Page 77 of The Design of Dukes (The Beautiful Barringtons 2)

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“Are you well, Andromeda?”

“Yes.” Romy snuggled against his warmth, fingers trailing over his chest.Wellwas such a banal word to describe how incredibly wonderful she felt just now. The current state of her mind and body defied description.

“Good.” Lips brushed against her temple. “I wish,” his voice grew thick, “I could take you to my rooms.”

“Why? Do you get cold at night, Your Grace?” she said in a cheeky tone. Granby could do with a bit more teasing in his life. It might become her new focus rather than designing dresses.

He pulled her close, speaking so quietly she had to strain to hear him. “I would be forever cold without you, Andromeda. Denied the warmth of the sun for the remainder of my days.”

It was a lovely sentiment. She decided not to tease him further.

Pressing a kiss to her temple, he said louder, “I will speak to your brother upon my return to London. I must first get these”—his frown deepened—“unwelcome visitors out of The Barrow.”

Back to being cold and grumpy. Romy’s fingernail traced the outline of his lower lip. “Should you not ask me first? If I wish to wed? Perhaps things were not performed to my satisfaction.”

A smile hovered about his lips.

He was doing that more often. Smiling. Romy would like to think it was because of her.

“You were satisfied twice by my count,” he said. “Besides, even if I hadn’t satisfied you,” he said, nuzzling the side of her neck, “which we both know is not the case, I’ve compromised you. Intentionally. I want to wed you. Despite the obvious drawbacks.”

Her own happy grin froze on her lips, thinking she’d heard him incorrectly. “Drawbacks?” Romy pulled away though he tried to hold on to her. “You still find me unsuitable?”

Granby stayed silent, reaching for her again.

He did.

What was it about her? Would he prefer she behave more like Beatrice? Or was it because she possessed a bastard brother? “What drawbacks, David?”

His fingers circled her wrist to hold her still. “It isn’t important. I am willing to overlook such things. I wantyou,and you want me.”

“Not at the moment, I don’t.” She pushed away from him and came to her feet, grabbing her chemise and tossing it over her head. “How dare you throw Leo at me when you have your own spare branch on the tree.”

Granby’s face paled. He stood, angry now as well, jerking on his trousers. “Don’t ever speak to me of that again.Ever. My family doesn’t acknowledge such transgressions.”

“What a horrible way to refer to a human being. And I don’t plan on speaking to you again after tonight, so speaking of yourbastard brothershouldn’t be a problem.”

“Christ, you are so naïve.”

“You bloody, pompous ass.” She shivered, feeling cold all over. “I am the daughter of the Duke of Averell. Don’t you dare pretend to be better than me.”

Granby snorted, an arrogant sound of derision she wished to slap him for. “Yes, a dukeanda lady’s companion of dubious origin.”

Romy took a step back. “A lady’s companion is an honorable profession,” she whispered, pained at his obvious scorn for her mother.

“How many dukes in London run a pleasure palace, Andromeda? Or have bastard brothers they welcome into their home? Your father’s own exploits are legendary.” He pinched the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath. “You cannot possibly be so obtuse.”

She opened her mouth and shut it. Apparently, she was.

He tried to take her hand, and she stepped back, out of reach, and tried to put on the remainder of her clothes. A near impossible task without help. A sob lodged itself in her throat.

Granby spun her around like a porcelain doll, helping her dress with surprising efficiency. Taking a deep breath, he said in that calm, chilly tone she detested, “You are overwrought and not thinking clearly.”

“You assume I am thrilled”—she turned back to him—“that you are willing toloweryourself to wed me? As if you are doing me a favor? What were you going to do, Your Grace? Not allow me to see my brother? Or perhaps ban me from seeing my mother? Was I to pretend they don’t exist?”

A tremor passed through his fingers as he hooked up the back of her gown.

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