Page 18 of A Virgin for the Ruthless Duke

Excusing herself from the gentleman who was engaging her in conversation, she hurried after him, the skirt of her dress bunched in her hands to allow her ease of movement. She was just in time to see him turn the corner and enter the library.

She waited for some time outside, doing her best to slow her breathing so that it wasn’t obvious she had chased after him. When she had succeeded in calming down a little, she turned the knob and stepped into the dimly lit library.

“Lady Selina,” he said in that deep voice of his. “While I would never miss the chance to be with a beautiful woman, I am at a loss as to what brings you here, in this moment, when you should be entertaining your admirers.” He arched a perfect eyebrow.

“About that. It appears that your tip has been working tremendously well, and I am grateful, but there is a problem.”

“What might that be, might I ask?” He folded his arms across his chest and leaned back against one of the shelves.

That position drew her eyes to his biceps as they bulged against the fabric of his shirt sleeves.

She had to make a conscious effort to look away, but when she met his eyes, the hot spark in them told her that her ogling had not escaped his notice.

She could feel her cheeks burning with embarrassment, and she cleared her throat in a bid to regain her composure.

“It appears that I have run out of green dresses, and I still do not have the suitor I so desire.”

“There is no rule that says green is the only color that flatters your complexion. Light shades of brown, as well as gold, could work as well.”

“To my knowledge, I have no brown dresses in my closet.”

“It is nothing that cannot be solved in a thrice. It is hardly enough to get your skirts in a twist about.”

Instead of reassuring her, his words and overly relaxed body language irritated her in a way that she had not expected.

“It seems you are not treating this with the urgency it requires. While I might have several suitors now, there are none that I am willing to marry.”

Richard’s expression turned intense, and he slowly pushed off the shelf. He prowled towards her, his eyes flashing with heat.

Instinctively, Selina moved backward until her back was flush with the wall beside the door, but Richard did not stop. He kept advancing until she could feel the heat of his body.

“Why do you think that is? That you have not managed to find a compatible suitor amongst all your gentlemen admirers?” he drawled, a cruel smirk curving his lips.

The man was aware of the power he had over her, and he was not afraid to use it.

“Perhaps you are holding on for someone else?” he said, leaning forward so that she was forced to inhale even more of his scent.

Each moment she spent this close to him shattered her self-control bit by bit.

“And what if I was? Would it be so wrong if I decided that I want to have a happy marriage with a man who adores me?”

“Of course not, kitten. It is not wrong, but it might be a tad bit unrealistic, especially with your aim to marry soon.”

“I do have some time?—”

“I do not think you do,” he interrupted, his smile dropping and his expression turning serious. “Besides, I do not think you will find what you are looking for in the gentlemen of the ton.”

“Why? Do you find methatunattractive?” she said, a note of affront in her voice.

“On the contrary, My Lady. I find you intelligent and bold, and while they are traits I admire, they make you an incompatible prospect for at least a third of the ton. These men are vain and are only interested in hedonism of the highest order. They have no purpose to help better society like you do. How could they, when most of them are as dumb as a doorknob? What you require, dearest Selina,” he said, stepping even closer, “is a man who will match your sharp wit and tame your sharp edges.”

His eyes burned even hotter as they roved over her face, sparking heat and awareness along her spine.

She licked her lips, which suddenly felt dry. His eyes followed the movement with almost scalding intensity.

“Do not tell me you think you could be that man?” she asked, her eyes widening in disbelief.

“And what if I could?” His voice was a deep growl, and his eyes feasted hungrily on her lips.

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