“Well, no one was seeking revenge. You’re quite unharmed. And what you ask is naturally out of the question.”

“Surely you can’t claim to be a virgin.”

“I hardly think that’s any of your business.”

“You’re right of course,” he drawled. Although, if she’d been a virgin, she would have been quick to say so. Also, a divorce case with witnesses was about adultery. She couldn’t possibly be a virgin. “Since you prefer not discussing virginity, at least explain how you plan to use your obviously hired witnesses?”

She chewed on her bottom lip.

“While you’re deciding on your reply, excuse me while I get myself another drink. It’s been a very odd night”-he grinned-“at least so far.”

She should have averted her eyes, but she couldn’t help watching him as he walked away from the bed in all his nude splendor. Not that she’d ever been overly concerned with the shibboleths of society. Truth be told, he was quite beautiful in face and form-with an unmistakable brute virility beneath his charming manner. He’d threatened to shoot poor Malmsey and seemed quite capable of doing so. She’d have to pay her barrister an extra premium for that fearsome threat.

As he returned to the bed with his refilled glass, Oz was pleased to see that the lady was no longer clutching the bedclothes to her bosom. “Now,” he began pleasantly, taking his place beside her once again, “I think I deserve some minimum explanation.” He held her gaze for a moment. “Particularly if this goes to court and I happen to be involved.”

“It shouldn’t go to court.”

“Shouldn’t or won’t?”

She made a small moue. Frederick had threatened a breach of promise suit among other extortion demands.

“That’s what I thought. So is this about your marriage?”

“No.”

He shot her a sharp look. “No?”

“I’m not married.”