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It was raining again, the warm night turning humid as the huge drops pattered down around them and they hurried toward the carriage, the horses snorting into the night as Seth hastily ushered her inside.

He sat opposite, his amusement rising as she narrowed her eyes at him.

“You are abeast,as I have said before.”

“I did not hear you complaining about my beastly ways when the aria reached its crescendo. I believe you did the same.”

Alicia’s mouth fell open as her cheeks flamed, and Seth laughed

The carriage took off, and Alicia crossed her arms over her chest indignantly.

“You object to my treatment of you, is that it?” he asked, his voice low as he leaned forward.

Alicia scoffed. “I am appalled that you would do such a thing in a place like that. The King himself could have been in attendance tonight.”

“Mm, I believe he was.”

Her eyes widened comically, and Seth moved across the carriage, taking a seat beside her as her body stiffened.

“I do not like you being displeased with me, Duchess, but I must confess that I had a very enjoyable evening. I have not had entertainment in my box before.”

That coaxed a snort from her, and he grinned. Her eyes softened as they roamed over his face, some of the tension leaving her.

He frowned. “What are you looking at?”

“I am seeing you smile more these days,” she whispered.

Seth’s heart clenched.

“Perhaps that is because you keep making me laugh,” he said evasively, uncomfortable with the intimacy that had suddenly sprung up between them.

When did my desire reach these heights?

Alicia turned toward him as the carriage rocked their bodies together. Seth wished he had not moved across the space—he wanted to touch her again and could hardly contain himself.

“I want you to come to my room tonight,” she whispered.

And that is hardly helping.

Seth tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, even as his need soared anew.

“Not yet,” he murmured.

“I do want you, though,” she insisted.

Seth’s head fell back against the seat, his eyes closing in despair. “I know, Duchess, but it is not the right time.”

Her eager gaze grew sad, and she looked away, her brow creasing. “You do not want me?”

Seth hooked his thumb and forefinger beneath her chin and turned her face toward him. “I do want you, wife. The evidence of how much is all around you, and between your thighs.”

Alicia’s blush had all but faded, but now it returned in earnest.

“The things you say,” she whispered, mortified.

“You are mine,” Seth stated solemnly.

“I am yours, but you will not have me?” she asked incredulously.