Page 19 of His Ruined Duchess

The thought filled Hugh with conflicting emotions and notions about the future. Shock still reverberated through his veins as he processed the truth, and a steadily growing flame of intrigue and fury gnawed at him, licking at his bones.

He was terribly distressed that he could have done something he would have sorely regretted. That would have been too far for even him.

Hugh knew that indulging in what pleased him at any given moment was often what landed him in trouble—if exceedingly entertaining trouble—but he was not one to sully a virgin. Hehad standards as much as rumors about him might profess the contrary.

He could not continue to bait Selina into a response with this new information. He was not that cruel. And furthermore, it revealed even more that he had been correct. Selina and her sisters needed to be married and away from him as quickly as possible.

The Duke wasnota suitable man to be looking after them.

Still, his stomach churned, and his pulse beat rapidly, noticeable in his chest as his blood remained heated. Selina had infuriated him, she had irked him to no end, and she had disobeyed him. Teasing her had been a form of retaliation. His own game to make her submit. And yes, it had been enjoyable.

But this would be unacceptable. The liberties Hugh had taken with her had been—no, he would not allow himself to consider it.

Refocus on the matters at hand, Hugh. You will be stalwart and determined.

Hugh finally left the gardens, believing that he had provided Selina enough time to get into her room, so they would not risk running into each other again. He crept into the estate, heading up to his bedroom immediately.

While he might not be sleeping much this evening, he would certainly try. And come morning, he would discuss things withthe Dowager Duchess so that they would at last be on the same page.

“Regain control, Hugh. Regain it, and seize it tight. You will determine the outcome of this precarious situation. You will.”

Hugh spoke to himself in his mirror and released a shaky breath. It was true that he had not slept well at all the previous evening, just as he’d assumed, but he would not falter. Hugh would correct the situation and ensure that Selina understood that a marriage was unavoidable.

Perhaps if she knew the truth…

It was not the first time he had entertained the thought. Selina did not have a complete understanding of the situation, and while Hugh was less than enthusiastic about revealing anything extra to her, it was possible that this reveal would allow her to be more pliant, more agreeable to his demands.

Refreshing himself with a splash of water from the basin, Hugh finished his dressing and went down to the study. He had been taking the majority of his meals there. While he had joined the family for dinner at this point, he wished to conduct his business with Selina in private. And he was impatient at the best of times.

He would have a servant bring her to him at once.

It only took a few moments for a gentle knock to sound from the study door.

“Come in,” he answered, not standing from his position seated behind his desk.

Slowly, Selina pushed into his office, and even just the sight of her was enough to cause his brain and body to splinter, fracturing apart as they attempted to focus on opposing ideas. She pinned her stare to the floor, a gentle blush dusting her cheeks.

And God help him, but he stiffened beneath his trousers.

Selina was such a sight, so lovely in a way that he might never have considered before he met her. He typically steered himself toward those of fair hair and complexion, those of ample bosom and loose morals.

The Dowager Duchess of Soulden was none of those things.

She was slim with the subtle hint of alluring curves revealed by the delicate fabric of her dress. She had stark black hair the color of night, and it shone brightly whenever light reflected off it. Her brown eyes were deep and insightful with an odd level of intelligence hidden lurking in their depths.

Dammit, Hugh. Pull yourself together.

“What can I help you with this morning, Your Grace?” Selina kept her voice level, but there was a hint of discomfort clinging to her, one that apparently even years of training had not allowed her to hide completely.

“It is I who can assist you with understanding. I have told you that you will find a new husband. There appears to be a continued misunderstanding of my order as you have yet to initiate your search. Perhaps, with a bit of clarity, that will change.”

Standing, Hugh ensured he was presentable as his thoughts had yet to empty of inappropriate conjurations thanks to the low neckline of Selina’s gown. He rounded the desk, meeting Selina’s eyes as he walked to a bookshelf to his left and retrieved a copy of his favorite tome, Frankenstein.

From within, Hugh produced the letter the late Duke had given him. He turned toward Selina once more and crossed the room to hand it to her, leaving the woman to read the letter as he leaned back against the edge of his desk, watching curiously.

Her eyes widened as she scanned the page, and then Selina looked up at him, shaking her head.

“I…I don’t understand.”

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