Page 51 of A Duchess to Reclaim

“Hire a few more guards. I want them stationed around the house at all times. No more windows of opportunity for self-righteous beggars.”

“Yes, Your Grace,” Mr. Morbate replied, bowing.

“That is all for this morning then. You may go. You have more important things to do than pour my tea,” Dominic instructed.

Mr. Morbate bowed again and silently left the dining room. As he walked out of the room to Dominic’s surprise, Amelia walked into it. He knew from the staff’s reports that she awoke later than he did and broke her fast well after he started work in his office.

He cast his eyes over body in approval. She was back to wearing her usual gowns. The tighter waist, the lower bodice. This one today was a startling black with a wide lavender satin ribbon wound just above her hips, showing off her deliciously delicate curves. He also took pleasure in seeing those long, wild, dark brown curls cascading down her back and over her shoulders yet again- much better, he thought, than the strict up-dos she wore when in London.

Her honey brown eyes were on him as his eyes finally flicked up to study her face, and he felt a jolt of desire within his loins.

“Good morning,” he said, his tone curious as he watched her walk to the chair directly to his right and take a seat.

“Good morning,” she replied, her voice still husky from sleep.

The sound of it sent a rather wicked shiver over the back of his neck. He took a deep inhale through his nostrils to find control, but it only damned him further as he caught her scent of lilacs, honeysuckle, and something spicy mixed in with the sweet.

It made his mouth water and his thoughts run wild.

“This is…odd,” he stated, looking her up and down.

“I thought I would break fast with you this morning,” she replied, motioning for the servant.

A plate of toast, broiled fish, and two boiled eggs balanced on silver egg cups was given to her almost immediately while another servant came forward to pour her tea.

“How did you sleep?” She asked, tapping the top of an egg with a small silver spoon.

Dominic’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. She’d left him rather coldly the evening before and hadn’t seen her since.

“Fine,” he said, drawing the word out.

“Good.” She replied.

Dominic sat down his cup and laced his fingers together before him.

“You are quite unamicable this morning,” he stated. “It’s not like you.”

Amelia’s eyes darted toward him, and he felt a comfort in seeing the fire that usually lived there.

“Iam not the one that is unamicable, Dominic,” she replied haughtily. “It is your behavior that lacks warmth, not mine.”

Dominic snorted.

“Yes you’ve been an absolute ray of sunshine, darling,” he replied, his tone dry.

Amelia looked as if she was about to throw an equally sarcastic retort at him, then she closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath. He tried not to chuckle, but he couldn’t help the sound that slipped from his lips.

“I amtryingto thank you,” she breathed out, opening her eyes as she turned to look at him.

Dominic’s humor faded, the smirk on his lips falling as he raised a brow.

“For yesterday. For interfering with my father,” she explained.

Dominic sat up a little straighter as he heard the tinge of fear in her voice. She’d been frightened yesterday. She hadn’t admitted it, but he’d felt it radiating off of her.

Of Felton or of me?He silently wondered.

“Of course I did,” he replied, his tone serious. “You’re mine. I protect what’s mine.”

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