The Possessive Lord's Contract Wife

Damien downed the last of his drink and decided to retire to his bedchamber, as he wanted to be with Eloise while she was still present.

He entered quietly, finding Eloise already fast asleep upon the bed.

For a moment, he simply stood there watching her.

Careful not to wake her, he slipped into the bed beside her, but the dip from his weight stirred her from sleep.

"You’re here," Eloise murmured, her eyes barely open. "Are you finished?"

"I am," Damien replied, guiding her head to rest upon his arm. "I’m sorry for taking so long, since you leave tomorrow."

Eloise noted the faint scent of alcohol upon him, but chose not to comment.

"It is fine. You have plenty to do alongside sending us off, but you must rest, Damien. You will not be able to protect yourself if you are tired. You’ll make me worried," she whispered, drawing closer to him for warmth. "I’m worried."

Damien kissed her forehead, hoping to soothe her unease. "Don’t worry. All will be well."

Eloise tried to believe him, but as the hour of her departure drew nearer, her concern grew. She placed her arm across his waist, savouring the feel of him beside her, knowing she would miss it for the days ahead.

Damien stayed awake a while longer, holding onto the moment he shared with Eloise, before sleep finally claimed him.

When morning came, Reece departed from the estate in a carriage borrowed from Damien. It was a bittersweet farewell as he went to see his wife.

By noon, another carriage waited outside for the ladies’ departure.

Jane was already seated as she told her brothers goodbye, while the others lingered outside, exchanging farewells with the men.

Damien helped Eloise inside and kissed her once more, his lips lingering as though reluctant to part.

"Brother, you have kissed her so much that I can see the print of your lips upon her cheek. You are both acting as though you will never see each other again, as if he were going to war. We shall be in the same town, and surely the countess will take visitors," Jane said, though there was a trace of envy.

Eloise smiled, while Damien kissed her again, unwilling to let go.

"You don’t understand because you are not married. Be on your best behaviour, Jane. You mustn’t act as you please in someone’s home," Damien advised Jane in an affectionate tone.

"I am well aware of how to conduct myself when I am not at home. You mustn’t worry about me. Worry about whatever has caused you to send us away. I would not like to be stuck with Kyle and Quinn," Jane said, revealing her worry.

Damien stepped into the carriage to kiss Jane’s forehead. "I am leaving you both with a special task to look after each other. You are family, and family should protect one another."

Jane’s hand hovered above the place where Damien kissed her, but she did not wipe it away. She only watched as he stepped aside to allow Iris to enter.

Iris stood with Zayne, her excitement barely contained as he revealed the engagement ring. Her heart raced, and for a moment she forgot the world around them.

"What happened to waiting for my return?" Iris asked, though her happiness shone through as he slipped the ring onto her finger.

"You are going to be out of my sight, and there’s no telling if some bastard might try courting you. You should show that this hand is taken, and I want our engagement to be official," Zayne said, his eyes burning with possessive devotion.

Iris stared at the ring, which was finer than any jewel she had ever owned. She had only ever admired such treasures from afar through shop windows or upon the hands of ladies she passed. Now it was hers.

Zayne held her hand, reluctant to let go. "It has been in my family for fifty-four years. It was beautiful as it was handed to me, but I made a few changes to suit your taste. If it displeases you to wear a ring once owned by another-"

"It is lovely," Iris interrupted, looking up at him. "So very lovely. I don’t know if it is suited for me. I’ve never had a ring this beautiful. What if I were to lose it?"

"I trust that you won’t, but if you do, it will not be the end of the world. You are deserving of this ring, as it was meant for my future wife. Know that there is no limit to what I will spend on you, because you are deserving of all of it," Zayne said, finally releasing her hand.

Iris felt the heat rise to her cheeks and turned away to hide it.

Zayne chuckled, smitten by her reaction. "You must leave before I find it hard to let go of you. If you wish to leave, write to me. I shall come for you. I have been thinking of sending a guard with you."

"It is a kind thought, but I will be well. I mustn’t keep the others waiting. Be safe," Iris said, tiptoeing to kiss his cheek.

Though unsatisfied, Zayne let her retreat to the carriage. "I’m foolish," he muttered, rushing to offer his hand to help her step inside.

"You made up for it quite fast," Iris teased, taking his hand as she climbed in. She sat beside Jane and, without hesitation, displayed the ring.

Jane’s eyes widened as she pieced together the truth. "You are engaged? Already? Please tell me it isn’t a promise ring," she exclaimed, holding Iris’s hand to inspect it. "You must be out with it now."

"We have been engaged since yesterday, but he has brought the ring now. I did not think he would prepare it so soon," Iris said, showing it to Eloise as well.

"It is beautiful and well suited for you. Congratulations once more. What a pity you must part from him," Eloise said, pitying the pair.

Now was the perfect time for celebrations, not to part from each other.

Iris gazed out the window as the carriage began to move. "It is a pity, but perhaps some good will come of the time apart. It will offer some time to think, plan, and miss each other. I only hope they stay safe."

"They are going to be completely and utterly bored out of their minds without our presence," Jane said confidently with playful arrogance.

Eloise and Iris exchanged a look, then laughed together.

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