Library

Chapter 20

R ebekah felt every muscle in her tense body. If she changed the expression on her smiling face, it would most likely crack. The cushion on her chair could have been filled with needles and her skin would not be pricklier than the apprehension of Aaron standing by her side. He'd not moved since joining her after their dance.

Aunt was in her element, introducing nobles to her nephew's wife. The question never arose why Aaron's wife had been absent while her husband had been relishing the season. Aunt said no one would dare. Still, Rebekah felt like prey while hungry vultures circled around her.

Why did she let Penelope talk her into this?

For that matter, why had she agreed to marry Aaron?

She sat staring into space when she realized a gentleman was staring back at her. Oh no. Lost in thought, she'd unthinkingly caught the attention of this man. He loomed in her sight, then moved toward her. The breath caught in her throat. Was he going to ask her to dance? What should she do?

As it turned out, she didn't have to do anything. The man glanced up to Aaron, then halted. He dropped his head and turned about, going back in the other direction. Suspicion tackled the back of her neck. She glanced up to see a harsh glare on Aaron's face.

So that's what he'd been doing. Scaring potential dance partners away.

"Aaron," Aunt said sharply, "Surely you won't object to your brother dancing with Rebekah?"

The statement caught him off guard, and he gave Penelope a look of confusion. Or guilt. "Of course not, Aunt."

"Forgive me for being remise," Nathaniel spoke up. "Rebekah, would you care to dance?"

"Yes," Rebekah answered quickly, before Aaron could object. She did not want to sit under his watchful eye all evening. She didn't even look at him as she took Nathaniel's arm.

Once they reached the dance floor, Nathaniel spoke, "You can relax now. "

Rebekah released her breath, not realizing she'd been holding it. "Thank you."

Nathaniel expertly led her as he spoke, not missing a step. He made her feel comfortable, and she had no trouble keeping up.

"My brother is being ridiculous."

"He is being suddenly possessive."

"You have made him the center of attention. He must play the role of dutiful husband."

"As far as I'm concerned, no, he does not. He's been an absent husband for weeks. I have found, quite pleasingly, that I do not need him at my side every minute."

Nathaniel chuckled. "Now that you have been introduced to society, he's not about to let you go out alone."

"Whyever not?"

"My dear, Rebekah. You do not realize how lovely you are." His kind eyes showed her he meant what he said.

She had no idea what to say. She looked down, feeling slightly embarrassed.

"I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. You are a beautiful woman, and you've captured the eye of every man here. I dare say Aaron is jealous."

She jerked her gaze to his. Then she laughed, she couldn't help herself. "I'm sorry," she said with a shake of her head. "You're mistaken. Aaron cares nothing for me, so that idea is absurd."

"I think you're wrong." He waited for her to meet his gaze, then said, "He married you."

"Which means absolutely nothing." She lowered her voice so not to be overheard. "Ours was a marriage to avoid a scandal."

"You could have had a long engagement. Broken it off, and no worse for wear."

"I wasn't exactly given that option."

"Aunt, of course, thinks her ideas are best. She has her own reasons."

"Oh? What reasons?"

"What most matrons want. We are her nephews, but she clucks around us like a mother hen. She could see this as an opportunity to see the last of us married."

His words shocked her. "You think—"

He interrupted. "I think, Rebekah, that my brother can make up his own mind. He married you."

"I believe the term used was leg-shackled , and that he was too young. I suppose Penelope is the one who changed his mind."

"I know my brother. No one can force him to do anything."

"Yet, we are wed."

"Exactly." Nathaniel held her gaze, giving her time to think.

Rebekah rolled the possibility around in her mind. Could Aaron have wanted to marry her? For what reason? So, he could be a rogue and discourage the idea of another young woman trapping him?

The dance ended. Before Nathaniel could lead her back to her seat, a sharp dressed gentleman stepped in front of them.

"Greystoke." The man gave a nod. "Might I be introduced to your lovely companion?"

"May I present Rebekah Greystoke, Aaron's wife. Rebekah, this is Christian Henebry, Earl of Dankworth."

The earl lifted her hand and kissed the back. A thrill of delight rushed through her at the contact. "My pleasure, Mrs. Greystoke. Would you do me the honor of being my partner in the next dance?"

