Page 11 of The Duke's Hellion

“That’s ridiculous.” He turned his profile to her giving Chris and Nobi a look as if to call for some kind of support.

Both parties shrugged in reply.

“Why is it ridiculous?” she prodded.

And then he spoke in a way she had never heard before. He growled at her, “Because I’m a grown man and you’re a child. It’s not a competition.”

“I’m not a child. I’m a mature woman. I can hold my own.” Her hands were on her hips and steam was pouring out her nostrils. Or something like it.

She shouldn’t have to say those words aloud. It was obvious that she was a woman. He should be able to see it. The man just needed to take a look at her ample bosom to recognize her womanly status, but he had never done that. Not that she wanted him to see that or look at her that way, but really, she had been of age for a while. Had debuted years ago. To some, she was close to being on the shelf. But apparently, in his eyes, she was just the youngest sister.

He took a step closer to her and she could see the potency of the dare in his eyes. Little did he know that she never backed down from a dare, verbalized or implied.

“I’ll annihilate you,” he said with aplomb.

She faked a laugh. “So be it.” They stood toe to toe in the most unprecedented stance. She a ball of fire, him a ball of fury. Her hands on her hips. His across his chest. Both blowing out large, loud puffs of air from their nostrils.

“And don’t you dare let me win,” she announced after realizing how long the beat of silence lasted.

“I. Would. Never.”

When she turned on her heel, she purposely let her elbow knock into his crossed arms. He probably didn’t even flinch, but she was a woman possessed. Nothing was going to stop her. From doing what? She wasn’t sure yet. But she was on a mission.

“Nobi!”

“Chris!”

One shouted after the other, beckoning their respective parties to join them.

“We need witnesses,” she justified.

“I couldn’t agree more.” How he was speaking with his teeth clenched together so tightly was beyond impressive.

Reluctantly, Chris stood to the side of the barrel while Nobi cleared its surface of the arrows. Mimi dug her elbow into the wood at the same time as Sam.

“I don’t understand what we’re doing,” Chris mumbled.

“It’s obvious there is nothing we can do to stop them,” Nobi murmured back. “At this point I think we’re just here to ensure they don’t kill each other.”

“I can hear you, Nobi.” Mimi blew the hair off her forehead. “No one’s going to kill anyone.” She was speaking to Nobi, but her eyes were catapulting rocks at Sam. When he said nothing, she raised her eyebrows in a silent question.

“Agreed. No murder. Today.”

“Good. Let’s proceed.” She wiggled her fingers, anticipating his grasp. His fingers folded around hers.

What she hadn’t anticipated was the warmth she would feel from his palm, firmly pressed into hers. A perfect fit. His fingers wrapped around her, unrelenting. He would not let go until he won. And she knew he would win. That was the point in this stupid tirade. Compete in something at which she knew he would win to allow him to feel better about himself. But what wasn’t the point was to feel her insides turn gooey. As in straight treacle. She straightened her legs and bent at the hip for a better angle. Her breasts were on display, but she didn’t care. Apparently he didn’t either. His eyes didn’t leave her face.

The force and intensity of his gaze combined with the stronghold he physically had on her body was all consuming.

Something sparked within her.

She wasn’t sure if she liked it or not.

But she didn’t have time to analyze the moment as Chris placed his hand atop their entwined fingers.

“Are you sure about this?”

“Yes,” they both said together.

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