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Juliet watched with interest as Anne’s bright demeanor dampened slightly as she took her place beside Lord Somerton.

“Yes, of course,” replied Somerton after a slight pause. “I must say,” Somerton remarked as he addressed Hector, “your wife certainly knows how to make an impression.”

Hector gave a slight nod as his eyes glanced at the doorway. “Yes, she does.”

CHAPTER 16

“What was all the giggling about?” he asked with interest.

Juliet’s cheeks flushed slightly, but she continued to maintain a light demeanor. “Oh, it was nothing. Just some harmless fun.”

Hector’s expression remained guarded. “I see. Something harmless that you found amusing enough to laugh that heartily?”

Juliet’s smile broadened, her eyes dancing with mischief. “We did? I have not had this much fun in some time. I must see that Lady Anne and I spend more time together. Hopefully soon.”

Hector’s eyes narrowed. “Harmless jesting, you say? It did not involve anything, or anyone, of particular note?”

Juliet let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. “No, nothing of the sort. We simply enjoyed each other’s company and shared some harmless mirth.”

Hector’s gruff exterior softened just a fraction. “You seem quite taken with Anne.”

Juliet’s eyes sparkled with amusement as she regarded her husband. “She is quite delightful, isn’t she? Her wit and charm made the afternoon most enjoyable.”

Hector’s gaze lingered on Juliet as he led her back inside. “I can see that you really did enjoy yourself. And you seemed quite…jovial earlier.

Juliet playfully raised one eyebrow. “Jovial? Is that what you would call it?”

“Yes, jovial,” Hector said, as a hint of a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “So much so that the entire neighborhood must have heard you laugh.”

Juliet chuckled softly. “Well, it was nothing to bother yourself with.”

Hector’s gaze darkened. “Is that so? I suppose it is good to see you finally enjoying yourself.”

Juliet tilted her head, her gaze teasing. “Are you worried I might be having too much fun?”

Hector stopped walking, but his expression turned serious again. “No, but I prefer to know what is going on.”

Juliet’s smile faded a little. “Why do you sound upset?”

Hector’s voice was low and teasing. “Well, if you are so intent on keeping secrets, perhaps I shall have to enforce some measures of discipline.”

Juliet’s cheeks flushed and her pulse quickened. “Discipline? And what kind of discipline do you have in mind?”

From his heated gaze, she suspected his true intentions and wanted to push him further.

“If you continue to defy me, I might have to think of a fitting punishment.”

“And what would that entail?” Juliet dared to ask.

Hector’s gaze remained steady as his voice lowered to a whisper. He pulled her further into the drawing room and shut the door. “You do not want to defy me, dear wife.”

Juliet felt the heat and sparks of the electrifying tension mount between them. “You have been avoiding me all this time. How can you expect me to take your threats seriously?”

“Avoiding you? I did not realize you had noticed,” Hector said, his gaze on her lips.

“I noticed, Hector. And if you threaten punishment, you had better be true to your word.”

Juliet suddenly realized why she was always prepared to argue with Hector. After living most of her life dedicated to maintaining obedience in the nunnery, she derived a scintillating satisfaction from being oppositional and refusing to be guided against her will by the rules of others.