Page 16 of His Duchess' Wicked List

Maddie got to her feet reluctantly.

They started walking, three abreast, past the gazebo, still following the path. Maddie could hear the sounds of horses nickering and men talking on the other side of the high brickwall. It was coming from the mews, where the horses were stabled and the servants resided. The path was so close to the wall that they could hear practically everything.

“Oh!” Selina came to a sudden halt. “Can you hear that?”

“What?” Maddie asked, confused. “It is just the sounds of the mews on the other side of the wall.”

Selina shook her head. “No, not that! Listen!”

They all stopped, now, not saying a word. Maddie could hear a very faint sound that seemed to be coming from just beyond the wall. It sounded like the plaintive mewling of a kitten.

“I am going to find that cat,” Selina stated determinedly. “It might be separated from its mother. Is there a path to the mews from the garden, Maddie?”

Maddie nodded. “Yes. You just need to go down that path to a small gate. I will come with you?—”

“No.” Selina grinned widely. “I shall not be long! Carry on walking without me!”

Before Maddie could protest, she was gone, slipping away like quicksilver down the path, before disappearing entirely.

Maddie’s heart somersaulted in her chest, and her mouth felt dry. Somehow, despite all of her efforts, she now found herself alone with the devilish Duke!

She turned to face him. His expression was highly amused, and she blushed fiercely.

“Cat got your tongue again, My Lady?” he drawled, taking a step closer to her so that she could smell his cologne.

Maddie’s heart somersaulted again.

He had managed to catch her. What was he going to do now?

CHAPTER 8

Daniel gazed down into the lady’s face, feeling the same irresistible pull towards her, as strongly as ever.

He had no idea they were heading to her house when he and his mother and sister had set off in the carriage that morning. His mother had been tight-lipped about their destination, and Selina had her head buried in a book, not even noticing where they were going.

And his sister had lagged behind as well when they had reached their destination, snagging her gown in the carriage door. He and his mother had already entered the house and were being escorted to the drawing room by the time Selina caught up to them.

When he had seen Maddie enter the drawing room, his heart had almost stopped beating. It seemed that fate trulywasbringing them together. She looked particularly beautiful today in a light green gown with a low bodice, the tops of her creamy breasts straining delectably against it. He wanted to pull down thatbodice and cup those sweet breasts in both hands, drawing one of her nipples into his mouth…

His loins stirred. They were alone in the garden now. His sister had run off into the mews beyond the high wall, seeking an abandoned kitten, as she was wont to do. Selina had always had a soft spot for animals, and it seemed that nothing had changed. He thanked her silently.

“So,” he asked in a business-like tone, staring straight ahead, not meeting Maddie’s eyes, “have you reached a decision yet, My Lady?”

Maddie gasped, taking a step back. Her chest was rising and falling dramatically. He tried not to look at it, but it was hard not to.

“It seems that we might be seeing a good deal of each other,” he continued thoughtfully. “Seeing as our families are friendly with each other. So, it would probably be a good thing if you made up your mind quickly.”

“You are outrageous, Your Grace,” Maddie hissed, her honey-colored eyes shooting sparks. “Did you engineer this call? You told me that you would give me a day to think about it!”

“So I did,” he said, grinning. “But it would seem that fate had other ideas, My Lady. I had no idea we were coming here—my dear mother arranged everything, you see, and did not bother to tell either my sister or myself of her plans.” He took a step closerto her. “But I cannot deny that I am pleased with how it has turned out.”

“I do not believe you,” she whispered furiously. “It is insufferable!”

“Why do you protest so much?” he asked in an amused tone, taking another small step closer to her. “You wrote that list. You clearly wish to experience all that is written on it. All I am asking at the moment is that you experience one of those things with me. Is that too much?”

Her eyes widened. “Just the one? And then you will give me the list? It is not what you suggested last night.”

He raised his eyebrows. “Just the one… for now.”

---