Page 6 of Best Duke Ever

“What the blazes—”

“It’s just me,” Edward whisper-shouted as he pulled her into a small study and locked the door behind them.“Where are you going on your own?”

“I’m fine.”

“Any man could have followed you and taken advantage of you by snatching you into a dark room.”

“Like you?”she propped her hands on her hips as he dropped his hold of her.

“I would never take advantage of you.”

“Well maybe I want someone to take advantage—”

“Lenora—”

“Edward.”

“What’s wrong?Did you not enjoy any of those dance partners?I can find more for you.”

She heaved a sigh.“They were fine.”

“Fine means boring to you.”

“Yes.They were boring.I’m sorry to say that.”

“I’ll find more.”

“Maybe I’ll find my own.In fact, dances sound boring.If my father and sister can act recklessly, I ought to try it too.Maybe I want to have an assignation instead of a dance.That sounds far more thrilling.”

“Don’t be reckless.”

“I’m not.I’m an adult.I can make my own choices.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t treat me like a child.I’m three-and-twenty and can make my own choices.”

“You’re right.”

“And another thing—wait.You think I’m right?”

“Yes.”

And there it was again.Edward’s uncanny ability to calm her down.Instantly.

The low rumble of his voice filled the space.“You’re old enough.Smart enough.Strong enough.You can make your own choices and live with the consequences.”

“What consequences?”

She felt his eyes drilling into her soul.

“Consequences such as a ruined reputation.”

“Being found here with you would result in that consequence.”

“I’d never let the rumors start, Lenora,” he growled.“If we were found like this, I’d tell them I was asking you to marry me, and then we would wed.There would be no scandal.”

Her insides shook.Her palms sweat.And her legs squeezed together at his possessiveness.She had never seen Edward so rattled.Had never seen him rattled at all.Not even once.

---