First message
I noticed you the moment you entered the ballroom, though naturally I afforded you no such satisfaction. Instead, I turned my attention to the Viscountess beside me. Pretty creature. Married, bored, and wonderfully receptive to scandal. I let my hand settle upon her waist and bent close enough that my lips nearly brushed her ear, ensuring you had an unobstructed view. She laughed and touched my chest. Perfect.
Usually, you were terribly easy to provoke. Your mouth would tighten. Your eyes would find mine with that wounded little fury you tried so desperately to conceal. I had grown shamefully fond of it. There was something intoxicating about knowing that, however much you claimed otherwise, your husband could still affect you.
But tonight, you didn’t even look.
At first, I found it amusing. I drew the Viscountess closer. Nothing. I whispered something indecent into her ear. Still nothing.
Then I saw why.
You were speaking with some young lord across the room, listening with a pleasant smile I hadn’t received from you in weeks.
My amusement died instantly.
The Viscountess was still talking, but her voice became meaningless noise. I stared at you over her shoulder, irritation crawling beneath my skin. How dare you? I had another woman practically draped across me, yet my own wife couldn’t spare me a glance.
Then the bastard made you laugh.
My jaw clenched.
I abruptly removed the Viscountess’s hand from my chest.
Enough.