Before she could protest again, he stole her mouth, tasting the sweetness of the girl she’d once been. And the woman, the innocent beauty who was slowly captivating him.

“You kissed me like this when we were younger,” he breathed, grazing her breasts with the pearls once more. “Do you remember?”

“In the stables,” she whispered. “I was sixteen.”

When he tried to kiss her again, she stepped back, tangling her hair in the hedge. “Do they know about our marriage?”

“Probably,” he acceded. “I’ve heard the gossips whispering.”

“And what will you tell them?”

“Nothing. It’s best if they think I didn’t want a wife. It will protect you from my enemies.” If no one knew that she meant something to him, it might keep her safe.

Her expression grew stricken. “You want me to go back inside, letting them think I trapped you into marriage?” Emily disentangled herself, stepping free of his embrace. “No, thank you.”

It wasn’t what he’d meant at all. “Just stay away from my side for tonight, Emily. Let me worry about the details.”

“And that very small detail that you chose to marry me?”

“It would not be for long,” he added. “You need only keep out of society until the man is caught. After that, I’ll reveal everything.”

“Don’t make me a part of your games.” She took another step backwards. “If you won’t admit the truth, then don’t cast the blame upon me. I’d just as soon keep our marriage a secret, if it’s all the same to you.” She strode away from him, not looking back.

But it was far too late for secrets. Stephen let her go, biding his time. Tonight, when they were alone, he would make her understand. And perhaps then, he’d demonstrate exactly what he wanted.

Her. In his bed.

Emily danced with Freddie and endured the fascinated glances of strangers. Beneath her stiff posture and masked smile, she was drowning inside. Her husband was tearing her apart, one moment making her feel hope, and then another pretending as though she didn’t exist.

She did want Stephen back in her life but not as his convenient wife. Not as a woman cast aside whenever he chose. If he could not acknowledge her, then she didn’t want him at all.

Her dance with Freddie ended, and she curtsied. After he departed to pay his respects to their hostess, she stood among a group of young ladies drinking lemonade. Beyond polite responses, they made no further conversation. It was as though the marquess had branded her as an Untouchable. Likely the only reason she had not been removed from the ballroom was due to her avoidance of the earl.