Page 35 of A Marriage Most Convenient

“Honestly, Edmond, why don’t you just tell me what you truly think of me? It is not as if it will make this sham of a marriage any worse.” She put space between them, walking to the window of the study because she couldn’t bear to be so close to him.

The muscles along that ridiculously square jawline of his tightened. The bow of his lips was so defined. Perhaps on a less masculine face, his mouth would look feminine. But there was nothing feminine about Edmond. No, he exuded masculinity as if it seeped from his very pores. Why did he have to be so handsome? So dashing?

“All right,” he said, his nostrils flaring. “You’re spoiled.”

What had he just said? Her mouth opened and her eyes narrowed. “What did you say?

“Spoiled, Charlotte.”

“Spoiled? That’s what you truly believe? Precisely which part of my life makes me spoiled, Edmond? The part where my family’s fortune has been spent on medical costs to care for my ailing father?”

Shock momentarily crossed his features.

She glared at him, daring him to respond. “Or maybe I’m spoiled because the gowns you purchased for me for our wedding were the first new dresses I’ve owned in more than three years. Oh, or perhaps I’m spoiled because I got myself compromised by a rogue in a mask, and then rescued by a prince among men who loathes me. Even loathes the idea of touching me.” She released a hard laugh. “Do you have any idea how ironic that is? All the years with the suitors, being pursued and wanted, lusted after because I’m beautiful, and then this.” She motioned to the empty space between them. “And you would make me beg to be” ‘serviced,’ to have my desires slaked.” She swallowed thickly.

Damnation, but she was spectacular. Standing there in front him, her vibrant sapphire eyes flaring with anger, her glorious breasts heaving in frustration. He’d wanted this woman for years. Had used his hand on himself more since their wedding than he had when he’d been a boy, first learning how to tug an erection. Yet he’d been denying himself, denying her, for what? To punish her? Or to punish himself for getting them into this mess, and still not telling her the truth?

Right now, it didn’t even matter.

She was right, too. She wasn’t the spoiled, petulant girl he’d forced himself to believe she was.

He walked towards her, closing in on her.

Her eyes widened and she took several steps backwards, but he kept pursuing.

“You believe me loathe to touch you?”

“At the very least, indifferent.”

“Indifferent?” He barked out a laugh. “I feel many things for you, Charlotte, but indifference is not one of them.” And then he was upon her, pressing her back against the window and slanting his mouth against hers. There was no gentle seduction, no sweet little kisses. No, he put his hand at her neck and held her still while he devoured her mouth.

When they finally parted, they were both breathing heavily. Her eyes were glazed with desire.

“Does that feel indifferent to you?”

She swallowed and shook her head.

He grabbed her hand and dragged her to the door. He pulled her along behind him as they left the study and climbed the stairs to the second floor. Neither spoke as he led her to his bedchamber.

“We are not to be disturbed,” he barked to his valet.

“Yes,” the older man said with a nod.

Edmond closed his bedchamber door and locked it. He didn’t turn around to face Charlotte. Not yet.

“Remove your clothing,” he said.

“I beg your pardon?” she asked.

“You heard me.”

“What if I want you to do it?”

He spun around. “If I touch you now, I’ll simply tear those garments from your body and take you up against this door. Is that what you want?”

She opened her mouth to answer and frowned slightly. “I don’t know how to answer that.”

“Take off your clothes, Charlotte.”

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