"I think that is a fine idea, Dankworth." Nathaniel slapped him on the back and gave her a wink.

A wink.

What did that mean?

Dankworth took her gloved hand. "Your husband and I met at Eton. We've been friends ever since. I would welcome it, if you would call me Chris. All my friends do."

"We've only just met, Lord Dankworth."

Dankworth placed his hand at her side. "I will keep an appropriate amount of distance between us, Mrs. Greystoke. I would not want to provoke Aaron's temper."

"Since you are his friend, you may call me Rebekah."

He grinned, the most handsome grin she'd ever seen. Lord Dankworth put her right at ease. "I shall, and you must call me Chris."

"What the hell?" Aaron set off to intercept Rebekah and her new partner. Nathaniel grabbed his arm.

"Woah, brother."

"Why the blessed hell did you do that?"

"Do what? Oh, you mean formally introduce Christian and Rebekah?"

"Why did you let him dance with her?"

"You were making a spectacle of yourself. Glaring at every man like you were going to take a piece of his hide."

"Dankworth will be the first."

Nathaniel grinned. "I thought he was your friend."

"That was before he decided to dance with my wife." Aaron watched Rebekah smile and dance as if she belonged among the circle of admirers. She was exceedingly lovely. Her eyes met his with an amused stare of ridicule, taunting him, daring him to take notice.

"Aaron, don't you think you should examine that statement?"

Aaron glared at his brother. He had to concentrate to remember what he'd said.

"Had you bothered to visit your wife in Surrey, perhaps there would have been no need for her to seek you out. Maybe you need to ask yourself why you're getting so upset."

"Because …" Wait. Was he upset? Surely not. "I'm not upset."

"Smile, brother, while I tell you, you're acting like an arse."

Bollocks. He was behaving like a bear with a sore paw. He glanced to Aunt. She had a smirk on her face, too. He was playing right into her hands.

"I see." Aunt set up this little demonstration to garner his reaction. Damned if he hadn't fallen for the bait.

"Do you see yourself, Aaron? That you're acting like an idiot? Like a possessive husband?"

"You're one to talk," he grumbled. "I'm surprised you left your wife at home. You normally won't let her out of your sight."

"Ah, but then I am in love with my wife."

Good God. Nathaniel could not possibly think … "I will not rise to the bait, brother. As for my actions, I am merely being cautious. Protecting Rebekah from rakes."

"Rakes?" Nathaniel chuckled, damn his hide. "If you care not for her, then why do you care who she dances with?"

"Rebekah is not a piece of fruit ripe for picking. I will not allow young bucks to treat her thus."

"What about old lechers?"

"Make fun, as you will, Nathaniel. I think I will take my bride home."

"Where she belongs?" Aaron looked at his brother. Being of equal height, he could glare at him, eye to eye. Don't make the mistake of thinking you can rule her. Showing up this evening as she did, clearly, the woman has a mind of her own."

"Sod off, Nathaniel."

Aaron made sure he was the first to reach Rebekah when the music stopped.

"I believe I shall escort my wife now."

"Felicitations, Aaron. Please allow me to compliment you on the choice you've made for a wife. Rebekah is a remarkable dancer."

Rebekah?

Chris was enjoying his annoying mockery. As he kissed the back of Rebekah's gloved hand, Aaron gritted his teeth.

"Thank you for your delightful company. Your servant," Chris said to Rebekah.

Aaron wanted to wipe the grin off the arrogant devil's face.

"You are too kind, Chris."

Chris?

As his former friend walked off, Aaron's jaw was ready to crack. "You two seemed rather chummy."

"He is your friend, is he not?"

Aaron leaned close to her ear. "We are leaving. Do not fight me on this, Rebekah. Tell Aunt it is your decision to leave."

She gave a soft laugh. "You think she will believe that?"

"We have much to discuss."

"Why Aaron, it is almost as if you want to speak with me. Here I thought you had nothing to say to me. I mean, me in Surrey, you in London … You couldn't get away fast enough on our wedding day."

The jibe hit its mark. He'd been a jackass, but he could not allow his wife the upper hand.

