Page 57 of Duchess By Accident
“Really?” Adrian arched an eyebrow at her.
She nodded emphatically. “Yes – between the two of you, I suspect you would be running the ton. Or the world.”
“Careful Little Thief, that is treasonous talk.” Adrian’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “I have no wish to run the world.”
Natalie snorted. “Just your corner of it.”
“That is more than enough.” There was brief pause and then Adrian added. “I have a request to make of you tonight. I would appreciate it if you would wear a dress in my house colours.”
Natalie glanced at him, surprised by the softness of his voice. “You wish me to wear something purple or gold? Or a mix of both?”
Adrian helped her into the carriage, the warmth of his fingers against her skin spreading through her as she clambered in. “I leave that to your discretion. For my part, I shall be in a coat of deep purple – so you may wish to match that.”
“Why?” Natalie asked.
“Because I want the ton to know that we are one. That you are mine and mine alone.” He replied simply, his eyes pinning her in place with their intensity.
She swallowed. A pinprick of anger boiled up in her and she glared at him. “So it is about controlling me? About showing them that you own me?”
“No.” Adrian’s voice was soft, like a snake poised to strike. “Do you know what it means to be mine? As far as the ton will see, you will be the woman who has won my heart, my loyalty—0and more importantly, my protection.”
Protection.The word sent shivers down her spine.It is all for show – he will not actually protect you, this is about the ton thinking he will.Yet… He had already gone to so much trouble, was it truly so far-fetched to believe he might truly wish to keep her safe?
Natalie swallowed and realisation dawned on her. “You will use your reputation to salvage mine? Is that why you have cultivated this image?”
“To save you? How vain, little thief.” Adrian teased.
She playfully batted at him, rolling her eyes. “To keep those you lo- care about safe.”
Saying ‘love’ felt too vulnerable. Too presumptuous.Not that I love him. Or that I want him to love me. Goodness, what is wrong with me?
“Yes.” “What is the point of being the Devil Duke if I cannot keep those I care about safe?”
Does this mean he cares about me? Or is it simply that I am important to Melody and he cares about her?She was not sure whether she wanted the answer.
Three hours later, Natalie stood in front of the mirror in her room, unable to believe that the vision before her was really her. She was wearing one of the dresses Adrian had bought her the first night they had arrived at the castle and the irony of her wearing it now was not lost on her.
It was a stunning dress made of a deep purple with fine gold embroidery across the bodice. The sleeves were short and she wore matching gold gloves and shoes. Her maid had done her hair into an elegant bun, and she was wearing a fine gold necklace.
“I suppose I should go downstairs.” Natalie murmured.
She took a steadying breath, left the room and walked down the stairs. The Duke was waiting in the entrance hall, and Natalie felt her heart flip as she caught sight of him.
“He really is irritatingly handsome.” She took him in, her eyes tracing the sharp lines of his body.
He wore an immaculately tailored set of deep purple tails, britches and boots. He held his top hat in his hand and as she watched, he ran a hand through his hair, carelessly tossing it over his shoulder.
She swallowed and missed her step, nearly falling. Strong hands caught her, and she found herself staring into his piercing blue eyes.
Her heart thundered in her chest. He looked like a panther who had just seen its prey. The hunger in his eyes was even stronger than it had been on the day of their wedding – it felt like a physical touch.
Her cheeks coloured, and she took a steadying breath, her words coming out softer and more shy than she had intended. “I take it you are pleased with the dress, sir Fox?”
She though he would point out that it was one of the ones he had bought her, that he would tease her. But instead he seemed to drink her in with his eyes. Her stomach fluttered.
Adrian nodded to her, but still did not say anything, instead, offering his hand and guiding her towards the carriage. His fingers were strong, yet gentle. She felt as though there were some kind of current pulsing between them, gooseflesh forming across her arms.
“I read Lady Cotswalts’ notes – they were rather extensive.” Natalie said as the Duke joined her in the carriage, his eyes full of molten fire. “Perhaps I should have brought them with me?”
