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His hands lingered at her waist, the warmth of his palms like a mark of ownership. And when he guided her towards the dining room, it felt as if she’d suddenly struck a match, igniting the fire between them.

And she didn’t know what that meant for them now.

Later that night, Charlotte waited on the edge of her bed, wondering if she was supposed to knock on her husband’s door. Or would he come to her room to fetch her? She had opened the adjoining door a crack, afraid to ask what to do.

What should she wear on her wedding night that wasn’t truly a wedding night? She had chosen a pretty nightgown with an embroidered hem. Was it suitable? She didn’t even know if she was supposed to leave her hair up or down.

But then suddenly the adjoining door opened wider, and her husband stood there. Alaric had discarded his jacket, waistcoat, and cravat. But he was wearing the black socks she’d given him.

She clasped her hands together and tried to offer a welcoming smile, teasing, ‘The socks fit you well, I see.’

‘What about your stockings?’ he asked. ‘Are you wearing them?’

‘N-no.’ She couldn’t quite tell if he was teasing or not. ‘I never wear stockings to bed.’

His expression turned discerning, but he opened the adjoining door and crooked a finger to invite her into his room. ‘We should talk first.’

Charlotte walked inside and found a bright fire burning in the hearth. She drew close and held out her hands to warm them. Alaric pulled a chair for her and one for himself. She sat across from him, wondering what there was to discuss.

The duke took his own seat and regarded her. ‘I can tell that you’re nervous. I presume that you are a virgin?’

She blinked a moment. ‘I…yes, of course I am.’ Why would he even bother to ask? Wasn’t she supposed to be? Or was he implying something else? Her cheeks were burning at the thought.

‘What, exactly, did anyone tell you about a wedding night?’ His voice was calm and collected, as if he were asking her about a book she’d read recently.

Oh. That was what this was. He wanted to know if she understood her duty.

Her heartbeat quickened, and a flush seemed to suffuse her body with embarrassment. Charlotte swallowed hard, suddenly realising that he was demanding complete honesty. She turned away and admitted, ‘My mother told me that I would—’ She took a breath and continued, ‘Lie upon the bed, open my legs, and allow you to…do as you wish.’

He studied her, his gaze emotionless. ‘I think we should create rules of our own when it comes to consummating this marriage.’

Her tension only increased at the thought. She remembered what it had been like to sit on his lap as he’d caressed her breasts with the mistletoe. Did he intend to tell her what she should do?

‘I don’t know anything about it,’ she confessed. ‘What sort of rules do you mean?’

The duke rose from his chair. ‘I told you earlier that one of my most important rules is that we will not fall in love. It’s not something I’m capable of.’

Her shoulders relaxed somewhat. Was that what worried him? Or did he mean he wasn’t capable of loving her?

Fear gathered in her throat, but she braved a smile that wasn’t real. ‘Of course not. My own parents don’t love one another, but they seem perfectly content in their marriage. I see no reason why ours cannot be the same.’

Although her claim sounded calm and reasonable, a part of her whispered that it was a lie. She did want the duke to care about her, even if it was just in friendship.

‘With some unions, love and lovemaking are one and the same,’ he told her.

She knew that. And especially after he’d tempted her earlier this morning, she was starting to suspect that their consummation could be rather nice.

‘I vowed to be a true wife to you,’ Charlotte said. ‘To one day bear you an heir. And I will keep that promise. I don’t expect you to have feelings for me.’

Once again, the words were starting to become a lie, even as she locked away her hopes.

Alaric drew closer and offered his hand. ‘Good. Then let us begin.’

Chapter Six

Rule 6: You will not redecorate the house without permission.

Alaric waited until Charlotte took his hand, and he drew her to stand. Although he’d had lovers before, he couldn’t remember whether he’d ever made love to a virgin. Charlotte might be the first.