Penelope studied Rebekah's face, looking to see if she was consenting to leave with Aaron, or if he was forcing her against her will. She gave a slight shrug, letting Penelope know it didn't matter. Rebekah had agreed to ambush Aaron. She'd known he would not be happy, but at least he was willing to voice his opinion in private.

Aaron presented his arm and helped her into his carriage. Whether he liked it or not, she was the woman by his side. When he climbed in, she expected him to take the opposite seat. Instead, he sat next to her. Heat emanated from his body as his muscled thigh burned into her. She scooted further away.

"I'm not going to bite, Rebekah."

She glared at him, then smoothed her skirts. She refused to allow him to intimidate her. Taking a deep breath to calm her awareness, she breathed in his alluring scent. Dear heavens, how could she remain strong when everything about him drew her. It didn't help that she clearly remembered his soft lips against her skin, or how his sensuous touch flamed a fire that had raged out of control. After yearning for her lover night after night, it was difficult to believe this was the same man.

"I can hear you breathing, Rebekah."

She bit her lip, drawing on her anger as a shield. "Just because I agreed to leave with you, doesn't mean I am surrendering to your authority. I've been getting along quite well on my own, without a husband. I will not be a biddable, compliant wife."

"I see no need to discuss this in a carriage."

"You swept me out of there so fast, why delay the inevitable?" She wasn't ready for this conversation, didn't know if she would ever be ready, but it had to happen.

Aaron scrubbed a hand over his face as he released a sigh. "Why are you here, Rebekah?"

"I missed my long-lost husband," she couldn't help throwing at him.

"You did not come to my townhouse. Yet you show up at Haverson's ball."

"'Twould seem the only way to find you. You have quite the active schedule."

Aaron sighed as he shook his head. "This is why I think we should wait until we get home. Your sarcasm is wasted. Did you know your eyes give away what you're thinking? I want to see your eyes when we have our … reunification."

Chills raced along her spine. Her emotions ran close to the surface, and she'd always been loud and expressive when she tried making her point. But she knew in a moment, Aaron could shatter her resolve if she listened to her heart instead of her head.

Every girl imagined a knight in shining armor saving her, or hoping some day she might marry a handsome prince. As Rebekah grew older, she realized those were fairy tales, but she still held hope that she would one day marry for love. That didn't happen.

Maybe she should have been satisfied with staying at Surrey. At least she had her dream of one perfect night. Coming to London only crushed her dreams and made her see her husband for what he was. An arrogant poop who never wanted her. Perhaps the memories of that night were all in her imagination. Clearly, it was hopeless to think this man would sweep her up and promise her everything would be all right. No matter how much she wished it, no matter how much she'd hoped, no matter how much she fought to hold on, Aaron would not meet her halfway.

What a fool she was. Penelope had been wrong. Rebekah might be Aaron's wife, but obviously that didn't mean a thing. Fate had tossed her into a new world, ripping away her aspirations of home and family.

"We do not need to battle, Rebekah. Neither am I of a mind to coddle you like a child."

"Then allow me to live my life, as you have these past months. You go your way, and I am perfectly happy to go mine."

"I can't let you do that."

"Oh? Pray tell, why not? It's been working so far"

The carriage stopped. "We are here."

When Rebekah alighted, she glanced up at the grandeur of Aaron's home. Before she had a chance to truly relish its beauty, he grasped her elbow and escorted her up the few steps to the main door.

The house was nowhere near as large as the earl's, but the grandeur was impressionable. This is where her husband had been living without her. All at once, everything from the past few months began to crowd her. Her mind swirled so fast, she froze from the onslaught. Aaron accusing her of trickery. Aaron refusing to honor the agreement. Aaron demanding they marry. Aaron deserting her.

She was his wife. This was supposed to be her home. She glanced up at him. Did he have to be so tall and intense?

Her stomach rolled, making her want to throw up. She closed her eyes. The room swayed, and she quickly knew that wasn't going to work. Her hand shot out to latch on to anything solid that would hold her.

"Are you all right?"

Dear Heavens, please don't let me faint.

