Page 81 of Trapped with her Cruel Duke

Christian looked down at her questioningly. His proximity had the usual effect on her, and she stepped back so as not to be drawn to him again.

“My father said something else.”

Christian lowered the binder and turned to her. “And what was that?”

“That you only married me because you felt you had something to gain. He said that you did it for revenge and nothing more.” She searched his eyes for any hint of emotion, but they were hard and cold. “Is that true?” she asked desperately.

Christian didn’t move for a moment. He glanced away, his jaw working, the vein in his temple prominent beneath his hair.

He licked his lips, a hint of irritation crossing his face as he finally looked back at her. “I have been honest with you from the beginning, Louise. The fact that you feel the need to ask me that question offends me deeply.”

Louise’s stomach dropped as he looked down at her with an expression she had not seen since the day of the masquerade ball—it was one of deep disdain.

“Now, if you will excuse me, I must speak to your father.”

CHAPTER 32

Christian climbed into his carriage, holding the binder carefully in front of him. He waited until they were moving and the sound of the carriage wheels would muffle any noise before he slammed his fist repeatedly into the opposite bench.

When he was finished, his knuckles were aching damnably, but the overwhelming frustration had abated.

“Goddammit,” he snapped, slumping back in his seat and throwing the binder angrily across the carriage.

No wonder Louise believes I married her for revenge. Why would she not? I have given her no indication of anything else.

The look of desperation in her eyes had left him disquieted and uncomfortable.

What does she expect from me? We have a mutually beneficial arrangement. We shall exist alongside one another peacefully without love complicating matters.

He rubbed a hand over his face, staring into the blackness of the night, his chest tight.

Love was a weakness; his father had shown him that.Lovewas the reason Christian had endured the humiliation his whole life, the pitying glares of those who believed themselves superior to him. If his father had done his duty and not allowed his heart to complicate matters, he would never have been born.

I will not repeat his mistakes.

He swallowed past the lump in his throat, disliking the feeling in his gut. Louise’s blue eyes haunted his thoughts, imploring and uncertain as he walked away from her.

Her father has planted doubts in her mind to rattle me. He must be my focus now. This ridiculous powerplay ends tonight.

He raked a hand through his hair as they rode toward The Devils. It had been a long time since he had been in the vicinity of the club and even longer since he had set foot inside it.

Once Orions was fully established and Christian’s wealth had grown beyond his wildest imaginings, there was no reason to. Christian and Marcus, and even Gabriel, had frequented the club on a few occasions to observe the competition, but that was all.

Ten minutes later, he peered out the window as the carriage wound down the familiar street. He was shocked by the appearance of the club itself.

Although the exterior was still opulent, it seemed in need of maintenance. The lettering above the door was still handsome enough, but there were dark stains around the edges and a crack running along one side.

Christian alighted from the carriage and looked up at the glowing windows above him as he fastened his coat. The simmering rage returned as he ascended the shallow steps. He walked into the reception hall, where a very well-to-do gentleman came to greet him.

“May I assist you, Sir?” the gentleman asked pleasantly, bowing to him.

“I am the Duke of Egerton,” Christian said, affecting his most arrogant tone. “I am here to see the Earl of Northbridge, although I do not have an appointment. I am sure he will see me.”

“Very good, Your Grace. The Earl is in the salon, I shall have the footman show you up.”

“You have my thanks,” Christian returned dismissively, and the man scurried away.

Christian followed the footman through two large double doors that led to a rather beautiful room. The chairs were upholstered in a sky-blue fabric, and the deep navy curtains complemented them.

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