Page 39 of Keeper of Secrets

“Then don’t try to make it something else.”Her skirts were still up, and she reached to push them back down her legs, but he stopped her, his hand covering hers.

“I’m not.I’m simply saying we work like nothing I’ve experienced before.”

She wasn’t certain why she did it, but she reached for his hand then, bringing it back to her most intimate parts.He automatically cupped her, a possessive growl filling his chest.The only light from the swaying carriage lantern hanging on the side of the carriage, casting him in and out of shadow.

“It could be better.So much better.”It was the truth.Their bodies worked.Their hearts and minds?Not yet.She didn’t know if they ever would.

“How?”He leaned closer.Kissing her again.“Tell me.”

“I’d have to show you,” she whispered against his lips.“But first you have to consent to allow me to stay in London after we marry.With you.”

“No.Chloe.You know I can’t give that to you.”

She shook her head, trying to push him away.“Then I can’t give you my hand.”

He didn’t move, somehow remaining suspended over her as his eyes held hers.“You can and you will.Whatever you think we lack, one way or another, we will wed.”

His voice dropped so low, it made her shiver.“I will give you the protection that being a duchess can provide.You are mine to keep safe.”

She pushed him again and this time, he allowed her feeble attempt to send him backward so that he landed in his seat.“It seems we are at an impasse.”

“Fortunately, I know just how to weaken you.”

She pushed down her skirts, sitting up straighter.“Funny.I was going to say the same to you.”He was here in this carriage and not at the ball, wasn’t he?

He gave her another devilish grin.“It’s war then?”

“It’s war.”

“My victory is going to taste so sweet.”He laced his hands behind his head, leaning back at a cocky angle.

“Your victory?”She traced the edge of her gown with her finger, over her shoulder and along her chest.His eyes darkened as he watched.She had a few weapons too.She’d used every one and this rakish duke was going down.She didn’t want just his body or even his hand.She’d take nothing short of his heart.

It was war all right.And this country mouse was going to win.

* * *

The next evening,Ryker sat in the sitting room just off the entry waiting.He knew he was positioned like a predator waiting to pounce on its prey.

But he’d heard Chloe preparing for the evening and he knew she intended to go out.

Had she made plans with the widow?

Did she intend to use his jealousy against him?It was a smart play.Here he was, sitting at home on a Friday evening, waiting to see what she might do, rather than being out at his club or attempting to complete his next challenge.

He was going to be cleaning the whorehouse for certain at this rate.But the competition that Chloe presented was much more interesting.

The stakes were higher and the reward of being intimate with Chloe so much more gratifying.

He knew it had been his goal to avoid that very situation, but he reasoned a bit of satisfaction might do them both good.

He tried not to think too hard about how he was losing his original goals or how she’d accused him of being as selfish as his father.

She had a point.

But what she didn’t know about was the man’s cruelty.What if he was same sort of father?It was a risk he wasn’t certain he could or should take.He’d only know the answer when it was too late.

His chest tightened and for a moment, he considered calling off this entire charade.Should he do as she requested and let her go?Allow her to marry a man who could give her the future she deserved?

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