Marcus’ main goal wasn’t to seduce her, but to gain her trust. Pleasurable pursuits would come later. How else could he get her to talk about France’s Emperor, and especially what the man’s army will be doing next? And if he couldn’t get her to talk about them as his wife, he was determined that Hawk would succeed. One way or another, he’d get information out of her.He tried not to think how well he enjoyed her kisses in the coach after the ceremony. She followed his instructions perfectly, and all thoughts of revenge had fled his mind. Thankfully, the vehicle had reached his house, giving him time to think about what he wanted to accomplish.He took her to Belmont Park first. With her hand hooked on his elbow, h

Marcus stood in the dark, abandoned building, waiting for Isabelle. She would come. He knew it like he knew the sun would rise tomorrow.He ran his hand over his mask, making certain it was in place before sweeping his palm over the scarf covering his hair. He had to hide it so she wouldn’t see he’d cut it. Patting his fake mustache and beard, he knew he couldn’t risk Isabelle becoming suspicious of his identity. Several times since they married, she had stared deeply into his eyes, and he held his breath, waiting for her to recognize him. Thankfully, she hadn’t. Could it be that while holding her prisoner and he wore a mask she didn’t see the true color of his eyes? He sincerely hoped.A noise from out on the street pu

Marcus wore a permanent smile as he walked down the street toward Thorne Shipping. His wife fulfilled him beyond reason. And he loved her completely.As badly as he wanted to confess his feelings, he worried that she wasn’t ready to hear those three special words from Lord Lockwood yet. But the wait would drive him insane.Several people greeted him, and he tipped his hat, giving them a nod. When his name was shouted from across the street, he turned and scanned the crowd, trying to find who tried to gain his attention. A portly older gentleman waved one hand while the other held a hat on his head. The man’s large belly and double chin jiggled with each

Isabelle paced in her room, flexing her hands against her side, anticipating the time her husband would leave for his meeting. If he waited much longer, she would go insane.Heavy footsteps pounded on the floor. She rushed to her door and pressed her ear against the wood. Marcus’ footsteps moved past her room and descended the stairs. Relieved the time had finally arrived, she quickly slipped out of her wrapper and pulled on the boys’ clothes her maid had fetched for her earlier this evening. Thankfully, her maid found large black breeches, shirt and overcoat to hide Isabelle’s womanly figure. She stuffed her long hair into a brown cap before leaving her room and sneaking down the servant’s stairs. When she reached outside without being spotted by her husband’s staff, she breathed easier.

The second Marcus arrived at home, an ominous feeling washed over him like a dark cloud filling his soul. Something wasn’t right. A different atmosphere hung in the air, causing anger to rise in his bosom. There had only been a few times he’d experienced this feeling, mostly in the presence of his father. So why now?Just before he reached the stairs, Gentry rushed in from the kitchen.“My lord, you have an unexpected visitor.”“I do?”“Yes. Lord Blackstone arrived this morning and waits for you in your study.”