Fuck.
She was far too clever, and it was frustrating that it couldbe annoying when most of the time it was appealing.
“I cannot contend I have not partaken, my love, but that wasbefore I met you.Not after.And not ever again,” he promised.
“You seem to have missed it, your grace,” she continuedwhispering, but her words were now aching.“I don’t need you anymore.”
The pain in his body, at his side, every blow he sustainedthat night was nothing compared to the pain those words sent searing throughhim.
“Even if Father could cut us off, we’ve succeeded inprocuring all the funds we need to see to our futures.You are no longermarrying me to protect me, my family.But more importantly, I’m no longermarryingyoufor any of those reasons.”
Loren stilled as his mind blanked.
Except for the understanding that she was marrying him for…
Him.
“The flowers have been decided,” she shared.“My gown andMother’s gownandMaxine’s gown are all currently being crafted.Themenu has been set.We await Father’s trial and then we’re away toDalwin.But we don’t need to be.”
He took another step to her, murmuring, “Satrine—”
Unable, it seemed, to utter many complete sentences thatnight, she retreated while interrupting him.
“I want you to have what you want.”
“I already told you that’s you.”
“You deserve better.”
“There is no better than you.”
“You don’t know this now, but that isn’t true.And whateveris holding you back from me, I urge you to trust those instincts, and find thewoman who’s right for you.”
Those words were alarming, but he had another problem thatwas taking precedence in the now.
She’d picked up her skirts and was actively leaving.
He followed.
He slammed the door she was opening, she whirled to him, andhe kept his hand at the door by her head, his body blocking forward escape.Hisother hand hesiftedinto the folds of her cloak tocurl his fingers at her waist and fully cage her in.
“Please step back,” she said to his throat.
“My apologies, my lady, but in this moment, you’ve no choicebut to be at my whim.”
She lifted her gaze to his.
Amber swimming in desolation.
He caused that.
His gut wrenched.
As such, his next words, guttural and wretched, sounded tornfrom him.
“Don’t let me go.”
Her lips parted.
