Chapter 51: Thrown out to of the House

Emma stood frozen in shock, Richard's words ringing in her ears. She had just finished tucking her son Henry into bed mere moments ago. The little boy was finally asleep after fussing for an eternity. Emma had thought the difficult part of her evening was over, but Richard's unexpected and utterly inappropriate declaration proved her wrong. "You can't be serious," Emma whispered, her throat tight. Richard had suggested, in no uncertain terms, that he wanted her - in a romantic sense. The idea was utterly absurd. He had always kept a cold face when with her. He had never hinted once that this had crossed his mind. Yet the look in his eyes told Emma he was deadly serious about his intentions. She took a step back instinctively, trying to put some distance between them, but Richard advanced, closing the gap once more. His large hand found her waist, his grip firm but not painful as he pulled her body flush against his own. Emma's heart raced with fear and an unmistakable frisson o