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Phoebe, on the other hand, was betting her whole heart in this affair.

“My little wife is jealous,” he purred. “And what would you have me call you instead?”

“I am not jealous!” she hissed.

Unfortunately, she must have raised her voice a little too loudly, because Evie turned towards her.

Phoebe felt her cheeks heat up in embarrassment at her friend’s knowing smirk.

“Why don’t you figure it out yourself!” she snapped at her husband, standing up in a fit of feminine pique to follow after Evie and Daniel, who were now preparing to leave.

Do not look back.

If she looked back, she would be caught in his snare once more.

Not tonight, Phoebe silently promised herself.

She stormed off, stomping down the carpeted hallway, when she heard a familiar voice calling after her.

“Your Grace! Oh, Your Grace!”

She turned around and found the Viscount and Dowager Viscountess Dexford walking towards her. The older woman was waving at her as if they were merely promenading in Hyde Park and not in a theater packed with their acquaintances.

“Oh my, you look breathtaking tonight, Your Grace!” the Dowager Viscountess enthused. “Does she not, Dexford?”

“Indeed,” the Viscount replied smoothly. He took Phoebe’s hand and kissed the back of it. “Your Grace, you look absolutely exquisite tonight.”

Was it just her imagination, or did he just drag out the wordexquisite?

Nonetheless, the way he said it made her skin crawl, so she withdrew her hand with a stiff smile. Lord Dexford appeared surprised for a moment, and she belatedly realized that she may have done it a little too hastily.

Just then, she felt an arm slither around her waist, pulling her close to a hard, masculine body.

Phoebe fumed inwardly.

Who dares?—

Her fury faded when she looked up and found Ethan smiling at the Viscount coldly, his arm holding her securely to his side. His fingers splayed possessively over the curve of her hip.

“Forgive me, Your Grace, I did not notice you there,” Lord Dexford muttered, although the apology rang hollow in Phoebe’s ears. “I did not mean to offend the Duchess. I just could not help it.”

“No offense taken.” Ethan laughed lightly. “I do not blame you, My Lord. If anything, as her husband, I quite agree with you.”

Despite his lighthearted tone, Phoebe felt his arm tightening around her, and she found herself gently leaning into him, seeking his warmth and protection.

When the Viscount and his mother finally left—with Lord Dexford more or less dragging the Dowager Viscountess—Phoebe wriggled out of her husband’s arms and glared balefully at him.

“Thank you for your assistance,husband, but I am still cross with you!”

She turned on her heel to follow Evie and Daniel, but a strong hand clamped around her wrist.

“Oh no, Duchess,” Ethan told her with a dark smile. “Not in that dress. You are coming with me.”

CHAPTER 26

He must have gonemad—that was the only explanation as to why he was dragging her out of the opera house by her wrist.

The small crowd that had gathered at the foot of the marble steps parted before them, their mouths slightly agape, their eyes following the spectacle with avid interest.