Page 38 of His Duchess' Wicked List

But it was too dangerous, for so many different reasons. It had already progressed further than it should have. Shemustresist him and try her hardest to convince him to just give her back the list and be done with it. Yes, he was a rake, but he must have some basic human decency, deep down. Itwaspossible… wasn’t it?

“I want you to meet me in my study tonight,” he continued in the same strained voice. “After everyone has left for the evening and the house is asleep. Do you promise?”

Maddie’s mouth went dry. The thought of him doing the same thing he had done to her last evening again was just too much. As much as she yearned for it, she knew she would regret it, yet again. But she could appeal to him, when they were alone, to give her back the list and stop this ludicrous game.

She would be strong. She could do it.

“I promise,” she murmured, feeling a little faint.

Their eyes locked. She felt another frisson of desire run down her spine. Somehow, she felt as if he had undressed her and she was standing before him utterly naked and vulnerable.

Mercifully, the dance finally ended. She could make her escape—at least for now. Quickly, she curtseyed, then she rushed through the crowd and away from him. When she was at a safe distance, she stopped, taking three big breaths, trying to steady herself.

She saw Selina approaching, threading through the crowd.

“You look so flushed, Maddie,” Selina noted, with a curious smile.

“Indeed,” Maddie said, taking her fan from her reticule. She fanned herself vigorously. “I need a glass of lemonade. I danced so much, and you know how tiring it gets, dearest.”

Selina laughed. “I suppose it does! Youhavebeen the popular one tonight. Christopher has barely let you escape from his clutches for the entire evening. I am surprised he even let my brother take a turn with you at all.”

Maddie smiled weakly. “I am sure Lord Christopher was only being polite and dancing with me out of duty.”

Selina raised her eyebrows. “Do you? I am afraid you are quite wrong, dearest. My dear cousin is taken with you. He is not a ladies’ man, so if he is showing a particular interest in you, it is sincere. Believe me.”

Maddie shrugged. She didn’t know what to say. She had no interest in Lord Christopher at all, even if he was charming and attentive. It wasn’t that she disliked him. It was just that he seemed rather like an older brother, rather than a suitor. But she didn’t want to offend Selina.

“It was nice of Daniel to dance with you,” Selina continued, frowning slightly. “My brother seems fond of you, Maddie.”

Maddie burst out laughing. “Oh, that is not true, Selina! He was only doing his duty as well.”

Selina looked like she was about to say something, then changed her mind. She pursed her lips, looking over at her brother, who was talking to someone on the edge of the dance floor.

“Well, perhaps you are right,” she said in a strange voice. “Hediddance with Augusta as well. That was a surprise. I am shocked that your sister agreed to it at all, as she hasn’t danced with anyone else this evening. Do you think that our mothers might actually succeed in their matchmaking endeavors?”

“I hardly know,” Maddie mumbled, her heart fluttering. She needed to change the subject. “Ireallyneed to get a glass of lemonade, dearest, before I expire from thirst. I will be back soon.”

She started navigating the crowd, seeking a footman. It wasn’t a lie. She was still so hot and aroused from the dance with the Duke that she felt quite giddy with it.

She felt his eyes on her as she passed by. But she refused to turn her head and look at him. Her mouth was dry, and her skin was tingling. She could still hear his commanding voice in her mind.

You are allowed to cross off the items on your list with me and only me. I am the only one who is allowed to touch you.

She shivered. It would be hours until they could be alone together again. And then, she must find the courage to end this, once and for all, before she lost her senses entirely.

CHAPTER 16

Iam going to get my list back.I am going to demand it!

Maddie was heading towards the Duke’s study. She could hear the slight thud of her footsteps down the hallway. It was a far cry from the sounds of revelry and music that had been emanating from the ballroom for most of the evening.

The guests were all long gone, spirited away in their carriages, safely tucked in their beds now, she would wager. Just as the entire household was now asleep. Except for the two of them.

She saw the pool of candlelight beneath the door to his study. Her breath caught in her throat. She was still aroused from their charged dance earlier that night, but she had taken the time to steel herself for this. She was ready to tell him how this was going to proceed. She was going to stay strong and resist him, even in the face of his displeasure.

She knocked softly. She heard the sound of his footsteps, and then the door opened just a crack. Before she knew it, he took her hand, pulling her inside before shutting the door firmly behind her.

“You didn’t see anyone?” he whispered.

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