Page 8 of Her Duke of Sin: Lady Be Wicked
Juliette glanced up and met Gideon’s gaze. She was finding it more and more difficult to think of him solely as the Duke of Sinbrough. They had become… Friends was not an accurate word, but there was something different in their relationship. They were more than mere acquaintances. Juliet did not know if she wanted to define what they were to each other. She wasn’t ready to call it what it might actually be yet. That would be tempting fate, and she had learned the hard way not to do anything of the sort. Her father’s death had taught her that lesson. After taking a small fortifying breath, she smiled at him, then said, “That was why I spent time in the garden earlier today.”
“And I interrupted it.” He frowned. “You need to find some more time to rest. I’ve noticed how much you do for the countess.” Gideon waved his hand. “And this house party has to make things inherently more complex.”
Was he concerned for her? That was…sweet. She had never thought the Duke of Sin might have a tender side to him. “You needn’t worry about me, Your Grace.”
He narrowed his gaze. “You’re still insisting on formalities, then?” Gideon sighed. “Apparently, I still have to convince you that it’s all right to use my name.”
Her lips twitched as she fought a smile. “And what do you think might aid you in that endeavor?” Was it terrible that she looked forward to his antics? She was starting to enjoy their time together. She wanted to see him and something lit up inside of her when he neared. Juliet hadn’t thought that possible, and yet… The Duke of Sinbrough made joy burst inside of her. In all her life, she could not recall a feeling quite as thrilling as the one he invoked in her. Had she ever truly known happiness? What did all of this even mean? She shook those feelings away. This was not the time for introspection.
“I’m not certain,” the duke finally said. “I’ll have to consider all of my options.” He gestured toward the targets that had been set up for archery in a couple of hours. “Are you taking part this afternoon?”
She snorted. “I do not think that would be wise. My skills are not desirable for such a sport.” Juliet stared at the targets. “I’m more likely to shoot someone accidentally than actually hit the target.” She gestured toward them. “What about you?”
He looked toward the targets, then glanced back at her. “If you will not participate, I don’t see any reason for me to.”
“Are you any good?” She lifted a brow.
“I’m a passable shot,” he replied in an amicable tone. “Nothing spectacular but I can and have hit the target. There are many individuals far better than I am.” He shrugged. “I suspect it is like most things. The more effort you exert, the better your skill would be. I don’t much care if I am excellent at archery.”
She nodded. “I understand. If I tried more, perhaps I would not have such dismal skills.”
He laughed. “There isn’t many people around now. Most of the servants have gone back inside.” The duke moved closer. Juliet could almost feel the heat from his body envelop hers. “I could teach you some tricks if you wish.”
Juliet swallowed a lump that had formed in her throat. It was on the tip of her tongue to ask if he meant archery or something far more scandalous, but she held back the retort. He wouldn’t be that blatant in his seduction. Would he? “I doubt that anything you showed me would help me in time for this afternoon.”
“Perhaps not,” he agreed. “But it could be entertaining.”
She considered it and then dismissed the idea. There was so much more she still had to complete before the archery was scheduled. The afternoon meal was in a half hour and if she had any hope of eating, she had to go over those items beforehand. “I do not think that is wise.”
“You’re so difficult,” he told her. “Why do I like you so much?”
“It might be your contrary nature,” she quipped.
He laughed. “My nature is nothing of the sort.” Gideon reached up and traced a finger over her bare arm. She shivered as the sensation sent tiny bursts of need through her. “You are far more contrary than I ever would be. But I like you, so perhaps you are correct.”
“I like you too,” she admitted. “I didn’t think I would.”
“Then I am wearing down your defenses down,” he said, then sighed. “It’s progress.” He glanced back at the targets. “You have to be here for this, don’t you?”
“I do,” she said. Juliet had never wished to have time for herself so much before.
“Then after.” He met her gaze. “We will do something that is just for us.”
She wanted to ask him what he had in mind, but decided against it. Instead, she nodded her head. “All right,” she agreed.
“I’ll leave you to your tasks,” he told her. Then he cupped her cheek. “Take care of yourself, Juliet.”
He dropped his hand, and she felt the loss immediately. Then he turned and walked away, leaving her alone. Again. He was doing his best to honor her wishes, and she started to wonder what it was she wanted. Because the more time she spent with the Duke of Sinbrough, the more she desired him, and that scared her senseless.
Gideon wanted to do something for Juliette. She worked diligently as Lady Wyndam’s companion and did far more for those around her than anyone ever did for her. That meant uncovering a way to help her, or at the very least giving her something that would improve her day. He just didn’t know what to do to aid that endeavor. There had to be something he could do…
He strolled into the library and frowned. The conversation they’d had in this very room had sparked something between them. There may have been something there prior to that, but it was the first moment he’d realized he wanted to know Juliette better. He still hadn’t even begun to fully understand her, but he believed he had learned a little bit about her. The story she had told him about her father, and her sister Clara, had stirred something inside of him. She had opened herself up to him. Shouldn’t he do the same?
Why did the very thought of doing that terrify him?
Gideon blew out a breath and then sighed. He knew the answer to that. She already judged him for his well earned sins. What if she decided he wasn’t worth knowing once he opened himself up to her? Juliette had already tried to keep him at a distance. The idea she might dismiss him again and keep those walls of hers fully erect… He could not fathom what that might do to him.
That was why what he did next would be so important. He could not explain what it was about Juliette that intrigued him so much, but he did know she meant more to him than he’d ever wanted to admit. In a short time, he had come to realize that she was the only person who he wanted in his life. He had done many things in his life, and he didn’t regret them. At least he hadn’t. Not until this moment. He feared that the choices he’d made would be the deterrent she used to remain apart from him.
