Gemma had no intention of writing Griffin a note. “I demand to know why you’ve done this.”
Pembroke crossed his arms over his chest. “Isn’t it obvious? I’ve done this because I’ve been patiently waiting for you all these months, and I’m tired of waiting.”
She stared at him, brow furrowed. “Waiting for what?”
But the moment Gemma asked the question, she regretted it. He stepped closer and slid a hand down the side of her face, letting his gaze dip to her décolletage. “I thought it was obvious, but apparently not. I’ve wanted you for months now. I always knew what a beauty you would become. Your mother is a beauty, after all. My father told me your mother bloomed late. Surprised everyone. Your husband was a fool, leaving you alone. But when you told me you were going to leave Grovemont…” Pembroke nearly spit her husband’s name. “You lied to me. I am just trying to make things right.”
“Iamgoing to leave him,” Gemma insisted. Of course, she hadn’t been planning on leaving Lucian forPembroke, and she had no idea why the earl believed she would. But now was hardly the time to point that out to him.
“As if I’d believe you now,” Pembroke sneered. He dropped his hand to her cleavage and rubbed a finger along the tops of her breasts.
She fought the urge to pull away from his repugnant touch. “What do you intend to do with me?”
His smile was diabolical. “You shall be my mistress for as long as I desire. And when I tire of you…” His lips curled higher.“I’ll think of something to do with you. Perhaps I’ll sell you to the highest bidder.”
Gemma winced. It was worse than she’d ever imagined. She clutched her hands together. Perhaps pleading with him would be more effective. “You must believe me, Pembroke. Take me home. I’ll return to you after the divorce has been granted. I promise.”
Of course, she had no intention of returning to this madman, but if pretending to be on his side would cause him to trust her again, she would do it.
“It’s too late,” he snapped, pulling his hand away from her breasts. “Besides, Iknowyou’re lying.”
Gemma shook her head. “How can you possibly know that?”
“Because Lady Mary told me.”
Gemma’s blood went cold. What didLady Maryhave to do with this? “I assure you whatever Lady Mary said was a lie,” Gemma retorted.
Pembroke arched a brow. “She told me you’d say that.”
Gemma tossed an infuriated hand in the air. “I don’t even speak to Lady Mary. How would she know what I’m planning to do?”
“Lady Mary said she overheard you telling your family how in love you are with Grovemont.” Pembroke’s voice rose. “Heleft youfor over a year. You told me he never wrote. How can you love him?” The earl’s face clouded with anger. His voice was accusatory.
“Iamplanning to leave,” she reiterated. That much was true. Perhaps if she kept repeating it, Pembroke would believe her.
Pembroke shrugged. “Now that the story is in the papers, you’ll have no choice.Now, write your brother a note.” He pointed at the vellum again.
“No.” The word escaped her lips before she had a chance to think.
Pembroke’s eyes grew dark. He grabbed her arm roughly and swiped the newspaper to the floor. Then he forced her into the seat. He pulled the quill from the inkpot and handed it to her. “Do it,” he demanded.
Gemma lifted her chin. “If I refuse?”
He grabbed her by the hair and yanked her head back so sharply she was looking straight up into his inhuman eyes. “You won’t like the consequences.”
Tears stung her eyes from the pain. “Fine,” she ground out.
He released her and turned toward the door. “I’ll be back in an hour. The letter had better be finished.”
O
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
Later That Night, The Duke of Grovemont’s Study
Lucian paced in front of the windows with Oliver nipping at his heels. A movement outside the window caught his eye, and he moved over to look outside. Was that Southbury’s coach?
There was one sharp rap on the door before it opened and Southbury entered the room.
