Page 12 of Disguised Desires of a Scarred Duke
Tonight, he wore a traditional long, hooded cloak of the same colour as his hair. However, it was still obvious from his size that Anthony was in top physical form. From his commanding stature to his muscled bulk in all the right places, Eleanor imagined that this man’s naked body could make Michelangelo’s Statue of David jealous.
And what a sinful treat it would be to find out if she were right.
“Isn’t it customary to keep our identities hidden until midnight at a masquerade ball, Lady Eleanor?” His full mask blocked Anthony’s facial expressions, but his eyes revealed his amusement. Maybe even a little hint of attraction, too.
“It seems you knowmytitle, Mr Black. Or did you guess I was a lady by the ladylike way I walked right into you on the street?” Eleanor giggled at their flirtatious little game, in no rush to end it yet.
Anthony chuckled and stepped closer. “That’s exactly when I knew. Right when your body pressed so hard into mine.”
Eleanor gasped under her breath at his bold language, but she didn’t back away.
Little details about him from their first meeting were coming back to her the longer they stood together. Like how his warm breath felt on her neck and then slid down over her delicate swells at the bodice of her dress. And the way he’d stroked her ankle with concern and care.
“I find it interesting that your surname matches the colour of your hair and eyes, Mr Black. It even matches your costume tonight. Is that a coincidence or by design?” Eleanor fluttered her long eyelashes beneath her mask to let the man know she wasn’t intimidated by his forwardness.
A slight breeze slipped through the glittery, black fabric of Eleanor’s dress and reminded her that she and her companion were still standing outside. She shivered involuntarily and wished she’d also worn her long cloak.
“Lady Eleanor, you’re cold, and I wish to dance with you for a full song. Do you feel up for trying again?” Anthony’s deep masculine voice was soothing but also had a hint of a rasp that made it sound rugged and primal.
Hearing it made Eleanor’s stomach growl with a hunger she didn’t quite recognize.
“Tell me your title, and I’d be happy to dance with you,” she answered, then folded her arms across her chest.
Mr Black mirrored her stance and tapped his foot in time with the music of the country dance, filling the St Coeur mansion with infectious frivolity.
“You’re a feisty one, aren’t you?” Anthony whispered.
Eleanor nodded and repressed a strong urge to stick out her tongue.
“Fine, I’ll tell you who I am. But I’m not supposed to be here, so I’ll trust you’ll keep my secret?” he asked.
Eleanor's eyes widened with excitement, and she nodded again. This time, she could barely contain her desire to press hard against his body on purpose.
Anthony leaned closer to her after checking that nobody in the courtyard was watching them. “I’m the Duke of Ashbourn’s estate agent. He asked me to attend this party on his behalf but to stay discreet. How am I doing so far?”
“Brilliantly, Sir. I’d have never guessed you’re not a member of this snobby lot. I mean that as a compliment,” Eleanor whispered, her excitement high from learning more about her obsidian-eyed pirate. Though only a pirate in her dreams, of course.
“My late father knew the previous Duke of Ashbourn and liked him very much. Father told me once that they’d travelled Europe together when they were young.”
Mr Black’s eyes shifted instantly from flirtation to what looked like concern.
“Oh? So you spent time with the duke as a child?” he asked.
“No, I’ve never met anyone in their family. In fact, I’ve heard that the new Duke of Ashbourn left England long ago and has never returned. But here you are, proof of his existence!”
Anthony nodded and let out a long breath. “Yes, indeed. But remember, my presence is still a secret that Lord Ashbourn wants me to keep for now. He’s a little hesitant to return to society this soon. Especially since his mother is eager to see him wed to a lady of her choice.”
Anthony rolled his eyes behind his mask and made Eleanor giggle.
“I’m afraid I can relate to the duke’s predicament, Mr Black. My stepmother has challenged me to corral a husband like a prized racehorse, with the winning purse to match.”
Eleanor’s breath caught in her throat. She pressed her hand over her mouth in horror.Had she really just said that to a gentleman?
“Beg your pardon, Mr Black. I seem to have forgotten myself!”
The amusement now back in his shining eyes, Anthony touched Eleanor’s arm and gave it a tender squeeze. “No need for apologies, Lady Eleanor. Your candour and sense of humour are quite refreshing in this crowd. Any stallion would be lucky to be ridden by you.”
Mr Black winked as Eleanor felt a wave of heat awaken her entire body. She knew she should turn and walk away from brazen comments like these, but this man spoke to her very much like her fantasy lover did: the black-eyed pirate of her dreams who tore through her dress to feast at her nipples and slide his fingers between her thighs.
