Page 75 of The Duke's Impossible Deal
His words hung between them, and Rowen saw Mrs. Green stiffen.
Before the woman could say another word, Tobias tapped the pocket of his coat, making the heavy coins clink together. “Of course, you will be compensated for your trouble.”
Mrs. Green’s eyes widened, then she nodded. “Will the afternoon be sufficient, Your Grace?”
Tobias looked at Rowen, an eyebrow arched in an unspoken question.
Rowen swallowed, not trusting herself to speak.
Tobias nodded to Mrs. Green. “That will be perfect.”
“Then I shall let the other clients know that we will unfortunately be closing in ten minutes.” Mrs. Green clapped her hands together. “I shall have Demelza set aside what you have already chosen, and of course, anything else you require, I will see to personally.”
She swept away, clapping her hands and announcing that she would be engaged in a private consultation for the remainder of the afternoon.
Rowen heard a few mutters of protest, but as soon as Tobias turned his gaze in their direction, the protests died.
“You did not have to do that,” Rowen muttered, tucking her hair behind her ear. “I already have more than enough. We could have just paid for everything and left.”
Tobias shook his head. “Without this lavender dress you have been dreaming of? I think not, Duchess. Besides, I meant what I said. I have no wish to share you with anyone.” His eyesdarkened, pinning her in place as all thought fled from her mind. “Let them only have the finished picture—I want the journey.”
Her heart thundered in her chest, lips parting.
What else do you want?
She bit back the words and tore her gaze away from him, her head spinning. Her eyes drifted to the lavender dress, even as his gaze on her made every hair on her arms stand on end.
“Is that the one?” His voice was low.
She nodded and gestured to the pile of fabric and drawings on the counter. “We have already spent so much, and with all the changes, it will cost a king’s ransom.”
“And yet our coffers will scarcely feel the difference,” Tobias declared. “If you want the dress, you should have it.”
Rowen looked at it and then back at him. “Are you sure?”
“Do I look like a man who does not know his own mind?” His voice was amused, and he gently took her hand in his. “That dress is what you desire, and it will be yours. I will hear nothing else.”
“With the hats and the gloves and the shoes—it is all so much. And I… I do not want you to waste so much money, not on me.” Rowen forced herself to meet his gaze.
Tobias let out a low chuckle that sent a shiver down her spine. He closed the distance between them, tilting her chin up towards him with the tip of his forefinger. She was glad that he had convinced the modiste to let them have the shop for the afternoon.
As their eyes met, the intensity of his gaze sent a rush through her. She inhaled deeply.
“Rowen, nothing I ever spend on you could be a waste.” His eyes were dark and somber, like the heart of a forest. “And I think it is high time I taught you that lesson.”
“But—” Rowen began.
He gently pressed a finger to her lips.
The warmth of his touch flooded her with a fire that stole her breath away. The scent of cedar and pine clouded her mind, and she could not move.
“But nothing. You deserve this, Rowen. All of it and more.” He gestured towards the dress. “I will not let you leave until I know you have bought everything your heart truly desires.”
Rowen laughed. “You just want to make sure I look good enough not to embarrass you. I assure you, dear husband, we have more than enough for that.”
“No, Rowen. I want to spoil you. Is that so very hard to believe?” He let out an exasperated chuckle. “I want to lavish you with gifts and things that make you smile. If I can make you feel even a tenth of the care and consideration you show to others, I will be able to rest easy.”
“What?” She shook her head, trying to clear the fog from her mind.
