Page 25 of Her Ruse with the Rakish Duke
“What can we do? I just wish my sister could be happy. He is a rake after all. One woman may not be enough.”
What?
Surely, Harry would defend him? No one knew him better than Harry. Victor remembered the speech he gave Harry about Daphne and his heart fell.
“You are correct. But maybe he might surprise us.”
“Maybe. On the other hand, my sister does deserve better, even if she does love him.”
Victor heard smacking sounds. They were kissing! Victor’s back hurt from the knife his friend stuck there. Harry had betrayed him. That was the only explanation. He should march back to his quarters, have his properties gathered, and leave immediately. Victor did not have to be the best man to someone who could not defend him!
The kissing sounds and moans intensified. Disgusted, Victor sighed and started to leave when he heard Amelia.
“I should leave quickly,” Amelia said. “Daphne is waiting at the library.”
Victor retraced his steps in the opposite direction. Maybe he could stay for the wedding. The poor sod did not have any other friends. Besides, Amelia did say Daphne loved him. Victor went up the stairs, three at a time, his long legs stretching across quickly.
They were wrong, probably. Daphne had not said one nice thing to him since his arrival. It was hard to imagine that she felt anything but intense loathing for him. Perhaps she had only kissed him back because he put her on the spot.
But love? He had to confirm this for himself.
Despite his doubt, Victor’s steps felt lighter and freer. Then he remembered that they said she had remained unmarried for those years, waiting for him. He paused and closed his eyes. It meant that she was not betrothed to the Peacock or that he had mistaken their association.
She had waited for him? Someone trusted him for that long. Guilt slowed Victor’s steps. By the time he got to the door, he wanted to return to Harry’s study. He would complicate her life. But damn it, he liked that complication.
He stepped inside. Tall shelves, filled with all manner of books, surrounded her. She was sprawled on the couch, an easy smile on her face as she focused on the book in her hand. Light from the window above created golden strands in her hair. A sheen of the softest pink created an alluring glow on her freckled skin.
Victor was most hesitant to disturb her. He pressed his hands into his pockets and scanned the book she was reading.
“Is that a romance book?” She whipped her head up. “I hear women rage about the genre.”
She narrowed her eyes at him. Victor could not resist it. Getting under her skin and watching her react was like opium. Addictive and unavoidable once tasted.
“I am not surprised. You are the authority on what women love; you might catch a disease one of these days, Your Grace,” she said. She spoke with a shy demeanor, quickly ducking her head once she was done.
Victor grinned and strutted to the empty single chair. Maybe they were right. The sisters were quite close. Why would Amelia lie?
“Darling, the only woman who holds my attention is you. Did you not feel it this morning?”
That beautiful color suffused her cheeks, causing the freckles to stand out. Victor maintained that he was a man, and men’s hearts did not melt into a mushy puddle. He was stoic and brazen and strong.
She looked up and smiled at him. Victor forgot his own name.
“Thatyou are a good kisser, I will not deny. You surprised me.”
Victor crossed his legs and relaxed on the chair. Talking with her about anything shut the darkness out. “I can prove it was more than that, if you let me.”
“More than a kiss?” She returned her attention to the page and turned it. “Your ego goes as deep as the ocean.”
“That is true. Luckily, I can defend it. Tell me about your book.”
“Why? So you will castigate it?” she asked.
“No, I am genuinely interested. You were smiling when I walked in, I would like to learn how the book got you to do it, effortlessly.”
She stared at him for a moment. “Why are you acting so strangely?”
Victor tried to compose his expression. “Showing interest is not odd. I want to know you better. That is all.”
