Chapter 29

I knew what Andrei was doing: he was just trying to seduce me to get me to admit the truth, because he knew I wasn’t telling him everything.

Well, he wasn’t going to get what he wanted. Not now, and not ever.

Composing myself, I pulled back just before his lips could meet mine and said firmly, “It’s not becoming of a man to try to kiss another woman when both parties are married.”

Andrei froze, but didn’t release me. His eyes flashed. “You? Married to Damon?” He jerked his chin toward the bare skin on my neck. “That means nothing when you’re not mated.”

I laughed out loud at that, although there was no humor in the sound, and finally shoved him away. Surprisingly, he staggered back a little, surprised that I had pushed him, and released me. “Then that would mean our entire marriage was a sham,” I said, smoothing down my rumpled dress.

Andrei’s jaw ticked, but I went on, “Besides, not all couples need a mate bond to know they care for each other. Damon and I are different—we love each