The ceremony passed in a daze, the priest’s voice echoing throughout the almost empty chapel. And before Gideon could fully grasp the moment, he was signing the papers to seal his commitment to the union. He already couldn’t wait for the day that would no longer be the case, but he told himself to be patient. His plan to unnerve Amelia, to make his new wife uncomfortable enough to annul the marriage and leave him behind, had finally begun.
The ceremony concluded briskly, and Amelia hightailed it to the waiting carriage after the farewells were said. Gideon trailed her a moment later, climbing in and taking the seat opposite her. Again, she was not meeting his eyes but from the incessant tapping of her foot, he could tell she was nervous.
He contemplated saying something to her. There would be no wedding breakfast—much to Lady Hendale’s chagrin—so nothing stood in his way to ruffle her a little further. He shifted nearer. A devilish smirk found its way to his lips. It alarmed Gideon to know just how eager he was to get closer to her.
“Amelia.”
She jumped, her hands bunching the skirts of her gown. Though it took a moment, she finally raised her eyes to meet his. “Yes?”
“What’s going through your mind right now?”
Confusion sparked in her beautiful blue eyes. “Pardon?”
Gideon tilted his head to the side. “It is a rather simple question, don’t you think? How are you feeling in this moment?”
A pause lingered between them before she countered, “…Why do you ask?”
Her confusion nearly made him chuckle. Clearly, she did not believe a second of the past week Gideon had spent doting on her and professing his love. “We are married now, Amelia. I do not think it is very unusual for a husband to ask his wife how she is feeling on her wedding day.”
Her brows twitched, as if she was trying not to frown. “I’m well, thank you for asking.” It was obvious she did not want to say what she was truly thinking.
Gideon leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Perfect. I do hope you are well-rested. The night ahead promises to be rather… eventful, after all.”
Right on cue, her cheeks flushed a slight shade of pink. “An eventful night of being more well-rested?” she asked softly. “I am looking forward to my first night of rest in the castle.”
Her response surprised him so much so that Gideon lost his words. A burst of laughter threatened to escape but he managed to restrain it with a cough. “You know that is not what I had in mind.”
“Then perhaps you should be more explicit, Your Grace.”
“And perhaps you should look me in the eyes when addressing me,” he countered smoothly.
Amelia swallowed. She forced her eyes back to him, a spark of defiance shining within. It surprised him.
“You act as if you are afraid of me,” Gideon pointed out.
She pursed her lips. Her valiant efforts only lasted a few seconds, for her gaze soon darted back to the window. When she didn’t respond, Gideon reached out and lightly placed his hand on her knee. Amelia stiffened.
“Are youafraid of me, Amelia?” he asked gently.
“You are not what I am afraid of,” she admitted after a long second. Gideon didn’t know how he felt about her response. Fear was a good catalyst for getting her to annul this marriage, but he was also a little glad that she wasn’t.
“Then allow me to put you at ease,” he purred. “Once we arrive at the castle, we can—”
The carriage suddenly jolted to a halt, throwing Gideon back against his seat. Amelia lurched forward, her hand seizing his thigh to keep from colliding into him. Her soft cheek brushed against his and Gideon instantly wrapped his arms around her waist to steady her.
A second ticked by, then another. Gideon counted to four before Amelia jerked away from him, looking as if she was about to burst into flames.
“M-my apologies,” she stammered, anxiously moving her hands to her cheek, then to her side, then to the loose locks of her hair. “The carriage halted so suddenly and I couldn’t stop in time and I—”
“I understand, Amelia,” he told her. “There is no need to be embarrassed.”
She fell quiet, lowering her head as if she wanted to shield her red face. Gideon watched her for a moment, a genuine smile touching his lips. He found her flustered state rather adorable.
There was a heavy knock on the door, then a rough voice sounded. “Forgive me, Your Grace! We've reached the castle, but it seems there's a problem with the gate.”
“I see. Thank you.” Gideon dipped his head a little to get a look at Amelia’s face. “It seems we will have to continue the rest of the way on foot. Should you desire, I’d be more than happy to carry you.”
“I am perfectly capable of walking, thank you,” she retorted, a little too quickly, and then swung the door open, making a hasty exit. Gideon chuckled as she slipped out of the carriage, leaving him behind. He exited the carriage after, nodding at the coachman before he began trailing behind her.
