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That far? Completely removed from my life and everything that I know. Such a distance that I will be as good as trapped.

“It is rather lovely up there,” he added cautiously, as if he sensed her mood and wanted to reassure her. “This time of year, especially. I am sure you will grow to love it.”

She frowned. “Yes, perhaps you are right.”

Silence fell between them again. Only this time, it was not quite so tense.

Their interaction, although brief, surprised Selina because it almost sounded as if Benedict was trying to placate her. As if he had sensed her disappointment and wished to reassure her that things would not be so bad as they sounded.

Is it possible that he feels sorry for me?

A laughable concept, as he did not seem the type. Although…

Selina dared to study him. He was still facing the window, but he was not as turned toward it as he had been. And his eyes, every few moments, would flick to her as if trying to get a better look at the woman who was now his wife. He was still rugged. He was still tense. But the anger had faded… if only slightly.

Selina watched him closely. This time, she tried to see through the fear, past the monster that her husband seemed so intent on embodying. His frame was large. His face was scarred horribly. But his eyes… dark eyes… there was a softness behind them, she was sure of it. Pain, perhaps? As if the true him was trapped inside the monster and wished for a way out.

She almost laughed at that. Surely, she was just being hopeful.

“It is my thought that since I’ll be living far away from my family, it might be nice if my sisters come and visit sometime soon,” she ventured, testing the waters.

Benedict’s head snapped around—he was surprised by the turn the conversation had taken. “Excuse me?”

“My sisters,” she repeated. “If the country is as lovely as you say, then I am sure they would love nothing more than to?—”

“That is not an option,” he said harshly.

She blinked. “Excuse me?”

He bit his tongue and took a slow breath. “My meaning is, I am not one to ordinarily receive guests. They would not be comfortable.”

She snorted. “I am sure they will be. My sisters are not dainty. A bed is all they require, some food when they are feeling hungry, and a washroom to clean themselves in the morning. Surely, this vast estate of yours has all of?—”

“I said no!” he snapped, which had Selina recoiling as if struck. So much for her belief that there might be a softer side to the beast. “What I meant to say is that in time, perhaps your sisters may visit?—”

“In time?” she cut him off, feeling angry now because while she had tried her best to extend some sort of olive branch, he appeared dismissive of it, not caring for her needs at all! “What does that mean?”

The corner of his lips twitched. “This marriage has been a surprise to more than you and I. Half the ton is talking about it, and although we have managed to avoid a scandal, I have no doubt that there are more than a few who are hoping to unearth one.”

“And this has to do with my sisters visiting because…?”

“In time, they will be allowed to visit.” He looked warningly at her. “But only when I am certain that the excitement this marriage has caused has calmed down significantly.”

“Allowed?” Selina asked angrily.

“Yes…” Benedict uttered, sensing a trap. “When the timing is right, I will allow you to invite them over.”

“So, I am to be your prisoner. Is that it?”

He blinked. “Excuse me?”

“This marriage of ours,” she began with a flutter of her eyelashes and a softening of her voice. “Will I need to ask permission when I wish to bathe in the morning also?”

He frowned as if he did not understand her. “What? No. Of course not.”

“How about when I break my fast in the morning? Or sup in the evening?”

“Do not be ridiculous.”