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His voice had been so hypnotic. His words perfectly sensual as he created a mental picture of peace for her to hang on to.

She grit her teeth in frustration, but when she went to move a step back, Dominic’s hand reached out and caught her arm; keeping her in place.

“Where do you think you’re going?” He asked.

“Back to Ellsworth,” she told him.

She tried to shake off his hand but he wouldn’t budge. Instead his other hand reached out and snaked around her back, pinning her to him.

“I don’t think so,” he replied, shaking his head as he stared down at her. “Those men you hired were doing more ogling at you than actual work. Even if I did agree to resume work on the aviary, it’s not going to be while you’re there. The fools would probably build it subpar, and what would happen to your precious birds if their new gilded cage collapsed in on them? Besides, you and I have more work to do here. Last night was a good start but we are far from done.”

Amelia felt her face redden with frustration as she heard his condescending tone, but she forced herself to think. If she didn’t know any better she might have thought him jealous. But she knew her husband only enjoyed her when torturing her. Almost as much as he enjoyed business.

Business,she thought, an idea forming in her head. He liked business more than anything. Perhaps that was something she could work with.

“I should like to strike a deal with you then,” she said.

Amelia un-balled her fist and ran her hand smoothly down the front of his shirt. She could have sworn she heard Dominic’s breath hitch as she did so; and most certainly noted how quickly even more heat began to radiate from him.

“What sort of deal?” He murmured.

His hand gripping at her back lost some of its firmness, and something like a caress swept up her spine. She tried to ignore the shiver of pleasure it brought her and pressed forward.

“I will promise to stay here, away from the so-called ogling workers. And I will put more effort into swaying thetonthat we are perfect husband and wife. In return, you will allow the workers to continue on with the aviary. They have the plans. I suppose I don’t really need to be there. And Mrs. Morbate can send me updates. If any changes need to be made, she can alert me and I can correct them from here.”

Dominic looked down at her a long moment, his hand continuing that trailing caress up and down her spine so effortlessly, she wondered if he even knew he was doing it. Did he like touching her? Did she want her to touch him? They had argued so much since he’d returned, and they’d discussed so little when before he’d left.

Could it be possible- could they both possibly have an inclination toward one another? Even if they barely knew the other?

“Tell me something,” he said, startling her out of her reverie.

She blinked, nodded.I have to stop getting distracted like this. But why does he feel so damned good?

“The rumors,” he murmured, reaching up to stroke a stray lock of hair from her eyes. “Is that truly all that you fear from these people? Yesterday you looked ready to drop dead in my arms.”

That mental shield of protection she’d worked so hard to put up the past year began to waver, and she felt her body relax a little into his.

“You wouldn’t understand,” she whispered, tremble running through her.

“Try me,” he replied evenly.

She took a deep breath, feeling her heart begin to hammer.Could she trust him with the truth?

“I know word never got out of me being sold because of you,” she said softly. “And though I don’t always act like it, Iamgrateful. You don’t understand what that would have done to my reputation had you prevented it.”

“Because of your former betrothed,” Domininc answered, his jaw tightening, “And the rumors he spread about you and your…willingness.I could see how adding being sold would amplify the ability to call you a few harsh words.”

“It’s not just the rumors I have been fighting,” Amelia murmured. “It’s the memories.”

Dominic’s eyes narrowed in curiosity as he looked down at her. She tried to look away, but he caught her chin and held her still.

“What memories?” He asked.

Amelia swallowed. Even now she felt a vile tremor shiver through her as she recalled Roland’s rough hands and painful kisses.

“It was not I that was so willing to start our marriage rites early,” she forced out, feeling shame tint her cheeks. “It was him. He wanted…he tried…”

Amelia tried to find the right words, but in doing so it caused her throat to close and her eyes to burn.