Free The Seduction of His Wife by Tiffany Clare

her end of the table, each taking an arm as the footman opened the door. A soft chuckle coming from the men’s direction almost had her turning back. It was not her husband who laughed but Mr. Lioni.
    When the door to the parlor was safely shut behind her and her sisters, Emma sighed and leaned against the white paneled wall with her hand still on the latch. “It has been a long day.”
    Abby raised one brow, looking from Emma’s hand to her eyes. “You plan to escape your husband, don’t you?” Abby made her way to her favorite chair. “He’s not as dreadful as I thought.”
    “You should be thankful to have a husband who seems interested in you.” Grace gave her a long assessing look. “He’s handsome enough. Not at all frightful to look upon.”
    She would not tell her sister that the only thing Richard seemed interested in was producing an heir and then escaping the clutches of marriage once again. It was not for their ears. She could barely hold back the cringe of distaste when thinking about it. It only proved that he did not see her as a woman who could make her own decisions. A woman with feelings and needs of her own. Did he not understand that he hurt her by treating her so coldly?
    Instead, Emma said, “He has been pleasant and has said more to me this evening than in our whole marriage. Unfortunately, a few pleasantries spoken doesn’t mean he will stay.” She turned the latch up behind her. “If you don’t mind the absence of my company, I’ll be feigning tiredness.”
    “You need to stand up to him,” Abby said wryly. “Otherwise, he’ll continue to take advantage of your kindness. It is my impression that men like to find ways to exploit our weaknesses. And he’ll know you are hiding from him.”
    “I require time to adjust to his presence in my life. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was gone by morning.” It wasn’t fair that her sisters were sympathizing with her husband on this.
    Grace, with her doe eyes and kindhearted expression, came forward and hugged her. “If you ever want to talk about your wedding night…”
    Emma didn’t want to talk about her wedding night. It had been humiliating. Hurtful.
    “Thank you.” Kissing Grace’s cheek, she smiled at Abby still sitting over in the chair. “I’m off before he discovers my plan.” She left the parlor before her sisters could keep her longer and headed to her room.
    For tonight, she’d outsmarted her husband.
    She took her time at her toilette, letting her maid brush out her curls and braid her hair back for bed. When that was done, she’d taken to pacing the floor. Counting down the seconds, she listened for her husband at the adjoining door. Not two hours later, he tried turning the handle up. She knew it wouldn’t move. She’d checked it at least five times in the last hour to make sure it was locked.
    “Emma, this is not what we agreed upon. Open the door.” His voice was even. His temper had yet to rise at her defiance.
    “You can’t come into my life and act as if the last twelve years have meant nothing to you, then demand that I perform my duties as countess.”
    “You won’t keep me locked out forever.”
    “Hopefully long enough for you to learn some manners.”
    There was a stretch of silence. She walked toward the door, wondering if he spoke quietly to himself. She heard him curse, then, “Emma. Enough of this; open this door.”
    She let out a long breath. Was she nothing more than a piece of property to him? She caressed the door with one finger, wondering if she should let him in. How would she respect herself if she opened the door for him?
    “You always did have to have everything your way,” she said in a whisper.
    “Let me in, Emma.” His voice was firmer. He was not happy with her. In fact, she was sure he was quite angry. Finally, an emotion she could fight against.
    “I won’t stand for your behavior. I’m older, smarter, and will not be cowed so easily as I was in my youth.”
    “I