Page 20 of Drawn to the Duke
There was amusement in his tone as he placed the pistol on the side table together with the candlestick, which bathed the bed in a soft light. He chuckled when he saw her horror.
“For all I knew, you could have been intending to do me harm.” He regarded her in silence for a moment, as if deciding what to do. Then his smile broadened. “I hope no one saw you, for you are courting danger in this household on a night where the corridors are overrun with visitors and servants. I don’t worry for myself, but I do for?—”
“I climbed in through the window,” whispered Selina, her teeth chattering from the chill wind blowing against her damp night rail.
“Not just bold, but determined, I see. You insinuated as much during our conversation earlier.” He took a step towards her and rested his hands on her shoulders. “Why, you’re as cold as ice. Your nightrail is damp. You need to get warm.”
He smiled down at her with a nod to indicate the bed, and a suggestive note crept into his voice as he added, “That is, I presume, why you are here.”
Selina was struck dumb. The thought had never occurred to her… But what other possible reason could she have for hiding in His Grace’s room?
Of course, she couldn’t tell him the truth. That was the last thing she could tell him.
Yet she also couldn’t possibly accede to his invitation to climb into his bed.
Or agree that she was here to…
Seduce him?
What kind of woman would that make her? Why, he’d think her wanton. Insane?—?
Thoughtfully, she nodded slightly.
He did think her insane.
And now Selina was Anna. At least, in the eyes and mind of the duke who considered that ‘Anna’s’ wild impulses were the reason she was here.
And Anna was, as Selina had already told him—even he didn’t already know it—a woman who spoke her mind and took her pleasures as she wished.
“You are wavering, Lady Boothe. Have you changed your mind?”
“No…” Selina drew out the word the moment it appeared he was about to offer her a reprieve. “No, I was prepared to wait foryou as long as it took, Your Grace.” She shivered even more as she added, “I just didn’t think I would get quite so cold waiting.”
“Then, as a gentleman, let me warm you while you gather yourself.” He chuckled suggestively. “And can tell me what wild impulses you were acting on that brought you here, madam.”
“You’re very welcome to call me?—”
“Anna?”
Lord, she’d almost said Selina. But Anna would do. Lady Boothe was cold and wrong.
“First, let us remove your night rail. I’d not have you die of a chill if I can prevent it. Allow me.”
Selina swallowed. Gazing up at him, she saw the duke’s mouth quirk at her apparent show of modesty.
But he said nothing as she obediently raised her arms, and he drew the linen garment up and over her head.
Revealing Selina from head to foot with not a stitch of clothing.
He took a step back to admire her.
At least, the look in his eye suggested that was what he was doing.
Then he reached forward and gently stroked her nipple.
Selina gasped as a rush of desire overwhelmed her, as thoroughly as a bucket of warm water might have in her current cold but needy state.
For she was being reminded of what she had missed for so many years.
