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“There are days I see shadows of dissatisfaction in your eyes I know you grieve for Max, but what I see is not grief, Emmeline”

Her breath hitched Marcellus saw into her so profoundly “So, to be swept away by the rousing strains of the waltz or to indulge in the decadent tango I yearn to run on the beach, feeling the sand beneath uilty for having such desires because I realize how uni”

A sharp pang went through her heart, and she clasped her hands tightly in her lap She looked out the s, taking in the beauty of the rolling countryside, wanting to escape the words she had just uttered After she could stand the silence no more, she twisted her head toward hi his lips in that smile that created a flutter of need in her

“Thank you for sharing withsuch desires, to yearn for the comfort and the simple joys of life In fact, I believe it is needed as a balance to cope with all the pain you have endured Never feel guilty for any desire or passion you feel”

Never feel guilty for any desire or passion you feel

She saze roving the countryside as it purred with cautious speed along the roads She’d never iht, she would have felt so coh her heart at the realization that, for some reason today, she hurt for Maxwell a little less

Emily looked at the dress on the bed and the note in her hands Excitement unfurled inside of her The dress was scandalous It was an elegant gown of emerald silk that shimmered She could not fathom that Marcellus would even send her such an article of clothing She glanced at Anna’s carefully schooled expression, s her hands on the silk Elanced at the last line of his note

If you are not in the ballroom by seven, I will come for you, dress you, and deposit you there

She was not sure if she should be amused or offended by his audacity That had always been his way Marcellus gave orders, and if they were not obeyed, he took actions to ensure compliance She had hardly seen him for the past two days She knew he had an enor several estates, and she was relieved that some space existed between them Since their ride to the infire of Brompton, he had not touched her Before she exited the car, he had gripped her nape and ravished her mouth He’d released her as she started to sink into his kiss She had been a bundle of flustered nerves as she visited the soldiers and tenants, yet Marcellus had not co dinner, and to say she was shocked to see the dress and his note waiting for her in her chamber would be an understatement

“Help htly at her daring

“Yes, milady”

The hour passed in a blur of anticipation and preparation Emily could not fathom where he had received such a dress in two days’ tiazed at herself in theto her frame and had a scandalous slit frothat bared her to her knee It was deceptive because it was long and even had a slight train Her shoulders were sensually bared, and the long sleeves clung lovingly to her arms

“Milady!”

She ignored Anna’s shocked gasp and slowly slipped her feet into theshoes provided The heels on the shoes were curved elegantly and higher than what Eraceful look Oh ht, dazed She could not account that she earing such ite with good sense and after a few minutes entered the smaller ballroom

She ground to a halt A four- note of a waltz rose in the air She smiled at the hundreds of candles that lit the rooh her as she observed Marcellus waiting for her in the center of the rooarbed in a black tuxedo with a silken white dress shirt and a white silk cravat He was so handsome and intense, arousal started to pool low in her womb