Page 9 of Seven Nights with the Wicked Duke
He had a thing for breaking rules and rebellion and seeing a kindred soul in Cecilia he was tempted to help her but he knew helping her meant getting her in the paths of dangerous men who could hurt her.
It was his duty to report it to Magnus but he decided against it.
Perhaps her mortification at being caught by him would teach her to stay away from a dangerous course of action.
He imagined how upset she would be when she returned home to search for her list. Her lovely green eyes would spark with anger again just as they had with but unfortunately he wouldn't be there to see it.
He looked at the list and smiled.
"I am here to find my own pleasure."
She had looked so determined when she had said the words that lust had burned in his blood. If she weren't Magnus' sister…
As soon as the though began, he buried it as well as every memory of his encounter with her. he couldn't allow those thoughts sit in his conscious mind or he would find ways to be around her until he inevitably did the wrong thing.
Now that the temptation had been implanted in his mind, it would only take a little push until he finally gave in.
"You have a visitor, Your Grace," Charles, his butler, interrupted suddenly.
He sat up wondering who it would be that would come visiting so late.
Could it be Magnus?he wondered.
Surely he hadn't heard anything that had happened with his sister.
He had taken care not to speak her name when he had discovered who she was so no one in attendance would know who she was.
"Who is it, Charles?" he asked.
"Your uncle. Lord Cuthbert."
“Oh," Theo said, perking up. "Send him in."
He had been meaning to see to the business of his monthly allowance, but he hadn't quite gotten around to it as he had been more occupied than usual. It was good then he had come to visit.
The man had played a pivotal role helping him adjust to his new title and the responsibilities he would now hold. He had been patient as a teacher, more so than his father had ever been and as such, he had a fondness for the man.
Theo gave him in one of the other family estates on the outskirts of London to live in since the man preferred to keep to himself. He didn't relish social activities even though he encouraged Theo's participation in them.
It was unfortunate the man never married or Theo might have family.
"My dear boy," his uncle greeted, coming to shake his head but Theo pulled him into a hug.
"Uncle." He smiled. "How are you?"
"I am well as always," Cuthbert answered. "How are things at the estate?"
Cuthbert was almost an exact copy of his father except his build was broader and he had a less stern face. Even now, he was handsome with slightly greying hair at his temples.
"As well as could be," Theo answered. "You're out later than usual. Is all well?"
"Indeed. I just met with the Duke of Blackmore," he answered. "I must thank you for putting in a good word for me."
Theo nodded.
He had encouraged the meeting as his uncle had an interest in investing in the railing business much like Magnus and he was glad to see that the man was working to increase his income.
When the man had approached him with the idea, it had been an easy thing to use his connection to Magnus to secure a meeting.
