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Owen’s cock brushed against the spot that ignited her sensual fire. Another few strokes and she was done. Owen was not far behind and let out a howl as he shot his release deep inside her. The couple lay together with Owen still buried inside her. Selena lovingly rubbed her fingers on the arm which he had wrapped around her. It was over. Tomorrow would be a new day, the beginning of their life together, and the first thing she would do would be to declare her love to her husband.
* * *
The morning sunlight streamed through the curtains. Selena flinched as the beams hit her eyes, telling her it was time to wake up. She put a hand to the bed behind her, but there was no one there. Owen was gone, probably downstairs, waiting for her.
Selena stretched her arms and legs before sitting up in bed. Her body was deliciously sore in all the right places. Last night, Owen had thoroughly loved her and this morning she would return the sentiment by uttering those three words. For the first time in her life, Selena felt like things were going right.
Then she recalled Owen’s expression last night, almost like he was sad. No, she must have been mistaken. After all, she’d been exhausted from the episode yesterday and her mind was probably playing tricks on her. Or perhaps it was just concern Owen had shown or guilt. Yes, that’s what it was. Owen had felt guilty about her being attacked. There was nothing to be concerned about. At least, that’s what Selena told herself as she rang the bell for her maid.
Katie entered a few minutes later. “Mr. Longfellow is in the library with his lordship. They asked that you join them when you are ready,” Katie stated.
With Katie’s help, she was at the door to the library in twenty minutes. The moment she entered, Selena could tell something was off. Mr. Longfellow stood off to the side, a welcoming smile on his face, but when she turned toward Owen, there was something in his stare. It was familiar, and at the same time unsettling. It took a second, then she remembered. It was the look he used to give Selena when he was displeased with her.
Selena put her hands behind her back, lest either man see them trembling.
“Good morning, Lady Fernsby,” Longfellow said.
“Good morning, Mr. Longfellow,” Selena barely got the words out. She dared not look at Owen. But even without meeting his gaze, his eyes bored a hole in the back of her head.
What had happened since last night?
Owen finally spoke. “Longfellow has some information regarding our unwanted guest from yesterday. I thought you would want to hear since it concerns you.”
Selena glanced at Owen. His expression had eased, but she was still leery. The trio took seats before Longfellow began.
“Mr. Barrows,” he said, turning to Selena, “the man who attacked you yesterday, has admitted to being the man who also attacked Lord Fernsby in New Zealand. The package stolen from you was a small shipment of gold.”
“Were you able to retrieve it?” Owen asked.
“Not all of it. Barrows and his friends had already sold about half of it, but we recovered the rest.”
“Will Owen be charged?” Selena inquired.
“Lord Fernsby will have to give a statement, but given his title and his willingness to cooperate with the authorities, I don’t think they will file any charges.”
Selena was glad to hear it. She wanted to put this entire episode behind them. Another check at Owen showed he had fixed his stormy gray eyes on her. There was a pained look on his face. Suddenly she wanted Longfellow to leave so she could speak with her husband and find out what had caused this change in him. Last night he had been so passionate, but there had been something hanging between them even then.
Finally, Longfellow left, but he would call in the next few days to have Owen make an official statement to his superiors. After the door closed, Selena and Owen faced each other.
“Owen what…”
He put a hand up to silence her. His eyes were cold, void of any warmth. “I remember.”
The blood drained from her face. “How much?”
“Everything.”
Her legs threatened to give way, so she sank into the nearest seat. This couldn’t be happening, not now, not when she had just gotten her husband back. Tears threatened, but she blinked them back. It was her worst fear come true.
She composed herself before speaking. “When did this happen?” It was useless to try and hide the tremble in her voice.
“This morning. When I woke up, it was as if a curtain had been lifted and everything had returned. It was all there with great clarity, every person I had wronged, every underhanded deed I had done, every hurt I had caused you, and all the happiness that I don’t deserve.” His last words came out in a whisper.
Some of the new Owen was in there, she was sure of it. If he remembered everything, then he would recall how they had been these last few weeks.
“I was going to tell you this morning, but you looked so peaceful sleeping, so I waited. I came down to the library to wait, and that’s when I found these.” He held up the papers Rodney had drawn up for her, evidence of her betrayal.
Selena blanched. Someone must have found them and put placed them on the desk, not knowing they were not for Owen’s eyes.
