Page 57 of The Earl’s Marriage of Convenience

Instead, he leaned forward.

The kiss began as the lightest of touches—tentative, searching, as though both of them still held the power to end it before it truly began.

She answered him.

Barely—but enough.

And that was all it took.

Whatever restraint remained in him shattered.

He deepened the kiss, pulling her closer, one hand bracing at her waist as he lost himself entirely in the sensation of her. It was no longer gentle, no longer careful—it was urgent, consuming, as though he had denied himself something too long and could no longer endure the absence.

And even as it unfolded—

He knew it was ruin.

He broke away abruptly, breathing unsteady, reality crashing back with unforgiving clarity.

This time, there could be no pretense.

This time, there would have to be words.

He had just begun to step back when the sound of footsteps reached him.

Too close. Too sudden.

He straightened at once, instinctively placing distance between them.

“I wondered.” Lord Carver’s voice slid into the moment, smooth and unwelcome.

Edwin’s jaw tightened.

“You were far too invested in that conversation the other evening,” Carver continued lazily, “to be a disinterested party.”

His gaze moved between them, sharp and knowing. “I find this … private moment … most enlightening.” A faint smile curved his lips. “I should have known.”

The pause was deliberate.

Cruel.

“Like mother, like daughter.” The words settled like poison in the air. “After all,” he continued, his tone almost conversational. “Her mother did possess a particular talent for … engaging every gentleman she encountered.”

Edwin stepped forward before he could stop himself.

But Eliza’s hand caught his arm.

A silent command.

No.

He stilled.

Carver’s gaze flicked briefly to her hand, then back to her face. “I shall take my leave—for now,” he said smoothly. “Though I imagine we will have much to discuss regarding how this … situation … might best be handled.” He lifted a brow slightly, then stepped back.

And without another word, turned and disappeared into the ballroom.

Chapter Twenty