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Phoebe laughed inwardly at that. It was impossible to train a wild beast. Was she about to tell a Wolf to come to heel?

She would be his, yes, but then would he give leave for other women to touch what washersas well?

It was a sobering thought that brought her crashing straight back to reality, laughing at her foolish flight of fancy.

“Do not make me laugh, Your Grace,” she quipped with a tremulous smile. “Not too long ago, you suggested that I become your mistress.”

His eyes darkened as he pulled her closer. “You are treading on dangerous ground,wife.Do be careful.”

“No,husband,” she shot back softly. “It isyouwho must take great care not to embarrass your wife withyourindiscretion.”

The music had come to a stop and so did they, but Ethan refused to let go of her. They were so close, their bodies flush, their faces mere breaths apart.

Like they were just a kiss apart.

Phoebe looked up at him, into those eyes that had grown so dark that they swallowed the light, and all that was left was him and her…

Just when she thought that he would lean in and kiss her for the second time that morning, there was a burst of applause.

Of course, we are still in the middle of our wedding breakfast.

Phoebe grimaced inwardly as Ethan slowly released her, taking great care that she would still be able to stand on her feet.

She did wobble a little, mind you, but she wouldnevertell him that.

They bowed to each other, and then, ever the showman, Ethan urged her to bow to the guests, who had crowded around to watch their first dance as well.

There was another burst of applause from the crowd, and Phoebe even caught a glimpse of her mama dabbing at her teary eyes with her handkerchief. Her papa was smiling softly at her.

She felt a strong hand on her back, and she looked up to find Ethan still smiling brightly at their guests, the very picture of a proud and happy bridegroom.

“Remember what I told you, Duchess.”

Phoebe tilted her head up at him and smiled back. “Do also remember what I told you, Mr. Wolf.”

She heard his soft huff of laughter. Saw the slight shake of his head as he walked away from her.

“As if I could think of anything else after that kiss,” she heard him mutter.

What could he possibly mean by that?

Phoebe started to follow him, but he held up a hand.

“You must attend to our guests for me, sweetheart,” he told her.

She frowned. “All right. But what about you?”

There was a tinge of irony in his laughter that she could not comprehend.

“I am going to need a strong drink.” He paused and added, “Much stronger than what they are serving to our esteemed guests, I’m afraid.”

She caught the glint of something in his eyes. Something wild and fierce and everything she had feared a Wolf would be.

However, instead of terror, a delicate shiver ran through her body. A tingle that radiated from her chest to the very tips of her fingers and toes.

She stood there, watching him walk away from her to fetch the strong drink he so needed.

Well now,I have done it. I have gone and married a Wolf.