Page 53 of The Wrong Duke

It was still too dark to see properly, but that didn’t matter. The smell, she knew now why it was so familiar. The feel of that body atop her own, it was right in a way that it shouldn’t have been. His breath, a sensation she recognized immediately. And as to that voice? She would know it even in death.

“Your Grace?” she gasped. “What are you —”

“Surprised to see me?” he growled, still holding her down, his lips inches away from her own. “I suspect you were expecting somebody else.”

Fear racked her. What was he doing here? This was supposed to be Lord Malnor’s room. Did he know this was going to happen? That was impossible! To him, this must have been as shocking a moment as it was for her. Shocking, and disappointing.

“I... I...” she stammered at first, embarrassment mixed with despair because the Duke would guess why she was here, and no doubt he’d be disgusted by it. She tried to find the words of apology, to explain what was happening, but then she paused. Thought a moment. Realized something that had her firming up and dispelling any sense of wrongdoing. In fact, she snarled at him, “That’s none of your business.”

The Duke reared back, clearly taken aback by her response. “You’re not wrong.”

“What are you doing here?” she accused.

“I needed some place to sleep. Feeling a little ill from too much wine, or so I told Lord Malnor, and he was nice enough to offer me his bed. What’s your excuse?”

“I —”

“Got lost on your way to your room?” he asked, sounding almost amused. “Or were you sleep-walking?”

He was mocking her! Or that was how it sounded. Angry now, Amelia wished her hands were free, so she could strike him. How dare he judge her. How dare he mock what he could not know. Did he think she wanted this? Was his opinion of her so low? If only he knew the truth, maybe he wouldn’t be socallous.

“Unhand me,” she hissed at him.

“No. I don’t think I will.”

“I’ll scream.”

“I doubt it.”

“Try me.”

The grip around her wrists tightened. His body seemed to somehow draw closer. And although it was too dark to see, she could feel his eyes on her as if he was trying to see through the darkness and to her soul.

“I’m going to be honest with you, Miss Baker,” he spoke in a whisper.

“I think I’ve had enough honesty from you for one day.” She struggled, but he held her still.

“I know what you’re doing here.”

Her lip curled, and she wished he could see the fury in her eyes. “You couldn’t possibly know what —”

“I overheard you and your father speaking earlier.”

Her heart stopped, and her rage dissipated. “You — you did?”

“I did. I know what he’s asked you to do. I know how it is you feel about it. And...” he hesitated as if it pained him to say, “...I know what will happen if you don’t. All of this, it’s never been you, has it?”

A lump appeared in her throat. “My sister. She —”

“Is lucky to have an older sister like you.” He still gripped her tightly, and he didn’t make to roll off her. And dammit, she didn’t want him to. Not anymore. “I only wish that I had seen it earlier. I think back to the things I said about you, and... and I’m —”

“Don’t.” She shifted slightly, allowing one of his legs to fall between both of her own. “Don’t apologize. I told you already, you’re not to do that ever again.”

“I can stop him,” the Duke said. “If you wish it. I don’t know what I would do or say, but surely, I can seek him out and —”

“There is no stopping him.” Her voice was so quiet that she barely heard it, unconsciously willing him to move even closer. “This is the only way.”

“It was never going to work. You don’t know Lord Malnor like I do. If he had been here instead of me...” He chuckled softly. “I assure you, he would have fled this room before you’d so much as touched him.”

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