Page 39 of A Duke's Unwanted Bride
“We have much to discuss, Lady Adele.” He inclined his head towards her and then to Cora. “Lady Cora. A pleasure to see you as always.”
“And you, Your Grace.” Cora smiled up at him before turning to Adele and saying. “Think on what I have said, dear. Your fiancé may well have a similar opinion.”
Adele’s cheeks flushed as Cora sauntered away, leaving her with Warner, who was looking at her with a puzzled expression on his face.Curse him for looking so handsome.
“What was that about?” Warner asked as he moved to stand beside her.
“It is silly.” Adele made a dismissive gesture with her hand. “She… Cora thinks we should pretend to be in love. Ridiculous I know, and I told her as much. It is one thing to get married, quite another to… It is silly. Preposterous. As though anyone would believe that you and I… that we are…”
She trailed off as the Duke arched an eyebrow at her. She swallowed as his blue eyes searched her face. “As I said, I know it is ridiculous. You would never agree to such a thing. Forget I even mentioned it.”
“Do not presume to know what I would or would not agree to.” The Duke stepped towards her, his eyes flashing in the sunlight. “If the ton thinks that your heart is mine, they will not dare trifle with it. If they believe that you have my affection, they will understand that my retribution will be swift and without mercy. No one will dare touch you.”
Adele’s head swam, and she saw the echoes of the dark rage of the night before. She put a hand on his chest without thinking, wanting to soothe some of the storm within him. He looked down at her.
She could feel his heart beating against her hand, steady and insistent.Or is that my own.
“And it will save me from having to gouge out any eyes.” He smiled, but it did not bely the intensity of his anger.
“Then you think we should…” Adele licked her lips.
“Yes.” He nodded. “I meant what I said, Lady Adele; I will use all my means to protect you.”
“You should probably call me Adele, then.” The words slipped from her before she truly realised what she was saying. “If we are to do this, we might as well do this properly.”
“And you are so very proper.” The corner of his lips quirked upwards.
“You know me; I am the embodiment of propriety.” She rolled her eyes at him. “Unless of course, you do not think you can pretend such affection for me.”
“Is that a challenge, Lady Adele?” Warner took a step towards her. “And what makes you so sure you can pull off such a disguise?”
His amusement sent a prickle of irritation through her, and she closed the distance without thinking, placing a hand on his chest. She felt his muscles tense at her touch and took advantageof it, looking up at him from beneath her eyelashes the way Verity had taught her.
“Oh, I think I can manage. Besides,” she reached up and adjusted the collar of his shirt, ignoring the way her heart sped up at their closeness, “you cannot even call me by my name… Warner.”
He growled softly, and Adele’s eyes met his. Her lips parted. “You are playing a dangerous game.”
“I am proving a point.” Her heart sped up. “I can play my part — can you?”
He caught her face in his hand, tilting her chin towards him with the tip of one of his finger. His eyes sparkled, a blue ocean which seemed to drown her.
“What do you think, Adele?” His breath tickled her face.
The way he said her name sent a shiver down her spine. The world spun, and he stepped away. Adele’s cheeks were flushed, and she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, scowling at Warner’s amused chuckle.
Irritatingly handsome man.
He clasped his hands behind his back. “We should discuss our arrangement.”
Adele began to walk, unable to stand the thought of sitting.
“I want you to understand that I do not wish to curb your freedom. You will be free to do as you please once the investigation is over and your reputation is restored.” The Duke ran a hand through his hair and fixed her with a sombre, earnest expression. “If you wish, I can arrange for Kidlington house to remain in your name. Or another property, should you desire it.”
“Another property?” Adele’s heart tumbled.
“Do you doubt I could find something for you? I am a duke after all. The duchy may have less than it used to, but I am sure we will find something to your liking.” An odd look flitted across his face, too quick for her to see properly.
“And what if I decide I like Scarfield castle best?” Adele teased, wanting to break the tension that spread between them.
