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He swallowed. “Jo, there is no other way for us. Surely you know I can’t marry you.”
More tears slipped from her eyes and trailed down her cheeks, but everything inside her burned. “I never asked to become your wife. But I did ask you not to insult me with the offer of becoming your mistress!”
Her skirts rustled as Selena stood and walked toward them.
“I am a viscount, Jo! I need a respectable wife.”
Jo reared back as though he’d hit her. And she’d rather he’d hit her than say those words. “I might not be considered respectable in your circles, but I do have self-respect. I am not going to be a mistress to a married man, my lord. No matter what you say.”
Selena appeared at her side and hugged her by the shoulders. “I think it is time for you to leave, my lord,” she said firmly.
Richard looked from Jo to Selena and back again. “Don’t just dismiss it,” he said again.
Jo let out a hysterical laugh. “I thought you were different,” she said sadly. “I thought you were better than that. My mistake.”
He tensed his jaw, the muscle ticking again in his cheek. Then he turned on his heel and walked away.
