your bitterness towards me for forcing you into this marriage, can I trust you with the truth?”
Never had Emma wanted to be kissed more. She saw the chink in Damien's armor. Saw the contemplation on his face of whether to trust her. The war between his caution and his desire.
CanItrust you? I rely on you for my family's safety and security, and you have openly told me that you have no desire to be with me unless it is to perpetuate this facade in public.
“Do not keep your scintillating new wife to yourself, cousin!” Isaac or Jacob's voice interrupted heartily.
Both looked to see the twins at the fore of the small group that had gathered to ingratiate themselves.
“We should like to get to know her better ourselves. She is now family, after all,” Jacob chimed.
“Sister to us, as Charles is like our brother,” Isaac added.
Emma suppressed a sigh as Damien's face hardened, and he looked away from her. It was like he had lost his touch on her body.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
“Ihave enjoyed this evening. Very much,” Damien uttered dutifully.
Emma smiled. “As have I. I regret its ending.”
They stood in the hallway of Redmane that led to Emma's rooms, Damien about to ascend the next flight of stairs to his own rooms.
“There will be many more.”
The hallway light was dim, and the house was quiet. The staff had retired for the evening. A lamp burned on a table by the wall, casting a golden pool of light against which the shadows pressed. Damien was on the edge of that shadow, and Emma stood at its center.
“I look forward to that. I enjoy dancing with you. Talking with you,” she said, hoping the hint of sincerity in her voice seeped through her husband’s frozen exterior.
Damien stepped into the light, smiling too. “I also enjoy your company. Perhaps if you do not speak of my father in the future, then these evenings will be more pleasurable.”
“I will not,” Emma replied curtly, looking away.
Once again, he issued arbitrary orders based on prohibitions that she knew nothing of. If he were more open with her, then she would know what she was permitted to speak of and what was taboo.
