Never had Atayla seen a man looking so angry, and before she could speak, before she could think or ask what he was doing, the Earl said:

"I am well aware of why you came here, Miss Lindsay, and why my wife sent you to seduce me into giving her the divorce she needs."

"What are you... saying? How... dare you....?"

"You can go back to my wife and tell her that you have been unable to carry out your instructions."

"Please," she pleaded, "please... let me... explain."

"I have no intention of listening to your lies!" He almost spat the words at her. Then he was aware that she was trembling, that her eyes were looking up at him, her hair shimmering in the light of the candles.

His arms went round her, he pulled her against him and his lips came down on hers. He kissed her roughly, and she was completely helpless in his arms....