Chapter 47
Their marriage had been devoid of love from the beginning. And if there was one thing Chloe was certain of, it was that the idea of the Duke having genuine affection for anyone was preposterous.
The thought of herself being the recipient of such affection was even more ludicrous. She tossed and turned, finally settling on her back. She pulled the covers up to her chin, attempting to quell her idle reverie. With a soft exhale, the candle flickered out.
As the rhythm of the rain intensified in the depths of the night, the bedroom door opened noiselessly. Damien entered, his footfalls muted by the plush wool carpet. He observed Chloe for a long time in the darkness before approaching her bedside and leaning over. His lips briefly grazed her forehead, leaving a mark as if claiming her, then slowly withdrew. He kissed her nose, then her cheek, then her ear.
“I am restraining myself from embracing you in an effort to uphold a minimum level of respect for you as the Duchess.”
