Page 35 of A Bride for the Wicked Duke

Aurelia breathed a sigh of relief, turning to see who had come. When she did, her stomach dropped, her heart beat increased, and she wondered if maybe she would have been better off staying in conversation with Diana.

It was the duke of all people, striding into the room in a way that suggested he owned it. He showed no awkwardness at becoming the center of attention, a commonality for him, Aurelia was sure. He was not alone, of course, for Rosalind trailed behind him.

“Sorry we are late,” the duke apologized as Violet reached him.

“Not at all, not at all,” Violet said with huge smile. “And Rosalind, it has been too long!”

Aurelia stared wide eyes, her pulse rising, doing her best not to look caught off guard or as if the duke being here was causing her to panic.It should not be. And there is no reason I should care one way or the other.But the duke looked about the room, saw her watching him, smirked at her, and her cheeks flushed brilliantly.

“Aurelia...” Rosalind came to her. “Is something the matter.”

“Why did you not tell me you were coming tonight?” she hissed under her breath, careful not to pull attention their way.

“Did I not?” Rosalind frowned. “I could have sworn I did.”

If it was anyone else, Aurelia might have thought that her friend was playing a trick on her, as if she knew how Aurelia was feeling and wished to see her squirm. But that was not Rosalind’s way, and likely the woman had just forgotten.

Nonetheless, Aurelia decided quickly that she would need to avoid the duke tonight, just to be safe. Whenever they were together, lately especially, their conversation always steered toward trepidatious waters, the wrong things being said, Aurelia’s tongue and temperament getting the best of her. With so many eyes here tonight, she did not trust herself to behave.

What is more, I do not trust the duke to behave, for I know how much he enjoys testing my limits and seeing how far he can push me.

Thus, Aurelia made no move to approach him like others did, happy to stay out of the way, hopefully for the rest of the night. If only such a thing was possible.

“A game!” Violet announced once everyone was settled. “Let us play a game.”

“What did you have in mind?” her mother asked.

“A word association game,” Violet said excitedly. “You know the one we used to play as children. Teams of two. The most connections made in thirty seconds wins. And those watching will be the judge – if a connection made it too outlandish, it shall be called and the round ends. Understood?”

“What do we win?” Eveline asked.

“It is for fun,” Violet said. “There are no prizes.”

“Oh, that is boring.”

“We must pair off,” Violet announced, at which point her mother took her by the hand. “And it looks as if I have found my partner...” she added said sullenly.

Aurelia’s eyes widened in panic, and she turned to her left, expecting Rosalind to be there. Alas, Eveline had swept in and stolen her. To her right next, settled on Diana for she was better than nothing. But Daniel and she were together!Oh no...

Panic began to rise. Aurelia looked about the room desperately as the teams were formed. Lord and Lady Hargrave together. Iris nowhere to be seen – likely in the washroom. And that meant...

“It looks like you and I are paired.” The duke spoke from over her shoulder, a touch of amusement to his voice.

She swallowed and turned around, pretending to look nonplused. “Lucky me.”

“Do not sound so happy about it,” he laughed.

“Oh, I am,” she said, her stomach fluttering as if a swarm of butterflies had been released. “I just did not take you as one who played games.”

He shrugged. “I am full of mystery, it seems.”

“And you understand the rules?”

“I am a fast learner.”

“And rather arrogant to boot,” she said before she could help herself.

The duke’s smile widened. “You know me so well. A boon for this game, as we are sure to win.” And then he winked, which had her blushing all the harder.

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