Page 22 of Married to a Wicked Duke
“Lady Veronica.” He reached out suddenly and touched her bare wrist, pulling her hand away from the earring. Veronica felt a jolt through her body at the contact. “It’s all right, really. I know Mother would be pleased you are wearing them, especially as you won them in a painting competition. I suspect that is why my grandmother chose them as the prize. To honor her daughter-in-law and her talents.”
Veronica swallowed hard, overcome with a sudden rush of emotion. “I shall treasure them, Your Grace.”
He nodded, his hand remaining lightly on her wrist, as though he had forgotten it was there. After a moment, he said, “I hope Lady Juliet and her friends are not… troubling you.”
Veronica felt the color in her cheeks intensify. She had been well aware of Lady Juliet and Lady Arabella whispering to one another on the edge of the dance floor. Well aware of the way their cold stares followed her around the room—probably whispering about the earrings. Veronica had done her best to ignore it. She shook her head. “It is nothing I cannot handle, Your Grace.” She gave him a wry smile. “I have had plenty of practice.”
His fingers tightened around her wrist. “I’m sorry to hear that. If there is anyone who does not deserve to put up with such things, it is you.”
Before Veronica could process the meaning behind his comment, a loud boom sounded overhead, making her jump. The Duke let go of her wrist as though he had suddenly become aware of it. They looked upwards at a shower of fireworks glittering in the night sky.
At the sound of the first explosion, guests began flooding out of the marquee into the garden. Veronica made to stand. “I ought to go.”
“Don’t.” The Duke’s hand found her wrist again. He pulled it away quickly this time. “I mean, rather…” He cleared his throat. “There’s no need to run away. People can see us here. It shan’t cause a scandal if we are seen together.”
Veronica hesitated. Then she nodded. Unable to look at the Duke, she turned her eyes back to the sky. Explosions of red, blue, and green erupted in the darkness. Closer to the ground, fountains of confetti shot into the sky. Pieces fluttered down from above, several landing in Veronica’s hair.
“Ugh.” She tried to swipe them away.
In the darkness, she saw a faint smile on the Duke’s lips. “Shall I help you?”
“No, no, it is all right.” Veronica wriggled irritably, trying to reach the piece of confetti that had wormed its way down the back of her dress.
He chuckled. “Let me help you, My Lady. Please. You look as though you’re about to get yourself in a dreadful tangle.”
Reluctantly, Veronica got to her feet. “All right.” She nodded towards the shadow of the two giant oak trees beside them. “Over here. I do not wish for anyone to see us and think… well... you know…” She was glad for the darkness. Glad the Duke could not see how fiercely her cheeks were blazing.
He got to his feet and followed her towards the trees. Gently, he lifted her dark curls and placed them over her shoulder. His warm hand touched the soft skin at the back of her neck, making Veronica gasp. He slid one finger beneath the collar of her gown, searching for the offending item. Veronica could feel her heart pounding. Could feel her breath racing. And given his closeness, she was sure the Duke could feel it too. His finger traced slowly and deliberately across the bare skin of her upper back, pausing for a moment at the base of her neck.
“There.” He pulled the piece of confetti out and reached around her shoulder to hold it up in front of her eyes. Immediately, she felt the loss of his touch. “Got it.”
She smiled nervously. “Thank you.”
The Duke reached for her elbow and turned her to face him. “Are you all right?” he asked. “You look a little… flushed.”
Veronica swallowed hard. “I’m fine.” As she whirled around to hurry back to the bench, another sudden firework exploded overhead, causing her to cry out in shock and stumble forward. The Duke caught her arm, clutching at the oak tree with his other hand in order to keep his balance—and pinning her against the trunk in the process.
Veronica gasped at his sudden nearness, at the feel of his warm body so close to her own. Her heart was thundering, and she could feel that strange tug of need in her belly. She tried to commit the moment to memory, sure it would be only seconds before the Duke hurried away, apologizing for his misstep and putting space back between them. But instead, he took a step closer to her, cupping her cheek with his broad hand.
“My Lady,” he murmured, his breath warm against her skin. His nose was inches from hers. And his hand slid down her neck, across her collarbone, pausing just above the swell of her breast. Veronica felt her body arching towards him. Found herself aching for his touch. Her lips parted, seeking his kiss.
“Your Grace!”
They blundered away from each other at the sound of an all too familiar voice. Veronica’s grandmother was charging across the garden towards them, a fiery look in her eyes. She was flanked by the Dowager Duchess, the dog scampering along behind them, yapping furiously.
The thundering in Veronica’s chest intensified—this time for a far less pleasant reason.
“What in heaven’s name is going on here?” her grandmother demanded.
“I fell,” Veronica said weakly. “And His Grace—”
“Yes, I could seeexactlywhat His Grace was doing,” the Dowager Marchioness shot.
The Dowager Duchess shook her head, pinning her grandson with furious eyes. “How could you even think of taking advantage of her like this?”
“Oh no,” Veronica said, too quickly, “he was not taking advantage of me. I—”
“So you asked him to do what he did?” the Dowager Duchess shot.
