Before she could respond, a familiar hand settled on her elbow.
“Richmond.” Owen’s voice could have frozen fire. “I believe you’ve monopolized my wife long enough.”
CHAPTER 18
“You’re making a scene,” Iris said between gritted teeth as Owen spun her into the next dance.
He’d barely waited for the musicians to begin playing before sweeping her onto the floor. He rested his hand on her waist.
“I’m dancing with my wife.” He kept his voice level despite the fury burning in his chest. “It’s hardly scandalous.”
“You practically ripped me away from him. Everyone saw.”
“Good.”
“Good?” She stumbled slightly, and he steadied her with insulting ease. “Your Grace, people are staring.”
“Let them stare.” He pulled her closer than was strictly proper. “Maybe next time, they’ll think twice before pawing at what’s mine.”
Her eyes flashed dangerously. “I am not your property.”
“You’re my wife.”
“There’s a difference.”
“Yes. But even so.” The words came out harsher than intended. “Richmond seemed confused about that distinction.”
“He was being polite.”
“He was being predatory.” Owen executed a turn with more force than necessary. “The way he looked at you, the way he touched you?—”
“He touched me exactly as much as any dancing partner would. You’re being ridiculous.”
“I’m being protective.”
“You’re being possessive. There’s a difference, as you’d know if you paid attention to anything beyond your jealousy.”
The accusation stung because it held truth. Watching Jasper’s hands on her, seeing him lean close enough to whisper inher ear, had ignited something primitive in Owen’s chest. That something demanded he tear her away, stake his claim, and make it clear to everyone that she belonged to him.
“This isn’t helping our reputation,” Iris continued, her voice tight with anger. “We’re supposed to be presenting a united front, remember? Instead, you’re acting like a jealous husband from a bad novel.”
“Maybe I am jealous.” The admission surprised him as much as it did her. “Maybe I didn’t like watching him put his hands on you.”
“Then perhaps you should have thought of that before abandoning me for a year.” Her words cut deep. “You don’t get to ignore me when it’s convenient and then play the possessive husband when it suits you.”
The moment the last note faded, Owen took her elbow and steered her toward the doors.
“What are you doing?”
“Getting us out of here.”
“Your Grace?—”
But he was already guiding her through the crowd, ignoring the curious looks and whispers.
He knew Morrison House well enough from business dinners to make his way to a small library off the main corridor.
The door clicked shut behind them, muffling the sounds of the ball.
