My heart clenched painfully.
"Never," I said, the word coming out rougher than intended. "I would never abandon you, Juliette."
"Promise?"
"I promise."
She smiled, bright and beautiful and trusting. "Good. Because I would be very sad if you did. Very, very sad."
I stared down at her, my mind racing.
Was this just the wine talking? Or was there something more behind her words? Some genuine feeling that she was too guarded to express when sober?
Could it be that she... that she actually cared for me? Not just as a husband of convenience, but as something more?
The thought made my pulse quicken.
"Come," I said, carrying her toward the manor. "Let's get you inside before you say something you'll regret in the morning."
"I never regret anything I say to you." She pressed her cheek aga
