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Thea had known what to expect for the days that followed. Jasper had said they were to pretend indifference to each other.

But never before had her acting skills been so challenged by a role.

Whenever she saw him at a party, or by chance while passing the shops on Bond Street, or touring the park with a gentleman

caller and Lady Broadbent, her heart spun in Catherine wheels, sparks fairly shooting out of her. And all she wanted to do

was go to him and remove the distance between them.

But, apparently, he didn’t experience the same struggle when seeing her. In fact, he seemed to look straight through her as

if she wasn’t there at all. There was no warmth in his gaze. No grin on his lips. He did not so much as wave.

The opera tonight had been the worst of all. She didn’t know he’d been planning to accept the Earl of Dovermere’s invitation.

So it came as a surprise to see him standing just outside the earl’s box.

Dovermere had greeted her, Lady Broadbent and Captain Summerhayes warmly, then proceeded to introduce them to his son, Jack,

and his wife, Lilah. After which, he turned to Jasper. “And I believe you are already acquainted with my esteemed guest, Viscount

St. James.”

Esteemed guest! Thea was thrilled. All this and he hadn’t even had his dinner with Sherborne yet. Everything was falling into place.

But when her gaze shifted from the earl to Jasper and she held out her hand in greeting, all she received was a stony expression

as he inclined his head, offering a bland “Miss Hartley.”

He never took her hand.

As embarrassment swiftly climbed to her cheeks, Captain Summerhayes came to her rescue by setting her glove on his sleeve.

“Forgive me, Miss Hartley, but I do believe I hear the first strains of the orchestra. May I escort you to your seat?”

She swallowed, then smiled up at him. “Thank you, Captain. I would like that very much.”

As she’d kept her gaze on the stage for the remainder of the opera, Thea repeatedly told herself that it meant nothing. Jasper

was likely nervous, that’s all. And he wasn’t the type of man to allow himself to appear vulnerable. So, he kept himself distant,

aloof.

Yet, she never imagined he would be that way with her, when he never was before.

It hurt more than she cared to think about. She supposed there was enough of the wounded uncertainty from the past year still

left inside her, like a bruise that refused to heal.

She’d expected her relationship with Jasper to change after they’d made love. What she hadn’t expected was that, instead of

holding fast to each other and facing whatever challenges the future posed together, they were now more apart than ever.

“That was a splendid outing,” Lady Broadbent said as they moved through the foyer of the townhouse, leaving their wraps with

the butler. “Although, I shall not forgive St. James for his abominable manners. Imagine refusing to take your hand. I wanted

to throw my fan at him.”

“Please, don’t judge him too harshly. He was likely nervous,” she said, hiding her own misgivings.

The countess stopped at the foot of the stairs and searched her gaze. Then she offered a resigned nod. “Very well. But I will expect more from him in the future, should our paths cross again.”

So will I , Thea thought.

“My dear,” the countess continued, her tone edged with soft concern, “is something amiss? I only ask because you haven’t seemed

yourself of late.”

“Is my ennui showing?”

“You could say that.”

When her attempt at lightening the mood with a teasing quip fell flat, she expelled a breath. “I think I’m simply tired. This

week has been inordinately long, and I fear the next will be the same.”

“Yes, the London Season can be taxing,” she said, setting a hand on the railing and the other on Thea’s arm as they ascended

the stairs together. “I had to wait three years before Pomeroy finally proposed. He only did so after another man’s pursuit

made him inordinately jealous. And do you know what? Throughout our entire marriage, I never admitted that I’d struck a bargain

with that other man. Who, by the by, had absolutely no interest in me, but wanted to make another girl jealous.”

Thea laughed. Her first genuine laugh in days. “You are positively diabolical and I am in awe of you.”

“We all do what we must for the sake of our heart’s desire,” she said with a shrug as they reached the top. Then she presented

her cheek for a kiss. “Now then, off with you to bed. After a good night’s rest, I imagine that tomorrow will feel much brighter.”

Bidding the countess a good night at her door, Thea turned and went down the hall to her own bedchamber. Tally was just coming

down from the servant’s stairs and greeted her with a smile.

“I saw the carriage arrive from the dormer window, miss,” she said. “I imagine you’re eager to step out of that dress. As fancy as it is with all those tiers of ruffles, it cannot be comfortable with such a cinched waist.”

