Page 74 of Prescription for Sin

“I need to speak with you.” He stepped forward, but she held her ground in the doorway. “It’s urgent,” he added.

“Emma?” a male voice called from inside. “Everything all right?”

Everett’s mind went blank as Michael Kincaid appeared behind her, his cravat loosened, looking far too comfortable in his wife’s home.

“What is he doing here?” The words came out cold and unyielding.

“We were working,” Emma said firmly. “Specifically, the pattern of cholera outbreaks along the Medway.”

“Of course you were.” Bitterness crept into his voice. “Still pursuing your investigation, despite the danger. Still refusing to understand what’s at stake.”

“Understanding based on your information requires trust, Everett.” Her eyes flashed. “Something rather lacking between us, wouldn’t you say?”

“Emma…” Kincaid touched her arm, and Everett’s vision went red.

“Get out.” He didn’t recognise his own voice.

“I beg your pardon?” Kincaid straightened.

“Get. Out.” Everett advanced a step. “My wife and I need to speak privately.”

“Your wife is quite capable of deciding—”

“It’s all right, Michael.” Emma’s quiet voice cut through the tension. “We’ll continue our discussion tomorrow.”

Kincaid hesitated, then gathered his coat. As he passed Everett, he paused. “She deserves better than your lies, Moreland.”

Only after Kincaid disappeared into the darkness did Emma step back, allowing Everett to enter. The familiar scent of her medical supplies, herbs and antiseptic, mixed with lingering tension in the air.

“Well?” She crossed her arms. “What was so urgent it required this dramatic late-night visit?”

“You need to leave Rochester. Tonight.” He fought to keep his voice steady. “My father is moving against you. He’ll have you arrested.”

“Let him try.”

“Damn it, Emma!” He grabbed her shoulders. “When will you stop fighting? Can’t you see? You can’t win like this no matter how brilliant and pig-headed you are!”

“What would I do if I didn’t fight, Everett?” She tried to pull away, but he held firm. “What would you have me do? If I give up, I’m nothing. Without purpose, I would cease to live.”

"Even in the midst of battle, one must plan one's strategy with care. Aid your own cause by heeding my words. I am your husband, and I love you."

“Love?” She laughed, the sound brittle. “I am sorry if I remain suspicious. We can never have trust between us, Everett. It’s been tainted by too many lies and doubts.”

His hands tightened on her shoulders. “Don’t you know me at all?” His voice cracked. “Did you not feel my heart when we made love? When we sat by the fire discussing our future?”

“I am sorry. I can no longer trust my feelings when it involves you. I get confused, lose my head. Even now, I can’t think logically.”

The raw pain in her voice undid him. Without conscious thought, he pulled her against him, claiming her mouth in a desperate kiss. She resisted for a moment, then melted into him with a small sound that was half sob, half surrender.

The kiss deepened, weeks of separation and longing igniting into flame. Her fingers tangled in his hair as his hands roamed her back, relearning the curves he’d missed so desperately.

“I hate you,” she whispered against his mouth.

“I know.” He kissed her neck, feeling her tremble beneath his lips.

“I don’t trust you.” But her head tilted back, offering more access.

“I know that, too.” His hands found the buttons of her bodice. “But you still want me.”