Page 46 of The Scarred Duke's Bride

He doesn’t want me.

Somehow, she’d never thought about how he felt for her, but this physical evidence of his rejection was almost too much to take. Folding in on herself, she closed her eyes tightly and attempted to fall asleep.

* * *

Eric was a sailor, and so he was used to imbibing large quantities of alcohol. As a result, he was not at all surprised to wake up with a headache but also a clear and complete remembrance of everything that happened the night before. Kissing Freya, touching her, and almost making love to her.

I almost forced myself upon her,he thought with horror.

He resolved then and there not to get drunk again in her presence.

He turned and found her sprawled in the middle of the bed, snoring slightly, and looking debauched. He stared at her mouth, swollen still from their kissing, one breast peeking out from the blankets.

Temptation personified.

How am I supposed to resist?

He pushed himself out of bed in the other direction and disappeared behind the screen to use the chamber pot. He came back out to find Freya sitting up in bed. She turned to look at him and then screamed. He jumped, looking around for the threat, and then realized she was screaming at his body.

“Oh, hush. You have seen me unclothed before.”

“Not…not…not…” She waved vaguely in the direction of his groin.

He snorted with derision and then plucked his night robe from the hook and put it on. “There, are you satisfied?”

She just blinked at him, looking positively discombobulated. Eric almost laughed but then clutched at his head as it throbbed. Walking around the bed, he picked up the decanter of water and poured himself a glass. He held up the decanter to Freya, eyebrow raised in inquiry. She shook her head, licking her bottom lip and looking disgusted. She got out of bed and then realized she was naked too.

She screeched again before running for her robe and hastily putting it on. Eric watched with bemusement. “I take it you don’t remember what happened last night.”

“What happened?” She stared at him in horror. “What do you mean by that?”

He shook his head, feeling savagely vindicated for his instincts. “Nothing happened. Don’t worry your little head about it.”

“Then why were we both naked?”

He shrugged. “I suppose it was a hot night.”

She glared at him. “You’re lying.”

“And your eyes are red. We all have our challenges.”

She put a hand to her head with a tiny gasp and then went to the basin. Pouring water into it, she began to wash her face. Eric finished his water just as there was a knock on the door.

“Yes?” he called.

Silver came in, accompanied by several maids carrying hot water. They placed them in the bathroom and left. “Your family is down at breakfast. They are expecting you,” Silver said.

“Yes, thank you,” Eric said coolly, dismissing the man.

Freya gave him a look. “What are we to do abouthim?”

Eric sighed. “We must pretend to be the most loving couple in Christendom while he is around. We must act as if we are doing what he wishes, otherwise, he and your father will not stop coming up with schemes such as last night.

Freya nodded slowly. “You’re right.”

“So, for example, he has told us that our families are waiting while bringing hot water for us to bathe. Obviously, he expects us to bathe together. I suggest we each clean ourselves as fast as possible and go down to breakfast together.”

Freya hesitated, looking skeptical. “I-I suppose we could do that.”