Page 12 of My Dark Duke

Her tone was stubborn and flat, and Sebastian knew that even if he pressed her she would not budge from her tale. Miss Smith was harbouring secrets, but they would not be cajoled from her tonight.

"I am sorry for your loss," Sebastian said simply. "And I am sorry for what happened this evening."

"Do not apologise, Your Grace," Miss Smith replied, averting her eyes from his. "If you had not been there, I shudder to think what might have happened."

"If I had not been such a boor when you came to Thorncastle House, you might now be safely in my employ. The under-housekeeper to the under-housekeeper, or some other-such fanciful title."

Miss Smith was silent, and Sebastian briefly wondered if she were thinking she would be less safe under his roof than down on the docks. He bristled with indignation at the idea, though he knew she had not actually accused him of anything.

"My offer still stands," he said gruffly, aware that the carriage was nearing its destination. "I can set you up most comfortably—I have a house in Mayfair that would suit your needs."

"As it has suited all the women before me," Miss Smith replied, sharp as ever despite her upset.

"If that bothers you," Sebastian shrugged, "then I might let another. I would house you, shower you with gifts, trips to the theatre and the Vauxhall Gardens—"

"And make me your whore."

"Mistress." Sebastian winced at the word whore; he was hardly asking her to walk the cobblestones of Covent Garden.

"They are one and the same, are they not?" Miss Smith queried archly. "Mistress or whore, you would have your pleasure either way. My body would be yours for the taking."

"I would not take anything without your permission," Sebastian argued hotly. "It would not be a tumble in the hay, as you seem to think, but a relationship between two passionate beings. If I need to woo you and court you before I bed you, then so be it, I can wait. I just want you under my roof, and under my protection, before you walk yourself into any more danger."

Sebastian usually prided himself on being cool, calm, and composed—some might even say indifferent. But it was impossible to be cool around this woman, when she filled him with such fiery passion. And it was impossible to be calm, when she appeared so keen to vex him.

The carriage began to slow, and Sebastian realised they must now be approaching Gracechurch Street, and that Miss Smith would flee as soon as the carriage came to a halt.

He had said everything there was to say to the chit, and there was now only one means of persuasion left at his disposal.

"Don't think that you would be the only one giving," he said throatily, reaching out to stroke her cheek. "I can offer you pleasure you have never even imagined, my dear."

Miss Smith was wide eyed and still, as she warily watched him. But there was something else in her eyes, something Sebastian recognised well—desire.

She was tempted by the Devil of Thorncastle; as much as she tried to fight it, she wanted him too.

And who was Sebastian to deny her the pleasure?

With a low growl, he reached for her, pulling her once more into his arms. But this time his embrace was not soft or gentle, but hard and fraught with want and need.

His lips met hers, hungry and demanding, and he was gratified to find no resistance. No, instead Miss Smith acquiesced to his desire, opening her lush mouth and permitting him to probe its soft recesses.

She melted against his chest, her soft curves pressed against him. As she writhed in pleasure, her breasts rubbed against him, and Sebastian's restraint was sorely tested.

He had offered to wait for her, but if he continued on like this he would end up taking her in the carriage as it rumbled through Cheapside...

"Enough," Sebastian said gruffly, slightly breathless as he pulled away from her.

Miss Smith's lips were plump and bruised, and Sebastian had to glance away, lest he was tempted to kiss her further.

He was gratified to hear her breath was as ragged as his; she was as affected by their embrace as he.

A few moments passed, in which they both composed themselves, and in that time, the carriage drew to a halt.

"We're here," Miss Smith said, in a tone which Sebastian could not decipher.

Was she relieved, or disappointed?

"I will wait, until you are safely inside," Sebastian said, as Higgins opened the door to assist Miss Smith down.

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