Page 64 of A Virgin for the Duke of Thorns

“You think too highly of your betrothed, but you know Ethan. Just like you and me, he always gets what he wants when he sets his mind to it,” his friend scoffed.

“Leave him be, Daniel,” a dark voice intoned. It was Hudson. “He is much too obstinate and set in his ways. He claims to be undeserving of the young lady, but he would obstruct her way in finding her own happiness.” His gaze pierced through Colin. “You are only hurting her more. I have said it before—either you claim the lady for your own, or you get out of her way.”

Daniel let out a soft sigh. “I, for one, would not want to be in Lady Alice’s shoes right now. Make up your mind, Colin, so that the young lady can also decide for herself. You would not want another man treating your sister thus, so why would you subject Lady Alice to such treatment?”

The two of them shared a look before they both walked out, leaving Colin alone to deal with his thoughts.

He had known that his friends did not approve of the manner in which he was handling his fake betrothal to Alice. Hudson, in particular, had been especially blunt about it, and now, it would seem that even Ethan had taken matters into his own hands to try and coax some reaction out of him.

He had told Daniel that it was not going to work on him, but in all honesty, he would have liked nothing more than the opportunity to bash in their friend’s face for the stunt he had just pulled.

He rubbed his hand over his face and groaned in frustration. It was supposed to be a simple betrothal, one that he had intended to last for no more than a month, so he could improve his reputation somewhat for Evie’s coming out.

How did everything manage to get out of hand? It simply did not make sense.

But then again, ever since Alice came into his life, crashing into his rooms in an attempt to steal one of the most scandalous books known to man… nothing had made sense for Colin. Singlehandedly, she had managed to upend all order and chaos, throwing a wrench into all of his plans and the life he had carefully crafted for himself.

By all rights, he should be angry with her. He should dislike her even more for her intrusion.

And yet, he only wanted her more.

Have I become just like my father? Have I become so fixated on one person, unable to let her go?

CHAPTER 26

If she had thought before that dressing according to her status as the betrothed of the Duke of Blackthorn was stressful enough, it was nothing compared to the pressure she now felt, having to dress for two dukes.

If she dressed too shabbily, she might offend the Duke of Sinclair, who had chosen her after winning the competition.

On the other hand, if she dressed too ostentatiously, she might also offend her betrothed, who was already none too pleased about the prospect of her dancing with one of his friends for the entire night. To say that Colin would be absolutely livid might even prove to be an understatement.

“Whatever Ethan has planned, I just hope he knows what he is doing,” she muttered under her breath, frustration seeping into her tone. She stared glumly at the dresses her lady’s maid had laid out for her. “Because, clearly, I don’t.”

Alice did not appreciate being caught between Colin and his friends. It was already complicated enough with her developing feelings for a man who, at the very least, felt some repugnance for such emotions.

But if risking his anger tonight meant that she could take one step closer to him, it would be well worth the risk.

“Has M’Lady chosen her outfit for tonight?” Susan asked her politely.

Fortune favors the brave.

Alice would need all the bravery she possessed for tonight.

“This one,” she said finally, settling on a beautiful peach gown sprinkled with seed pearls.

It was definitely one of her more extravagant dresses. When it had arrived from the atelier, her mama had been convinced that this was the dress that would secure her an offer.

She would use it tonight to win the heart of a duke.

* * *

When she met with the Duke of Sinclair at the foot of the stairs, Alice could only sigh at his appearance. He was exceedingly handsome, with his hair carefully brushed back and that same charming grin on his face. However, she found that he still could not hold a candle to Colin in spite of the latter’s moody temperament.

A Wolf in any other clothing is still a Wolf.

Ethan might seem charming and harmless, capable of easily making a lady drop her guard—or her dignity—but she knew better than to fully trust him.

“You look beautiful tonight, My Lady.” He grinned at her as she slid her hand into his outstretched one. “Colin is going to be awestruck by your magnificence.” Then, he paused and grimaced. “Right after he gets over being apoplectic with rage.”

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