Page 135 of A Devious Secret

Gemma frowned. “I did not marry Baldwin for a title.”

Henry huffed. “I doubt that,” he said. “I was upset at first, but then I noticed you flirting with me.”

Her eyes grew wide. “I did no such thing.”

“You can deny it, but you would offer me private smiles,” Henry said. “I knew it was your way of telling me how you truly felt about me.”

Gemma let out a soft sigh. “You are confused—”

Henry spoke over her. “No!” he shouted. “It is you that is confused. You can pretend that you didn’t seduce me with your eyes, but I know the truth.”

“I loved your brother,” she attempted.

“Not as much as you loved me,” Henry declared. “Which is why I knew I had to get rid of him.”

Fearing she’d misheard him, Gemma asked, “I beg your pardon?”

Henry reached for her hand and gripped it tightly. “Baldwin was in the way of our happiness,” he said. “I did this for us so we could finally be together.”

Gemma felt dread in her stomach as she asked, “What did you do?”

“I poisoned Baldwin,” Henry admitted proudly.

“That is why you rushed his burial and refused to let a doctor examine him,” Gemma said.

Henry brought her hand up to his lips. “That is one advantage of being an earl. No one even dared to question me when I requested an immediate burial.”

“You are mad.”

Henry’s face grew hard as he dropped her hand. “I am no such thing,” he said. “You wanted this; you wanted me!”

Gemma knew that she had to proceed cautiously or else she would push Henry too hard. She didn’t want to make him more upset than he already was. He had already admitted to killing Baldwin and he had no qualms about it. It made her wonder if he would kill her just as easily.

“Henry…”

In a swift motion, Henry grabbed her arm and jerked her forward. “Do not attempt to pacify me, Gemma!” he exclaimed, his foul breath on her cheek. “You belong to me now.”

“I won’t marry you, no matter what you do to me.”

Henry scoffed. “You would rather marry a common shipbuilder.”

Gemma remained silent.

He shook her. “Answer me!”

“I would, assuming he asks,” Gemma said.

Henry released her and leaned back. “Then you leave me little choice in the matter.” He rose. “Mr. Wycomb must die.”

“Please, you mustn’t hurt him.”

Henry glared down at her. “I know you care for him, but your affection is misplaced. We are now free to be together and I won’t lose you to someone that isn’t even worthy to lick my boots.”

Gemma knew she should bite her tongue, but she couldn’t stand by and let Henry insult Stephen. “Stephen is twice the man that you are.”

Henry reared his hand back and slapped her hard across the face. “Why do you make me hurt you?” he asked.

Gemma brought her hand up and placed it over her throbbing cheek. “You murdered my husband,” she said. “I will never be with you.”