Thea opened the door, the room only lit by a single log burning in the grate. The flames illuminated the cream-colored upholstered

chair and the wine table on the rug but left the rest of the room in shadow.

Stepping inside and walking toward the dressing screen in the corner, she said, “Madame LeBlanc insists that smaller waists

create a more attractive silhouette. But I do miss breathing. And eating.”

“Shall I fetch a plate from the kitchen after you’re all settled, then?” Tally asked from the hearth, pausing to light a chamberstick.

It wasn’t until she turned with the lamp in hand that Thea saw the large figure move deeper into the shadows. A gasp stalled

in her throat as she saw Jasper lift a hand to his lips.

Turning swiftly, she intercepted her maid. “Actually, Tally, I have a mind to write for a bit. And I don’t want to lose the

inspiration. So I’ll send you off to bed and see you in the morning.”

“But... your dress? Don’t you want to remove it?”

Thea steered her to the door, walking with her. “Actually, I haven’t been eating much lately and the waist isn’t all that

tight. If it weren’t for all the ruffles, I could likely climb a tree in this. It’s so comfortable.”

And the award for least believable performance goes to... the chorus said.

Tally’s brow scrunched. “If you’re certain.”

“I am. Absolutely. Have a good night. And thank you for understanding.” She took the chamberstick and summarily closed the

door.

Thea waited a few seconds before she dared to turn the lock. Then, setting down the chamberstick on the demilune table by

the door, she whirled around and stalked to Jasper.

“What do you think you’re doing, stealing into my bedchamber?” she hissed as he came out from behind the screen. “And how did you get in here without being seen?”

He didn’t answer, but glanced toward the window. Only then did she notice the drapes flutter in the breeze.

“You climbed through the window?” she asked inanely, an unwelcome flood of worry rising inside her. He could have been hurt.

He could have been seen. And, she reminded herself, he had no intention of marrying her. Not yet. Suddenly every ounce of

hurt she’d felt over these past few days rushed through her. “I think you should leave.”

He took a step forward, his face still in shadow. “Don’t you want to know why I’m here?”

“I imagine it’s because you wish to continue being a complete arse to me as you did at the opera.”

“The opera. That was a mistake.”

She stiffened. “So you admit that you were horrible to me, then? You could have at least taken my hand.”

“If I would have touched you, I don’t think I could have let go. Seeing you with Summerhayes, it was... unpleasant.”

“Is this some sort of exhibit of male pride? A threat to your manhood?” She set her hands on her hips, reveling in righteous

indignation. Albeit whispered righteous indignation. “Need I remind you that you told me to go out with him.”

“Then you smiled at him and I—” He raked a hand through his hair, gripping the short layers. Then he turned toward the fire,

muttering to himself, “Madness. This is madness. I cannot afford to be plagued like this.”

And that was when she understood.

This was all new to him. This big, strong man who’d spent most of his life trying to protect the people he cared about had

never allowed himself the chance to feel. He was able to keep himself apart, to distance himself from whatever methods he

had to employ in order to keep them safe.

At least, until now.

Of course, climbing through her window wasn’t a proposal of marriage or romantic declaration. But that’s what she wanted. She wanted him to admit how he felt about her, and to trust her enough to give her every part of him.

And if she had to goad it out of him, she would.

“You should leave. I need my rest,” she said. “But, before you go, could you help me with my fastenings?”

He glowered at her over his shoulder and growled.

She took that as a promising sign.

“Fine then. I’ll just ring for my maid.” Turning away from him, she slowly sauntered to the bed. Pausing to grip the carved

post and step out of her slippers. “After all, I forgot to tell Tally that I’d like to wear my blue dress tomorrow for when

Captain Summerhayes arrives. At least, he isn’t afraid to pay a ca— Ah! ” Her taunt ended on a squeak of surprise when she turned to see Jasper standing directly behind her, his eyes blazing. “You

frightened me. I didn’t hear you approach.”

“What are you doing to me?” he asked miserably.

Instead of confessing his undying love, he took her by the shoulders and claimed her mouth. The kiss was hard and lewd, scrambling

her wits as he licked into her mouth, his hands raking over her body, gripping and kneading until she had to cling to him

or else melt into a puddle at his feet.

“I don’t know what you mean. I’m not doing anything,” she panted as his mouth trailed down her throat.