Chapter 68

Graeme’s fingers tightened around Macy’s wrist as he pulled her through the dispersing crowd, his touch burning through the thin fabric of her sleeve. She could feel the barely restrained tremor in his grip—that same powerful hand which had traced loving patterns across her skin now thrumming with barely controlled fury.

The cool night air hit her flushed face as they emerged outside, doing nothing to calm the fire burning in her chest or the way her pulse fluttered wildly at her throat.

Before them, the Richards family moved toward their waiting car like a storm retreating, their expensive shoes clicking sharply against the pavement. Mrs. Richards’ voice carried through the night, sharp as broken glass. “After tonight’s disgrace, consider all ties between our families severed! I won’t have my daughter treated this way!”

Marianne hurried after them, her usually composed voice strained with uncharacteristic urgency. “Eleanor, please be reasonable—”

“Don’t you ‘Eleanor’ me!” The older