Dark Deceptions: A Regency and Medieval Collection of Dark Romances(69)

Bloody Georgina for making him turn to the bloody alcohol. He raised a brow. “Am I supposed to feel bad for you, Georgina?”

She tilted her chin back another notch. “I don’t want your pity.”

Damn her for not giving him the fight he’d been spoiling for since he’d left her alone in his office. It would be far easier to hate her if she were victorious in her deceit. Instead, she appeared broken, and it was playing havoc with his heart and mind.

They didn’t speak until their carriage arrived at the front of the line. Adam leaned across the carriage and Georgina flinched. Her gaze darted around the carriage like a battered animal seeking escape. Adam recoiled. He could not forgive her. But he’d never lay his hands on her. How could she believe he’d ever harm her?

Adam held a finger up. “My mother and brothers are working very hard to see you accepted into Society. Do not shame them this night. Is that clear?”

She gave a jerky nod. “H-how…w-what…?”

“Yes?” he demanded when she fell silent.

Georgina studied her folded hands. “W-will you stand beside me?”

“Georgina, it hardly matters if we are seen as a happy couple. Members of the ton would be more repulsed if we showed affection. Therefore, our animosity will be perfectly suited.”

She flinched. “I have no animosity toward you.”

The driver opened the carriage door, saving him from uttering words that would surely crumple her already pained face. He directed his attention toward the front of the townhouse, not even deigning to offer Georgina his hand.

They climbed the steps in complete silence. Adam took great pains to avoid any physical contact with his wife, concentrating his efforts on putting one drunken foot in front of the other. The slow pace he set for himself allowed Georgina to match his stride.

They moved into the receiving line and awaited their turn to greet the host and hostess.

Their names were called. A sea of rabidly curious eyes fixed on him and Georgina. He stole a glance at her from the corner of his eye and found her remarkably composed. It was also the first time he’d seen her in the sea-foam green gown selected by his mother. With the subtle flare of her hips and the lush spill of her bosom, Georgina had the look of a sea nymph.

As if she felt his stare, Georgina looked up at him.

He returned his gaze to the crowd below. The moment they were introduced, Adam and Georgina descended the steps and wound their way through a crush of guests.

Bevies of disapproving scowls were directed at his wife, but the cool contempt did not seem to penetrate Georgina’s stoic expression.

His mother and brothers came into focus. Tony raised his hand in greeting and all but elbowed his way to the crowd to meet them.

“Poor fool’s been charmed by you. Ten times the fool he is,” he muttered beneath his breath.

A graying matron nearby gasped behind her hand, her eyes widened in delighted shock at being privy to such intimate words. The old harridan rushed off, most likely to share good gossip with anyone who would listen.

Georgina’s pallor turned a sickly shade of white and she looked at him with accusing eyes.

I will not feel bad. I will not feel bad.

In spite of the silent mantra, his gut churned.

Then Tony was there, beaming a broad smile for Georgina. He bowed. “Hullo, sis! You look even more stunning than usual.” He claimed her hand for a kiss. A hissing gasp escaped her. Tony frowned, turning her hand over.

Georgina pulled her fingers back and dipped a curtsy. Red surged to her cheeks. “Thank you,” she said softly.

Adam gritted his teeth. On any other day, with any other woman, it should have been him showering compliments on his wife…not his brother. He and Georgina, however, were no more than two souls bound by lies and deception.

Georgina lifted her gaze to his and Adam tore his eyes away. He’d not be duped by the fa?ade of innocence she wore.

Mother and Nick appeared.

Adam greeted his mother with a deep bow and nearly tipped over, flat upon his face.

“Whoa,” Nick said, helping right him.

Adam grinned. “Are you here tooo pay respects to my looovely wife?”

Mother and Nick exchanged a look.

“Come, nothing to say to my beautiful, loyal wife?” he prodded.

Georgina bit her lower lip, tears pooling in her eyes.

“What’s the matter with you?” Tony asked, taking a step toward him.

Adam stumbled a bit but closed the distance between him and Tony. So this was how it was to be? He would now fight his brother in public for this lying traitor?

By God, she is not worth it.

He took a step back.

His mother smiled through gritted teeth. “Adam, I must insist that you stop right now.” She had the same look in her eyes that she’d had the day he’d collected a basket of frogs and released them during a dinner party at their country estate.

Nick directed a frown at Georgina. “I would like to request the first dance.” He shot a look at Adam. “That is, if your husband doesn’t mind?”

Adam chuckled. “Not in the least. Take her. Please take her.”

Mother’s eyes went round as saucers.

Nick glared at him. “Come, join me for refreshments,” he said when Tony took a step forward, most likely to lay him flat in Lady Ashton’s ballroom.