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I wanted her so badly my mouth was filling with drool. And she didn’t want me to touch her.

“You came to find a sweet, forgiving wife, but you no longer have one.”

“Let me get the mark out!” I bit out. “Please. It shouldn’t be there. It’s wrong. It’s shameful.”

“No, it’s not. It’s enlightening. Because it means I have a husband who was willing to do anything except put me first. So go away and be with Faustine. Mano already told me everything I need to know.”

“I did do what Mano said. But I didn’t do it because I wanted some other woman! Or because I didn’t love you anymore. I needed to get you safely out of the way for my revenge. By demanding the bride-price back, it would have destroyed the Pinoteaux name, their honor, and have fulfilled my vow to my Papé.”

“And what about my name?” she demanded, her lips set angrily at me.

“Your name is Bastide.”

“What was your plan after calling me whore in front of everyone?”

Shame burned down my throat.

“Mano would have told everyone that he was mistaken, of course. That he meant to meet someone else there. The paternity test would be redone, and everything would be as it ought.”

She stared at me.

“You think Mano is going to go along with that?”

“Mano will do what I tell him to.”

“Did your grandfather even ask you to make this vow?”

I paused, every muscle tensed to the point of explosion.

“No. But I know the sound of blood calling to me.”

Léonie sat up, so close that my skin was pounding with lust, my hands itching to grab her and hold her tight. Her scent was in my nostrils, burning down my throat, my cock throbbing in my pants, and it took everything I had not to take her in my arms.

“I don’t think you know what is calling to you. You think it’s mountain honor, but your Papé never asked for that. He told you to run, leave the place where he died. Maybe he didn’t want you to bind your spirit up in revenge.”

My face burned.

“In fact you wanted this revenge because it would increase your lands and your power.”

“Chérie, no.”

My hands were almost shaking now with the craving to kiss her, so close I could see every tiny pulse and kick on her belly.

“I want my wife back. I want my family back. I wanted to make sure you couldn’t be retaliated against while I finished my revenge. I have the power to change anyone’s mind about you. They won’t dare to say a word against you.”

“But do you have the power to change my mind, Étienne? No, you don’t. You’ve thought of everyone but me.”

“Please! I will tell you everything and anything you ask! Just let me get a little closer. I feel like I’m dying without being able to touch you.”

For a moment there was silence. I could see that her chin was raised proudly, but her heart was pounding, nipples taut in her nightgown, and she looked ripe and swollen all over, from her belly to her heavy breasts.

Then she nodded her head and I could have gnawed through my knuckle.

“All right. Tell me then.”

How could she be so tempting and delicious, yet look so utterly unconcerned with my presence?

I pounced forward and kissed her, loving how soft her lips felt under mine, and felt myself spilling out all these details.