A Love Forsaken, Marriage Upon Lies

and

owl hooted eerily in the distance, marking the quiet passage. The cloud-obscured mo

iting his purchase. The man looked down and chuckled. The things

raping of branches, another muffled expletive, and a continuous thumping ensu

ere in amusement. She glanced over the ledge to look down beyond his dizzying position. He sca

swung his long legs over the window's ledge. She helped pull him inside the bedch

re clothing and over-long dark hair, he appeared a prince to her. His featur

e. If only she had left it at merely looking-but no-that was never enough for them. All that touching led to more, which led to-she sighed sadly as sh

t her odd behavior. Low firelight lit the small, elegantly shabby bedchamber within. The muted glow played upon the te

Manor. The matter was grave, it implied, in undertones he could read between the lines of her fine sc

thin his dark eyes. They took much for granted these last few weeks; one of those being

e. Dorian's brother, Cassius St. Laurent, committed suicide six months prior. H

s was found. The textile heiress's fortune was considerable; enough to shoulder the burdens of St. Laurent's debts. Dorian refused immediately

vers until they saw sense in their determination to marry. They had been home only a day when she sent word

into a soft smile that normally undermined her wits in its appeal. Her wits held fast

, her face at last composed. "Rafael receiv

ng at his sides. His face grew tight with

ugged herself about the middle as she paced before the small fireplace. "You knew hi

our thoughts, Aubrielle

essness reflected there. It only mirrored hers. Her heart ached to know they couldn't be togethe

Aubrielle faced him with little courage. "He will not

leave tonight. He will have nothing to say of it then." Dorian glared defiantly at her as if

ou see that?" Aubrielle shook her head, tears brightening her azure blue

hand through his dark hair in frustrated rage. "How can you expect me to do th

his was torment! "Neither of us has a choice in this anymore, Dorian. Your brother's foolishness has made your situation

care about any of that, Aubrielle. I told you we will make due. I will not lose you!"

ave you thought of her? You can do nothing but accept Thornbury's offer, as I must