Page 54 of Her Ruse with the Wicked Duke
“His tendency to let love rule his world was the problem he faced. Hence why I never speak of my mother. I vowed I would not love after she broke my father’s heart.”
“Your Grace…” she started, furrowing her brow.
How can he believe that one experience can define love forever? Had he never even attempted to love someone?
“I know it may seem harsh, but it is easier this way. No one gets hurt in the end, and I can focus on expanding my father’s legacy through business achievements.”
“You have achieved a lot already. I must congratulate you, once again. I never realized how much work went into investments alone,” she replied, sensing that he wanted to change the subject.
“It is thanks to you, Miss Snow.”
They made a full circle around the pond, and Rowan was flagged down by a group of gentlemen toward the end of their walk, so he bowed to her before joining them.
Alice turned to Grace, and they walked the puppy in silence as she kept an eye on Rowan, who kept looking back at her from across the lawn.
He finally bowed the the men before returning to her side. “It had been quite a productive day, I would say. Business has been taken care of, and I have not dragged you away to some dark corner yet. I would say we are doing quite well.”
Alice’s eyes widened as he said this, making him laugh. She thought she was the only one thinking about it all day, but she was glad to know that she was not alone in her wandering thoughts.
“Indeed, we should head back, it will get dark soon.”
He nodded, offering her his arm, and they made their way to his carriage, riding back to her home. Their proximity in the small coach was almost unbearable for Alice, and she kept scooting back in her seat to avoid touching him. The electricity in the air was palpable, and she was scrambling out for fresh air by the time they arrived.
Grace started walking the dog back inside, and before anyone noticed, Rowan pulled Alice behind the carriage.
“Come with me to the theater tomorrow.”
“Pardon?” Alice said quietly, confused.
“I would like to extend an invitation I received to see Macbeth being performed in London,” the Duke explained. “Do you need it in a foreign language, Miss Snow?”
His smirk never failed to put butterflies in her stomach, and she countered the feeling with attitude, just to feel some semblance of control over her emotions. “I heard you correctly, then. I am simply wondering why you would invite me. You have already made deals with these men, surely you don’t need help from me.”
“Miss Snow, you are entirely clueless.” He chuckled, stepping closer to her and closing the distance between them, his lips pressing softly against hers and sending a jolt of energy to her core. “I want to spend time with you.”
“Oh.”
“Oh? That is all you have to say?” He laughed, his hands holding her face gently.
“Yes.” She smiled. “That is about it.”
“All right. I will take that as a yes, and I will arrive with my carriage tomorrow, then. Until then, get your beauty sleep. Not that you need it.”
He walked her out from behind the carriage to her front door, bowing.
“Goodnight, Your Grace,” she whispered.
ChapterEighteen
Alice climbed into the Duke’s carriage once it had arrived in her driveway, and she watched him diligently as he stared out the window, sitting in comfortable silence. He had his hands placed strategically on his thighs, his suit tailored to perfectly fit his muscular figure.
His dark hair lay across his head, and she could tell he struggled to keep it tamed by the way a few stray pieces still would not behave. His jaw was set in a pleasant, relaxed manner, and she could not help the passing thought of planting kisses on it.
“What are you smiling about over there, Miss Snow?” He smirked suddenly, and she was shocked back to reality. “You have been staring most of the ride. We have almost arrived.”
“But how? Surely it has not been that long of a ride.” She needed to get her imagination reined in if she was able to waste so much time and did not even notice.
“We are stopping at Bond Street first. I have a surprise.”
