Page 72 of The Duke's Sinful Bride

He shook his head slowly, his gaze lingering on her for a moment too long.

Then, he cleared his throat, stepping into the room.

“Maisie really loved her time riding today,” he said quietly, his voice sounding a little more strained than usual. “It was all she could talk about, even as I tucked her into bed.”

Yvette smiled, her heart warming at the thought of the little girl.

“Perhaps it wasn’t just the ride itself, but the sheer pleasure of leaving the estate’s walls. It must have been a welcome change for her.”

Killian folded his lips in thought, nodding slowly. Yvette could see the wheels turning in his mind, and for a moment, she wondered where this conversation was leading. She didn’t expect him to linger long, but something in his presence tonight made her feel like there was more he wanted to say.

She decided to press on, a thought forming in her own mind.

“Does Maisie ever visit the town?” she asked, turning slightly to face him.

His expression softened as he shook his head.

“Barely. I’m always too busy to take her, and the staff, or even her governess, would never take her out without my permission.”

His words were curt, almost matter-of-fact, but Yvette could sense the weight behind them. He’d never made the time to let his daughter experience the world outside the castle. And yet, Yvette couldn’t help but feel a little surprised by his admission.

She seized the opportunity, her idea falling into place with perfect timing.

“Well, while Maisie and I were out riding this morning, I saw the townspeople preparing for the fair. It struck me that it would be a good opportunity for Maisie to go out and enjoy herself. I also think it’ll be good for me too. I’ll get to meet the residents as their duchess—which is something I should have done a long time ago.”

Her voice was steady, but she couldn’t help but feel a small flutter in her chest at the thought.

Killian’s brow furrowed, and he looked away for a moment, his lips pursed as if weighing the idea. Yvette held her breath, her gaze unwavering as she waited for him to respond.

At last, he nodded slowly, taking a step closer to her.

“Ye may be right,” he said quietly. “It would do ye good to meet the people ye lead. I’ll allow it, but we must take care.” His eyes softened, his focus shifting to her face as he continued. “I don’t know how I’d cope with Maisie if you weren’t with me.”

Yvette sucked in a breath at his words, her pulse quickening as she felt the intensity of his gaze. He moved closer still, his hand reaching up to gently guide her face with his thumb and index finger, urging her to meet his eyes. She licked her lips instinctively, her gaze caught in his. There was an undeniable heat between them, a magnetic pull that neither could ignore.

Without another word, Killian leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that was both tender and fierce. Yvette’s hands movedto his back, her fingers pressing into the firm muscles beneath his shirt, urging him closer.

His hands cupped her face, his thumbs brushing across her cheeks as he deepened the kiss. The passion between them was palpable, a swirling desire, along with something deeper, more raw.

She pulled him toward the bed, wanting nothing more than to feel the weight of him against her, but just as she felt him begin to move with her, he pulled away. His breath was ragged, and he bit his lower lip, his eyes clouded with uncertainty.

“I… I need to go,” he said in a voice she didn’t recognize, a tone that was strangely distant.

Yvette’s heart skipped a beat, her hands still lingering in the air as if she could reach out and pull him back. She stared at him, both confusion and longing flooding her senses. But before she could say anything, he was already stepping back, his gaze drifting toward the door.

“Goodnight, Yvette,” he said, the words almost strangled, as though he couldn’t quite bring himself to say them.

With that, he turned and left, leaving Yvette standing there, her heart pounding in her chest. She could still taste him on her lips, still feel the electric pull between them. But now, as the door clicked softly shut behind him, she was left with nothing but a lingering sense of emptiness.

It was a Saturday, the day of the annual fair. The air in Braemore was filled with a crispness that announced the arrival of the much-anticipated event, and Yvette was making her way over to Maisie to tell her the good news about the fair.

“Maisie,” Yvette called from the doorway of her room, a mischievous smile tugging at the corners of her lips. The girl had been bouncing around the room, too excited to settle.

“Yes, Duchess?” Maisie’s voice rang out, bright and full of energy as she looked up at Yvette with wide eyes.

“Braemore Fair’s today,” Yvette said, her voice warm and teasing. “Would you like to go?”

Maisie’s eyes lit up instantly. She ran to Yvette, almost tripping over her own feet in her excitement.

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