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CHAPTER13
“Those two are as thick as thieves anymore,” Sarah said.
“It is good to see them rekindling their friendship.”
“Yes, it is. Perhaps Owen’s injury was a godsend. I mean, look at how he treats you. He’s completely besotted.”
It would certainly appear that way. During dinner, Owen had been attentive, making sure her wine glass was filled and asking her opinion on places they should visit or things they should do while in London. But was he doing it to appease his guilty conscience? Selena knew he had visited his mistress. What had occurred? When Sarah and Bran had shown up, even though she was glad, Selena had wanted time to speak with Owen. There would be time when the Hughes left.
“What do you think?”
Selena focused her attention on Sarah. What had she asked? “I’m terribly sorry, I didn’t catch that.”
Sarah grinned. “I asked if you wanted to go to the shops tomorrow. I’m sure the men will be busy around town. Might as well fill the time.”
“That would be lovely. Why don’t we say after lunch?”
“Perfect.”
Sarah rattled on about the items she wanted to find. Selena’s mind wandered back to Owen. What were he and Bran being so secretive about? He wasn’t hiding something, was he? Hadn’t Owen said he would do everything in his power to make her happy?
You are being ridiculous.
It was time to let go of the past. She couldn’t think the worst every time Owen wanted to have a private conversation. He was different. This man cared for her. He didn’t yell or belittle her for no reason. Instead of sneering at her, his face lit up when she entered the room. This Owen could be trusted. Couldn’t he?
The door opened, and the men rejoined them. Bran had a smile for his wife, but when Selena looked at Owen, he shifted his gaze. Suspicion nagged at the edge of her mind.
“I think we should leave for the night. I’m sure you two are going to get sick of us.” Sarah looped her arm through Bran’s.
“You are always welcome here,” Owen said.
“Nevertheless, we should go. I will see you tomorrow afternoon, dear.” Sarah embraced Selena, then Owen.
Now they were alone. Selena glanced at Owen. He motioned to the sofa by the fire. They settled next to each other. Suddenly, it felt awkward. Selena fidgeted with her skirts, giving her mind something to focus on.
“I ended it.” Owen’s words were flat.
She met his stare.
“I met with Violet and told her she had to leave, that I would not see her again.”
“What did she say?”
Owen cleared his throat. “She tried to persuade me to change my mind.”
Selena could guess what that meant. The idea made her nauseous. She swallowed down the anger and went to stand, but Owen stopped her. In fact, he was rather adamant in his gesture, and when he pulled her toward him, she fell onto his lap. The bulge between his legs did not go unnoticed.
“There was nothing she could have said or done to change my mind. I felt nothing for her. My heart was ice.” Owen caressed a hand down Selena’s neck. “Not like when I’m with you.”
Damn the man and his sweet words. They hit the mark. Without thinking, she put her arms around Owen and drew him closer. On a moan, he took her mouth, taking his fill of her lips. They exchanged caresses until Selena was clinging to Owen as if her life depended on it. His large hands held her close, cupping her neck to angle her mouth for a deeper taste.
Selena’s channel clenched in delight when his erection nudged at her bottom. It brought back memories of their last coupling—their only coupling since his return. Would they make love tonight? If Owen offered, she would not refuse him. She could give in to the pleasures of the flesh and not include her heart, couldn’t she?
Before she knew it, Owen had broken the kiss. Their breaths mingled in the space between their lips. Why had he stopped? Selena laid her head on his chest, refusing to lose the moment. Until now, she hadn’t realized how much she craved Owen’s touch.
“Piece by piece, we will put our life back together, I promise.” He hugged her tighter. “You must be patient and trust me.” Owen kissed the top of her head.
“I do.” She peered up at him, afraid he would see the tiny part of her that was still unsure.
