AllFreeNovel
Share Us
CHAPTER2
From the moment Owen met his wife, he’d suspected she was keeping things from him. Whether to be kind or malicious was yet to be found. Each time he had asked a question she hesitated before speaking, as if trying to come up with the best answer. Other times she wouldn’t even meet his stare and when she did, Selena looked like she wanted to run away from him. What was she hiding? Owen thought when he met his wife he would find answers, but all he had were more questions.
Even though his wife appeared to dislike him, Owen couldn’t help but notice her alluring features, which he was able to appreciate more as they ate dinner. Her hair was dark, almost black, and her brown eyes seemed to hold some hidden secret. Selena’s heart-shaped face was complimented by her high cheekbones and full lips. But since they’d met, those lips were constantly drawn in a tight line. It had not escaped his notice that she had flinched from his touch, which told him theirs had not been a loving marriage.
Everyone was tense around him. When Tom, his valet, had shown him up to his room, the young man had not even looked him in the eye. He had spoken quietly in short, curt answers. What kind of man had Owen been?
Now, here he was, speaking to his wife, who seemed determined to say as little as possible regarding their marriage. Would she be this difficult with all his questions? If she did not help him, how was he to start his new life?
“So you married me to help your family and for financial security?”
“Yes.”
He narrowed his gaze at her. “I don’t believe you.”
She stiffened. “Why not?”
“Because even though I may have no memory, I can sense that you are holding something back from me.” Owen had had the last several months to do nothing but talk and listen. During that time, he had discovered he had a knack for reading people. Their postures, their tones—everyone had a little tell that said when they were lying. Selena was no different.
“Please, Owen. It is late, and I am tired. I am simply answering your questions the best that I can.”
He would let the issues slide for now. It had been a long day. Owen was about to leave when Selena spoke up. “May I ask you a question?”
“Of course.”
“Do you expect me to give you an heir?”
“What?” It was not the question he had expected.
“You will need an heir to secure the future of the title.”
He let out a breath. “I think that is something we can discuss at a later date. But if you are asking if I will make you fulfill your marital obligations, I would say, not at this time.”
Selena visibly relaxed. Unable to stop himself, Owen sat next to her, but did not reach out to her. “Selena, I will not force myself on you if you do not want me.”
She looked at him, unshed tears in her eyes. “It is late, and I think we should retire for the night.”
“Yes, that is a good idea.”
They rose. Owen offered his arm, which Selena tentatively took. Her touch was light on his arm, but he could feel the heat nonetheless. Her perfume, something floral, tickled his nose. It had been there all night in the air. Owen led her to the door to the adjoining suite, but Selena did not enter.
“Are these not your rooms?” Owen asked.
“My rooms are in the other wing.”
Owen rubbed a hand over his face. “I won’t ask why. Something tells me I won’t like the answer.”
Selena pursed her lips and nodded.
“Good night, Selena.”
“Good night.”
Slowly, like he was handling a wild animal, Owen raised her hand to his lips and gave her the whisper of a kiss. He peered up and saw Selena’s eyes widen. He gently released her hand, allowing her to take her leave. Owen watched until she was out of sight, then entered his bedchamber. Tom was waiting to help him undress.
“Did you have a pleasant evening, sir?”
“About as pleasant as a funeral, I would say.”