She took a deep breath and suddenly her feet left the floor. Strong arms carried her. Her head rested on Aaron's shoulder, soaking up his assurance. For a moment—just for a moment-she allowed herself to savor his warmth, his strength, his …

Aaron placed her on a soft cushion. "Rebekah. Look at me."

She slowly opened her eyes. Worry? Caring? Was this the same man who had glared so harshly at her only moments ago?

"What the bloody devil is wrong with you?"

Well, that moment was over.

Rebekah pushed him away as she sat up, mindful of the chiseled muscle under her hand. Clear thought was impossible when Aaron was such an attractive man. Everything about him screamed enticement. Although, she'd never seen a man glower as much as him.

"Give me a moment, Aaron. All of this is coming at me too fast."

"Are you going to faint?"

It was her turn to glare. "And if I do?" She'd shocked him. "What do you expect? You show up in my life, turn it upside down, then abandon me, and now you are dragging me about like you have every right. Let a girl catch her breath, for heaven's sake."

"You were the one who came to me."

"What makes you think I came to London to find you? Perhaps, I wanted to see what I was missing. Parties and balls sound like a lot of fun. And I had not been asked to one. Unless you clearly accepted invitations for both of us and forgot to tell me."

"I did no such thing."

"Did I spoil your plans for the evening? Perhaps you can still save them. With your wife safely at home out of the way, you can keep your assignation."

"What the devil are you going on about?"

"The way you dragged me out of that ballroom, I thought you were in a hurry to get rid of me. Don't worry, husband. I've been without you for weeks. I can take care of myself for one night—while you go see your ladybird."

"My what?"

"Have I shocked you? Being your wife, I suppose I am not supposed to know about such things as your mistress."

"What makes you think I have a mistress?"

"Don't lie to me, Aaron. Every man in London has a mistress. I'm not that naive."

"I have not been with another woman since our marriage."

"Should I thank you for that? I don't believe you. You did tell me—very clearly, I might add—that I was not to share your bed." She put a finger to her chin. "The thing I cannot fathom is why you want to remain married to a woman you don't even want."

She jumped, when a burst of laughter came from him.

He studied her, delving into her eyes as if he was reaching into her soul.

"You're a very desirable woman, Rebekah. Any man would want you. When I look at you, I feel something achingly familiar, and I want to reach out and pull you close. But I made you a promise, so I put temptation out of my reach. Yet, here you are. How can I keep my word, if we are in the same room and my desire to kiss you overwhelms me?"

"Now you're making fun of me."

"You think I don't desire you?"

"No more than you would feel for any beautiful woman."

Silence stretched for several moments.

How she wished Aaron desired her for herself. She wished he loved her and would look at her with longing. Like he had that night. She was only kidding herself.

Aaron hated her. His abandonment was proof of that. And if more was needed, her encroaching into his world, forcing him to accept her in public, would most likely be the end of them. The two of them were at the mercy of a plan put into motion not of their choosing. How could she make the best of a situation when her husband despised her?

Pretend?

There wasn't enough acting in the world she could pull off. Sometimes, one had to let a dead horse lie.

There was no future for them. She would never be happy; she saw that now. For he would never allow her to love him. Never again would she see his tender expression for her, or feel his wonderful lips against hers. She would forever be yearning … wishing …

"What do you want from me?"

Startled, she blinked. Her heart was so heavy, she could barely get the words out. "I want to be free of you."

He took a step toward her. She immediately held up a hand to stop him. "Your desire for me will pass the moment I am out of sight. Save yourself for the next woman in line.

Aaron shook his head. "Being obtuse doesn't become you."

"How could you possibly know anything about me from the two minutes you spent as my husband?"

A sob caught in her throat.

She dropped her gaze to the floor and concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other, until she reached the foyer.

If Aaron said anything else, she didn't hear it. Tears filled her eyes, making the steps wavy. She placed her hand on the polished rail, and ascended the staircase.

One step at a time.

The same way her heart was breaking.

One crack at a time.

Comments

0 Comments
Best Newest

Contents
Settings
  • T
  • T
  • T
  • T
Font

Welcome to FullEpub

Create or log into your account to access terrific novels and protect your data

Don’t Have an account?
Click above to create an account.

lf you continue, you are agreeing to the
Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy.