Page 23

A harsh groan tore from his throat as he spent himself inside her, spilling his seed deep into her warmth.

Temperance wanted to scream with frustration.

No!

She did not want it to end. She did not want him to stop.

But he did, lying still on top of her.

For a few precious breaths, she let herself savor it. At least she was still in his arms, his comforting weight pressing her down.

Then, as if he had heard her thoughts, he withdrew and rolled away, leaving her naked, cold, and utterly alone.

He sat up at once, chest heaving, and ran a hand through his hair. Then he reached for his injured side.

A red dot had bloomed on the white linen she had wrapped around him. He must have torn the stitches.

Temperance felt suddenly very selfish for wishing he had stayed on top of her longer.

He was hurt, and he had still obliged her.

And it had been... wonderful.

Sutton stood and disappeared into his dressing room.

For seven years, Temperance had wondered what it would be like to lie with her husband. She needn't wonder any longer.

She had enjoyed his touch, his scent, his whispers in her ear.

It had been pleasant, cathartic even.

But something was missing.

Perhaps love?

The word made her throat tighten.

When Sutton returned, he held out her discarded nightgown and dropped it on top of her.

He wants me to dress?

Temperance sat up, clutching the nightgown to her chest. "Is my naked form so unpleasant to you that you want me covered already?"

She pulled the nightgown over her head and tugged it down over her legs.

His gaze lingered on the fabric as it slid down her thighs.

"No, not at all. I merely thought you would not want to run around my room naked, searching for your gown on your way out the door."

Temperance blinked. "You are telling me to leave?"

He raised a brow. "You did not expect to spend the night here, did you?"

She swallowed, feeling lost. "I thought... Are husband and wife not supposed to share a bed? My aunt said⁠—"

"We did share a bed. For the marital act. Now you are free to sleep in your own bed, and I shall sleep in mine."

She stood, her face burning with offense, confusion, and humiliation.