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“If you do,” she emphasized. “When we arrive home later, I promise to beextrabad for you. I cannot help but think you will have earned it.”

He swallowed and his face paled. “Extra bad...”

She winked. “Just you wait and see.”

This had him smiling and straightening up. More deep and calmed breathing. Adjusting himself and making sure that there would be no awkward conversations when they arrived. It was his command that the two behaved themselves today, so the least he could do was acquiesce.

Although, and to be perfectly fair, even if Duncan had not made sure that Isabella did not tempt him or do anything that might excite him today, she still would not have. Heaven’s no!

They were on their way to have supper with Duncan’s grandmother and somehow the thought of having ravenous sex with Duncan while the aged dowager marchioness sat in the other room waiting didn’t quite appeal to Isabella.

It’s nice to know, at least, that I still have my limitations. However few there are left.

It was strange to think but a small part of Isabella was looking forward to today, more than she might have guessed. For two weeks now, she and Duncan had been in the throes of exploring one another’s sexual proclivities without care or abandon, and still she felt no closer to him than she did the day they had met.

Oh sure, she knew things about the man which she was certain nobody else knew. But she didn’tknowhim. Not really. Rarelydid they speak openly or honestly. And never did they have a normal conversation that didn’t lead to the obvious.

Isabella was still not certain what she wanted from this marriage. But she knew now that the way things were going could not last forever. And if she and Duncan were to have any future at all, whatever that might look like, they would have to get to know one another eventually. To have a conversation without turning it into a fight! To prove that there was more here than just sex.

Surely, that would not be too hard? Surely not...

Her mind strayed for a moment, to the after care. When Duncan would hold her and she would feeler safer than she ever had. Was this not proof that they could be more? That there was a chance they might have a relationship outside of the volatile? Or did one only exist because of the other?

“We’re here,” Duncan said suddenly, with a hint of panic. “We’re here. How do I look? Is everything....” He grimaced.

“It doesn’t look as if you were just about to pin me down and eat my --”

“Isabella!”

“I am joking,” she chuckled. “Just joking. You look...” She smiled. “You look good, Duncan. Very handsome.”

He frowned at the compliment. But then he looked her over, the frown deepening in a way that looked as if he was surprised by what he saw – as if he was only just now seeing her sitting there. “And so do you, Isabella. Beautiful, in fact.”

She rolled her eyes, certain the compliment was forced. But that did not stop her from blushing. It was one of the first compliments that he had given her since this whole thing began.

“Now, are you ready?” Duncan asked her, still a little nervous. “My grandmother is old, remember. She might not be able to hear you, so you need to speak up. And if she appears bored, she is not, that is just her --”

“Hey.” Feeling a sudden desire, Isabella reached down and took Duncan’s hand. “It will be fine. I promise.”

To that, Duncan smiled, squeezing her hand back, seeming to relax as if he believed her. More than that, as if he trusted her.

“... and you look very beautiful, dear,” Lady Martell said. “That dress is wonderful.”

“Thank you,” Isabella responded politely.

“Duncan...” Lady Martell looked pointedly at her grandson. “Have you told your wife how pretty she looks today?”

“Of course I have, grandmother.”

His grandmother did not falter. She kept her pointed stare on her grandson and raised an eyebrow at him. Unyielding, the look was more commanding than an eighty-two-year-old woman who’s head barely came above the table should have been able to produce.

Duncan sighed. “Do not give me that look.”

“What look?” his grandmother said as if she had no idea.

He looked at her flatly. “Grandmother, I will remind you that I am not one who –”

“Who pays his wife a compliment when she looks as ravishing as your wife does? I am one to agree.”