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“Go on.”
He scratched his head. “I know you saw me talking to that woman, Lucinda Whitaker.”
So now they were going to discuss Lucinda. “I did.”
Owen sighed loudly, clearly uncomfortable with the subject. “Were she and I…” He stepped away from her, his back to her.
“Lovers?”
He turned back to her. Wordlessly, he shook his head.
“I’m not sure,” Selena answered. “I heard rumors, but I don’t know. It’s not like you would have told me.” Now she tried to sound nonchalant.
It seemed to help. Owen’s shoulders slumped. He came over to her. “From what she insinuated, we may have been. I’m sorry.”
Apologies were becoming a regular habit of his. Selena had learned years ago to cope with the pain of betrayal. Besides, the longer she was around the new Owen, the more she forgave him for his past transgressions. She couldn’t very well condemn the man for things he couldn’t remember.
“It’s in the past.”
“But I hurt you.” He brushed a hand down the side of her face. “I never want to hurt you again.”
Could she believe it? She wanted to but despaired this was a fleeting moment of contentment for them. Owen must have seen the worry on her face.
“I know you don’t believe me, Selena, but I will do everything in my power to make sure of it.”
Her eyes met his. They were darker than they had been a minute ago. His lips parted as he leaned in. He was going to kiss her. Should she allow him?
“May I kiss you?”
“Yes.”
He closed the distance to brush his lips lightly over hers. Selena remained still, holding her breath. When he drew away, she sighed. Owen watched her, waiting to see her reaction. She licked her lips, taking in his taste.
“Kiss me again,” she whispered.
It was all Owen needed. His mouth descended on her, more urgent this time, and Selena met his urgency with her own. She wound her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. Their mouths took in the other’s essence. Electric shocks of excitement raced through her. This was their first true kiss in eight years.
Owen nibbled on her bottom lip, drawing it into his mouth. She moaned, running her fingers through his curly locks, making him deepen the embrace. After another taste, Owen nibbled down the column of her neck, taking time to lavish attention on the hollow at the base. The tiny hairs on her neck stood on end, making Selena shiver. She leaned her head back in surrender.
“My sweet Selena.” He made his way back to her mouth.
The bulge of his arousal nudged between her legs. Was she ready to share her bed with him? A few kisses were one thing, but having marital relations was completely different. Owen’s hand sliding up her back brought Selena out of her thoughts. He cupped her neck, angling her for a better taste. He kissed as if he had been born to do it.
They feasted on each other’s mouths until Selena’s lips were swollen. Owen pulled away, his breathing labored. He leaned his forehead against hers.
“It has been a long day. I should let you rest.”
He did not ask to share her bed. It was for the best. Selena’s feelings toward her husband had changed so quickly in such a short amount of time that she needed to think about everything.
“Yes, it has been a busy day,” she answered.
“One full of surprises.”
She glanced up. Owen grinned. Selena turned to open her bedchamber door. “Good night, Owen.”
“Good night. Sleep well.” He bowed before going to his chambers.
She watched until he was out of sight, then went into her room. Selena leaned against the closed door. Even now, she could still feel Owen’s lips on hers. Dear Lord, what was she doing? Just then, Katie came out of her dressing room.
“Good evening, my lady. How was the party?”
“It was a success.”
“That is good news.”
Selena nodded. The maid helped her out of her garments and into her nightgown. As she nestled between the sheets, Selena pondered her options. Rodney was helping her to find a way to get away from her husband, but the more time she spent with him, she more she wanted to be with Owen. And if he kissed her again, she wasn’t sure if she could resist doing more.
