Page 11 of Her Seven Nights with the Duke

“There is only one, really,” she said, looking away.

Her cheeks turned red, as if she were ashamed to have to say it or hadn’t truly thought out her plan on how to state her demand. Samuel was not sure which, but he had a feeling it could be both.

“I see. Can you tell me what this request is, then?” he asked. “I would like to know the price for your discretion.”seriousness.”

He took a step in her direction, forcing her to take another step back, but instead of advancing towards her, he sat down on the bed, watching her. He gestured to the chair behind her, and she stared at it like it was something foreign.

“I would rather stand if you don’t mind,” she said in a snarky tone.

Samuel shrugged.

“It is rather simple, what I want. I want you to give me money.” Her voice faded out on the last bit, but he was able to make out what she said.

He stared at her curiously. It was clear to him that she wouldn’t be doing so if she did not need to. Perhaps he should be irritated by her blackmail attempt, but instead, he was simply curious to know what exactly had caused her to be so desperate that she would resort to this.

“Would you mind telling me what you want the money for?” he asked curiously.

She stared at him, her mouth opening and closing over and over again, although no words came out of it. She looked away for a moment, her jaw clenching.

What is your secret, little rabbit?

Samuel leaned in as her lips parted. “I don’t believe that it is any of your business what I wish to do with it. You need only worry about your own reputation, Your Grace.”

Samuel leaned back in disappointment. He had hoped that this would be done the easier way as opposed to having to force the answer out of her, but he was intrigued by her, and there was no way he would allow her to go without answering his question. Nor would he be giving her any money.

“It is very much my business if you intend to blackmail me for it. I have no intention of giving you any money if you don’t tell me exactly what it is that you intend to use it for,” he said.

“You cannot do that.” She bristled. “I will tell everyone about the?—”

“Yes, you will tell everyone you saw me with a woman. Perhaps you will tell them exactly how much time you spent there, watching me.” He stood up, slowly walking towards her.

He chuckled as she took a step back from him. “I must admit, My Lady, it is quite bold of you to venture into my room so late into the night to try to blackmail me. I cannot decide if I’m more irritated or impressed.”

He turned away from her. “Go back to your room before anyone finds you here.”

“Wh-what?” She balked.

He could hear the tiny note of desperation that seeped into her voice.

How fascinating.

“Did it excite you to watch what I was doing with her? I did ask you if you liked what you saw. Perhaps you can tell me now. Did you?” he asked, encroaching on her personal space until there was nowhere else for her to go.

Her eyes held shock and confusion from the sudden change of topic. This was not what she had thought would happen.

“I did not mean to watch you,” she said in a small voice.

“Ah, but you did. You could have run away and returned with people if you truly were interested in doing what was right, but you did not. Instead, you stayed and watched. You must have enjoyed it. Did you wish to be in her place?”

“I beg your pardon, Your Grace, but it is not as you say,” she said, affronted.

“But who will believe that you didn’t enjoy it? You say that you wish to blackmail me, but it is your word against mine. I could implicate you in this, and you will never be able to face any member of the ton as well,” he said.

“Your reputation is as bad as people say,” she said, her eyes blinking rapidly.

“You would do well to remember that before you choose to refuse my request once again,” he said, batting off her snide remark.

She nodded, looking away from him. “I wish to run away.”

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