Page 18 of The Spinster and Her Rakish Duke
“Someone like me?”
“A rake,” she said bluntly. “A man whose reputation precedes him into every drawing room in London. I did this solely for Jane’s sake, Your Grace. Let’s not pretend otherwise.”
Something flickered in his green eyes—surprise, perhaps, or wounded pride. He leaned forward slightly, and she caught that familiar scent of his cologne that had unsettled her so thoroughly the night they’d met.
“Perhaps,” he said, his voice dropping to that dangerously quiet tone she remembered, “there are certain perks to marrying a rake.”
“Perks?”
“We could certainly take advantage of our vows.” His gaze dropped to her lips, and she felt heat flood her cheeks. “I imagine there are aspects of intimacy you’ve never experienced,Duchess. At least not with an experienced man like me.”
The way he said her new title made something flutter low in her stomach. She found herself leaning slightly forward, drawn by the intensity in his eyes, the promise in his voice.
Then sanity reasserted itself, and she pulled back sharply. “I know my duties, Your Grace. I understand that I’ll be expected to share your bed to provide an heir.”
His expression shuttered immediately. “No.”
“No?” She stared at him in confusion. “But surely?—”
“I have no interest in having children.”
The words froze her blood. “What?”
“My nephew shall inherit the title when I die. There’s no need for direct heirs.”
“But… but duty—” She struggled to form coherent thoughts. “You married me for duty’s sake, didn’t you?”
“That’s different.” He said, too nonchalantly for her liking.
“How is it different?” Her voice was rising, but she couldn’t seem to control it. “You’re aduke. Providing an heir is your primary responsibility.”
“I don’t want a family of my own.” His tone was final, brooking no argument.
“Why?” The question burst from her before she could stop it. “Why would you refuse to have children? Most men of your station consider it their greatest achievement.”
He looked away, his jaw working silently. When he finally spoke, his voice was carefully controlled. “My reasons are my own.”
“Your reasons?” Anger was building in her chest, hot and overwhelming. “You trap me in this marriage, tear me away from my family, and then inform me that you have no intention of fulfilling the most basic expectation of the union?”
“I never said I wouldn’t fulfill my husbandly duties.” His eyes met hers again, and there was something predatory in his gaze. “I’ll be more than happy to consummate our marriage. To give you pleasure beyond anything you’ve ever imagined.”
The brazen words made her face flame. “How can you speak of such things so casually?”
“Because I’m not a green boy, and you’re not a sheltered miss who does not understand what happens between a man and woman.”
“You’re impossible,” she said, though her voice sounded breathless even to her own ears.
“I am honest.” He leaned forward again, close enough that she could see the gold flecks in his green eyes. “Which is more than can be said for most husbands.”
“Well, Your Grace, I’m afraid you’ll have to keep your honesty elsewhere.” She lifted her chin defiantly. “I won’t give myself to a man who wants nothing to do with me beyond physical convenience.”
“Nothing to do with you?” His voice was soft, dangerous. “Is that what you think?”
“Isn’t it? You can return to your mistresses, so long as you’re discreet. I won’t play the part of the naive wife who pretends not to notice.”
“There are no mistresses.” The words came out sharp, almost angry.
“Oh, please. Your reputation?—”
