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“Just wanted to make sure you did not need any help,” Everett said with a shrug. “You are not used to the way things are done in London, Hugo. We may be just as vicious as you country nobles but we smother it with politeness. A skill you haven’t yet learned, it seems.”

Hugo smirked. “Are you referring to Fellon or Seraphina?”

“Fellon is dull and pompous,” Everett sighed, “But speaking to another member of thetonlike that will earn you no good will. Nor will cornering young women in art galleries.”

Hugo looked away from his friend and toward the direction in which Seraphina had left.

“Fellon was being condescending,” Hugo remarked harshly, “He deserved what I gave him. And I am only interested in cornering one young lady.”

Hugo felt arousal stir deep within him as he recalled the way Seraphina melted against him.Submittedto him. And he drew a deep breath in through his nostrils as he felt his manhood thicken in his trousers. He may have not accepted the truth before, but he did now. She belonged to him. She just didn’t know it yet.

“She ismine.”

“You need to be careful, Hugo,” Everett warned. “Those are games we play at my little parties, but it is very different outside of them. You need to make certain of your hunting grounds.”

CHAPTER SIX

“Ridiculous,” Seraphina muttered.

“What was that, darling?” Amelia asked.

“I don’t think so,” Theo murmured, inspecting the jeweled comb in her hands. “I think they’re quite beautiful.”

Seraphina pursed her lips, annoyance and longing running through her. She was not talking about the combs. She turned from the stall in the market, and walked over to the handbag vendor. Why was she shopping anyway? It was not as if the allowance her father gave her would allow any extras such as these.

“Is something wrong, Seraphina?” Theo asked, as she and Amelia caught up.

“No,” she bit out.

She caught Theo and Amelia sharing a dubious look and she clicked her tongue.

“Nothing is wrong,” she insisted.

But that wasn’t true. Something wasverywrong. The Duke of Merrivale had kissed her. Kissed her! In the gallery! Where anyone could have seen them.

What was even worse was that as angry as she was about it, she’d enjoyed it. It had been the only thing on her mind the past two days. And the past two nights.

“Is it the heat?” Theo asked, touching her arm. “It is rather warm. Perhaps we could go into the tea shop and find some refreshment?”

“Why bother?” Seraphina answered testily, letting go of the hand bag she was pretending to contemplate. “Why am I bothering with any of this?”

Guilt filled her as she caught her friends’ hurt, confused expressions, and she drew in a breath to stymie her temper.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, going to them. “I’m so sorry. I don’t think I should be out today. Perhaps it is best that I just go home.”

She gave them another apologetic look, but just as she was about to leave them, Amelia grabbed her arm and started pulling hertoward the alleyway. When they reached the more private spot, she and Theo both looked at her sternly.

“Talk,” Theo demanded, crossing her arms. “What has happened?”

Seraphina pressed her lips together. She didn’t want to say. Didn’t want to feel. Why couldn’t the Duke of Merrivale leave her alone?

When she didn’t answer, Theo reached out and pinched her arm.

“Ow!” Seraphina yelped.

“Speak!” Theo demanded. “Something is not right with you and as your friends we demand to know what it is.”

“You are not acting yourself,” Amelia added, giving her a sympathetic look. “Tell us so we can help.”