Page 10 of The Duke's Impossible Deal
Which brought him closer to her.
Unbidden, Rowen’s eyes drifted across his chest, taking in the hard lines and sinews. She swallowed as his muscles rippled.
“Enjoying the view?” The Duke’s voice was full of amusement.
Rowen’s cheeks flushed a deep shade of scarlet, and she glared up at him. “Simply wondering if this conversation is moot. After all, if you catch your death of cold, there will be no one to marry.”
“Your concern is touching.” He let out a throaty chuckle, and she swallowed.
“It is self-interest.” She wished her voice did not sound so breathless. “That is all.”
“Of course.” His eyes searched her face, and she felt as though he were drinking her in. “Then we are in agreement—you are to be my wife.”
“Yes.” Rowen nodded.
“I consider the matter settled then.” He inclined his head towards her and stepped past her, moving towards the door.
“And what of my other request?” Rowen asked, her heart hammering in her chest. “I have no intention of being your wife in anything other than name. Do not think you can lure me into anything else.”
“Are you sure that all you want is a marriage on paper?” He turned to her, his intense gaze like a physical touch.
“That is all I am offering.” She held her chin up.
“Bold words, My Lady. But will you stick to them?” He took her hand in his and pressed his lips to her knuckles. “You would not be the first woman to change her mind.”
She tried to ignore the goosebumps spreading across her skin, the scent of cedar and pine mingling with the rich mahogany of the study.
He is playing games with you.
Realization struck her like a thunderbolt. He was toying with her, and damn her, it was working.
Well, two can play that game.
“It is not my mind that would need to change, Your Grace, but my heart.” She gave him a dagger-sweet smile as she pulled her hand from his grasp. “And you need not worry on that account.”
He folded his hands behind his back. “You will call me Tobias.”
“Fine. Tobias.” She swallowed. “You will not charm your way into my bed.”
Or my heart.
Her mouth was dry as she stared up into his green eyes. The Duke—no, Tobias—reached across her, so close she could practically count his eyelashes.
His breath tickled her as he whispered, “But what about mine?”
His chuckle was like dark chocolate, and Rowen felt a vice close around her chest. Her heart beat so loudly that she was sure he could hear it.
She shook her head, trying to clear the fog that was settling over her.
Of course, my brother would entrust my future to a man like him.
“I have been married before, Your G—Tobias. I know what temptation men like you offer, and quite frankly, it is not worth the price.” She glared at him.
In the back of her head, she heard her mother’s voice.
“Spoiled goods seldom hold a man’s interest.”
It was the first time in her life she hoped the woman was right.
