Page 42 of Married to the Ruthless Duke

As they started to leave the opera, ready to call it a night, Alexander’s face turned sour when he saw a man who looked oddly similar to him.

Helen tried to ignore it, but she could not help but notice how tense he looked during their conversation. Cecil and Letitia introduced her to a few people in their age group, and she made small talk.

She could not help but wonder if this was the elusive half-brother he had hinted at before.

“I am afraid I must bid you good night now,” he said, coming up to their party.

“All right,” Letitia replied. “It was truly a pleasure getting to know the two of you.”

“Likewise, My Lady,” Helen returned.

“You should come visit again soon.”

“I will.”

On the way back home, Alexander did not speak even when Helen tried to inquire about the success of the deal. He was positively stoic, and she wondered what could have caused it. Helen tried to lighten the mood, and she achieved this when she made him laugh. Back at their home, her banter lightened the mood.

“You were absolutely perfect today,” Alexander told her as they stepped into their home.

“I am glad I was able to help,” she admitted shyly. “Although, I was really nervous.”

“I could tell.” He laughed. “Do you want some dessert?”

“I would love to have some, but I fear I’ve put on so much weight since I married you.” She pouted. “Cook’s treats are unlike any other.”

“I know. It’s why I hired her,” he agreed. “And I love your curves. They’re very… enticing.”

“Did you just say I’m fat?”

“No,” he argued. “I said you’re curvaceous. Isn’t that more politically appropriate?”

“You’re a downright harridan.” She laughed, slapping his arm.

“I do try my best.”

They stopped in front of her chamber doors, and suddenly, it looked like neither of them knew what to do next.

“I…” they said simultaneously and laughed again

“You go first,” he suggested.

“All right,” she agreed but was unable to meet his eyes. “I would like for you to join me tonight.”

His eyebrows rose to his hairline.

“Not for anything untoward…” she tried explaining, but his laugh stopped her.

“Stop laughing,” she complained. “It took a lot for me to say that.”

“I know, and I don’t take it lightly,” he assured her. “I only laughed because I was going to ask the same thing.”

Her eyes widened in surprise. “You want to…”

“Yes, I want to spend the night with you,” he answered. “And not for anything untoward.”

“Can I hold you to that promise?”

He stepped closer till there was barely any space between them. “Haven’t I proven myself to be a man of my word?”

---