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right?”
    Her cousin was foxed and acting all out of sorts. He had suggested she, well, she was with child. She was the farthest thing from all right. Her eyes darted back to the hall.
    “I was—”
    He took hold of her hands and clasped them between his own.
    “Dear God, you’re trembling.”
    Her fingers tingled at his touch, a rush of heat warming her where his skin met hers. It was a comfortable sensation, and one she wished would continue, but she could hear Frederick’s plodding footsteps making their way over the carpet.
    Her cousin’s voice carried down the hall. “Juliet, please, don’t be foolish. You and I are suited for each other.”
    “Winters.” Benjamin’s jaw clenched. His face lifted to the dimly lit hall.
    “He’s been drinking Father’s brandy. I’m afraid he is not himself.”
    Benjamin’s gaze met hers. “Know this is for your benefit and not mine.”
    “Benjamin?” Her words were silenced with his lips crushing over hers.

Chapter Five
    Juliet was not unaccustomed to open and forward displays of affection. She received them often, and in great number, albeit from her four-legged companions, not her two-legged ones. Her hound’s wet kisses and slobbery licks of friendship were a continual source of comfort that never failed to make her smile.
    They did not, however, make her feel like this. She wasn’t quite certain what this was, but her lids fluttered closed and her lips parted.
    Benjamin placed his palm on the back of her head and pulled her close, the pressure of his fingers tantalizingly perfect. Her skin was aflame, her pulse ragged—and her mind…well, it was certainly not in the same place it was when she dispensed affection on her hounds.
    Had Frederick not over imbibed and made the fool decision to press his suit after her engagement, she was quite certain the firm, slightly sweet lips of the viscount would not be crushed against hers now.
    But they were. And she was quite enjoying the way they tugged and teased over her mouth much more than she ought.
    Then again, her mind was muddled, both dulled and frighteningly alert. Despite her full knowledge this was all a charade to dissuade her cousin’s ill-timed and unwanted advances, her nerves were painfully aware of every nibble, swipe, and—good gracious—suck, Benjamin applied to her person.
    “Juliet.” Her name was spoken on a gasp, the bewildered and horrified tone seeping through the fog of her befuddled mind and wrenching her back to reality. She stiffened in Benjamin’s grasp, her lips no longer parting for his entrance, but rolling into a pursed line.
    “Winters?” Benjamin lifted his head and blinked. His voice was thick, his eyes dimmed as though he was equally affected by their intimate display.
    Which was, of course, absurd. Had he not stated his actions were for her benefit and not his?
    Frederick lilted to the side. “Unhand my cousin.” He placed a hand against the wall to steady himself, his rumpled cravat glowing in the flickering candlelight.
    Instead of relaxing, Benjamin’s grip tensed, the pair of thick arms encircling her body gripping her closer and making her feel…safe.
    “Perhaps she does not wish to be unhanded.” Benjamin’s gaze returned to her. “Would you like me to release you?”
    Juliet stared into his rich brown eyes. Something unfamiliar swirled in their dark depths. Something almost…dangerous. And yet, she had no desire to be anywhere but in the confines of his reassuring embrace. The unknown was a far better alternative than Frederick’s cold and maladroit clutches.
    Not to mention she had a ruse to carry and a role to play. Would a love-struck-soon-to-be-wed Juliet be willing to leave the warmth of her intended?
    Not likely.
    “No.”
    Staggering forward, Frederick snorted. “It is clear she does not have her wits about her. As her cousin, I am honor bound to protect—”
    “And as her intended I have released you of your familial responsibilities and have taken