“I… I…” she stammered.
Briarwood laughed lightly. “Your innocence is truly rare in this age.”
Adrian trembled with anger, knowing that the Earl chose his words well like weapons. He knew that Daphne was not unaware of his nighttime habits. She understood that her place was in thehome while he attended to business. And yet, the way Briarwood said it, coupling the good together with the bad, made it seem as if Adrian was abandoning his wife while he went in search of more frivolous types of entertainment.
“Lord Briarwood.” Daphne regained her composure quickly. “What brings you to the market?” She paused and gestured to Adrian and her sisters with her free hand. “My husband and I realized that we need to enjoy our favorite treats with family.”
Adrian’s heart skipped at the way she said, “husband and I” and “our treats.” She was making it clear to Briarwood that they were a team.
“Have you nothing to say now, my lord? Are you not enjoying the market? Have you found a few delightful things to purchase?” she continued.
“Purchase?” Briarwood asked, chuckling. “I am merely ensuring that Wolfcrest takes care of his most valuable acquisition.”
Daphne’s eyes bulged with rage, and Adrian had to remind himself that they were in public.
“I believe that he must be very careful,” the Earl added.
After the insult came the threat. Of course.
“What I do should not concern you, Briarwood. You do not have to think about my wife, either. She is my wife and not yours,for good reasons. I can assure you that I will never let anything distract me from her. Of all people, you should know much about her worth.”
The tension had become too heavy, which was unexpected for a day out at the market fair. Some of the ordinary folks had started darting glances at them, curious at why two members of the peerage were at odds with each other and verbally sparring in public, no less.
“Enjoy your walk with your friends, my lord,” Adrian continued dismissively, giving the word “friends” a special tone of derision. “We have other pressing matters to attend to, such as enjoying each other’s company.”
The dismissal was cold. Briarwood could only glare back. Even he knew that causing a scene would hurt his reputation, no matter how secure he felt about it. Finally, frustration replaced the smug look on his face, but he did hold the Duke’s gaze for an extended period. They were passing deadly intent back and forth with each other.
Then, Briarwood gave Daphne one final, tight smile before disappearing into the crowd, flanked by his two sullen men. Adrian did not relax until they were in their carriage on the way back to Wolfcrest Townhouse.
The carriage ride was silent, diminishing the lightness of the market fair walk. Daphne held the necklace locket in her hand,reminding herself that Adrian had chosen it for her. It was not expensive, but it was worth more than her precious stones. It kept her grounded even as Adrian vibrated with furious energy. He sat beside her, which was a change that she welcomed. However, his eyes were sending daggers at the streets outside.
“Your Grace, Briarwood is now fully aware that he cannot touch me, not when I am with you. Not when I am your wife. The market fair achieved two things today. We had an enjoyable time while we also established how united we are.”
She touched his arm as she spoke. He flinched a little, making her back away from him.
“You do not understand at all, Duchess. Briarwood will not stop until I do something to stop him.”
Chapter Seventeen
The moment the carriage wheels halted in front of the doors of the townhouse, Adrian became fully the Wolf once more. His posture went rigid, and his gaze grew distant. He did not look at Daphne.
The Duchess watched him, with her heart sinking as she realized that they were more likely to go back to old routines. One moment, the man was protecting her fiercely, his hand possessively on her waist. The next, he had pulled up his walls once more. The withdrawal of his affection and intimacy felt cruel.
This time, she would not let him retreat. She followed him into his study, where he was threatening to hide himself once more. She would not let him.
Again, she was amazed at how the room could feel so immense and powerful when it was nothing more but another room smelling of leather and cold ash.
Adrian at least did not stop her. He also didn’t turn toward her. Instead, he went by the hearth and ran a hand over the marble mantelpiece. She wondered if he needed something steady to hold on to. Why didn’t he try holding on to her when nobody was watching? She might be soft on the outside, but she could be his strength.
“Wolfcrest is secure,” he declared, as if it was enough reason to steer himself away from her. “I have already talked to my men about surveillance. Most of the things we discussed are not for a lady’s ears, especially not for a Duchess like you.”
“Why would it be inappropriate when it concerns me and my safety?” Daphne asked, frowning. She wanted to shout but she knew that it would be the more reason for him to say that she was not emotionally ready for the things he had to say.
Daphne wanted to penetrate his armor. She had never been the bold one in her life. It was always Victoria, the adventurous twin. This time, though, she stepped forward. She wanted to talk to her husband, up close.
“Do you not know that you must also protect your Duchess’s peace of mind?” she prodded. “It is strongly associated with her Duke’s honesty and openness.”
Adrian turned toward her, reluctantly and slowly. His amber eyes were on her, glowing in the semi-darkness. She almost expected him to pounce, like the wolf that he was. But no, this wild animal was wounded. Tormented. In hiding.
