CHARLES stood there for a second longer than necessary after she said no.
It didn’t register immediately.
Amelia… refusing him? He still couldn't get it.
In the past, even when upset, she would soften at the edges. A little coaxing, a little charm, and she would agree. She liked being persuaded. She liked feeling want. She craved attention. Her man's attention.
But this Amelia?
She hadn’t even hesitated.
“No.”
The word replayed in his head.
He forced a small laugh, trying to recover his footing.
“You are still upset, my love.”
“I said I’m not, Charles,” she replied calmly.
“Then come on,” he insisted lightly. “You need fresh air. You have been cooped up since you got back.”
“I said I’m staying in tonight.”
To make things worse for him, there was no sharpness in her tone, not
