Free Velvet Chains (Historical Romance) by Constance O'Banyon

honored to be your husband."
    Season couldn't help but be confused by this man. If he believed the wicked lies about her, why would he want to marry her? "You are very kind. I would like to tell you about myself, however. I believe I owe you that much."
    Edmund raised her hand to his lips. "I will not ask for your confession."
    Before Season could react, Edmund moved to sit beside her. His hand slid down her shoulder to boldly rest against her breast. For a moment she looked at him in shock, too stunned to react. As his fingers began to trace a pattern across her breast, her anger soared.
    "How dare you, sir!" she cried, pushing his hand away and quickly rising to her feet. "You take liberties that are not allowed!"
    Edmund jerked himself to a standing position. "Don't try to play the innocent with me, cousin. I can assure you, your reputation has preceded you."
    Season shook her head. "I don't understand. You were so kind a moment ago."
    "Oh, I shall be kind to you, Season, but I will never trust you. Don't you think I was aware that you couldn't keep your eyes off Lucas Carrington tonight? Don't you think he was aware of it also?"
    "I…didn't... I thought he was you."
    "Listen well, Season. Lucas is my cousin and a friend, but that friendship doesn't mean we will be sharing your favors. When you take my name, I will expect you to honor me. I will not be the laughingstock of the regiment—do I make myself clear?"
    Season glared at the man's audacity. She had been willing to tell Edmund the truth about herself, but now her lips were sealed. She couldn't bear to think of being married to a man who didn't trust her. She had only met Edmund tonight, yet already she could feel his possessiveness and jealousy. If he was this bad now, what would he be like when they were married?
    "If you do not wish to marry me, I release you from any obligation," she said, hoping he would, indeed, release her.
    Before Season knew what was happening, he pulled her against him and forced her to look into his eyes. "Oh, no, Season, I will never release you. You will be my wife, and if you should ever play me false . .." His hand tightened on her chin, and Season blinked at the pain.
    She tried to move away as he lowered his head, knowing he was going to kiss her. She struggled as his lips covered hers. Season remembered the time Lord Ransford had tried to kiss her and she had bitten his lip. She didn't hesitate to do the same to Edmund. He swore loudly as he shoved her away.
    Her breasts heaving, Season clenched her fists tightly together. "You are a monster! I wouldn't marry you if you were the last man on earth," she whispered through trembling lips.
    "Yes, you will. You have no choice. It will be my good name which will bring you respectability. Do you think now that I've seen you I will let you go?"
    Angry words tumbled to her lips, but before Season could utter them, a young corporal appeared at the door. "Begging your pardon, sir, but Sir Henry would like to see you in the study."
    Season watched as Edmund dabbed at his lip with a lace handkerchief. He waited until the corporal left the room before he spoke. "We will settle this later, Season," he said before stalking out of the room, his back straight and his face livid.
    Season felt her legs go weak. What manner of man was Edmund Kensworthy? Placing her trembling hands over her eyes, she held back her tears. So much for girlhood dreams of undying love. Something about Edmund frightened her more than Lord Ransford ever had. What could she do—where could she turn for help?
    Sitting down on the sofa, she buried her face in the soft cushion. She was in a war-torn land among strangers. Suddenly Season yearned for the comfort of Chatsworth. She was so miserable that she didn't hear a man enter the room. In truth she thought herself to be alone until she heard a deep voice.
    "Is there something amiss, Lady Chatsworth," Lucas Carrington inquired.
    Season's head snapped up and she stared into the