Page 109 of One Fine Duke

Mina did desire him, but giving in to desire and chasing her destiny were two very separate things. The information Mina was learning about Drew wouldn’t come together to form some big, earthshaking discovery about life and love.

She was dangerously close to falling in love with him. She realized that now. But he wasn’t some puzzle for her to solve. If she took him apart and put him back together, his heart wouldn’t be more open to her.

And their futures would still run in opposite directions.

When Mina returned, the preparations for the journey were nearly complete. Drew was supervising the placement of the luggage. She watched him from the parlor window, avoiding the moment when they would have to speak to each other.

After what had happened last night, she didn’t know how she would be able to meet his gaze.

She’d be thinking about what he’d done with his tongue. The burst of pleasure that still reverberated through her body. The secret pulse between her thighs.

The twist of emotion in her heart.

He knew everything about her now and it was a relief to have the weight of those secrets lifted from her shoulders. But there was a new heaviness. A sense that she was losing a battle with her heart. That what they’d done had woven them together even more tightly, linked their hearts together into a chain.

A beautiful chain, but a chain nonetheless.

Crankshaw appeared at the door wearing his smart black coat and knife-creased white trousers. “MissPenny, a word if you please?”

“Yes, Crankshaw? What is it?”

He joined her at the window. “I found a red silk gown in the garden shed, MissPenny, and I thought it might suit you. I took the liberty of having it pressed, folded, and added to your traveling trunk.”

“Er, thank you, Crankshaw.”

“And, MissPenny... I wanted to let you know that whatever mission you and His Grace are embarking upon, I’ll be here cheering for you. Of course, I know nothing of Lord Rafe’s dabbling in intrigues, or French smugglers.”

Mina started. “Crankshaw. Did Lord Rafe confide in you?”

His face was a blank mask. “About what, MissPenny?”

“You know... about”—she lowered her voice—“his clandestine activities.”

“I’ve no idea what you’re referring to, MissPenny. My lips are sealed. I also took the liberty of including a kit with bandages, antiseptics, a bottle of whisky, and everything useful in the unlikely event of injury. Though I’m sure your journey will go off without even the slightest hitch.”

She searched his face. There was a twinkle deep in his blue eyes.

“Crankshaw,” she said. “You’re the very soul of discretion. And I’m glad we have you in our corner.”

“Why thank you, MissPenny. I’m also pulling for an announcement of nuptials in the very near future. We do so want a little heir to coddle. Now, if you will excuse me, I have my duties.”

He bowed and left swiftly before she could protest about the heir part.

Sir Malcolm, Beatrice, Grizzy, and now Crankshaw. Everyone wanted her to wed the duke.

What they didn’t understand was that wedding was out of the question. As was bedding.

At least that’s what she told herself as she fixed a decorous, determined smile upon her face and marched out of the parlor.

No more hiding.

They had a rescue mission to mount.

“Isn’t this exciting?” Beatrice said as Mina joined her beside the carriage. “I can’t believe he’s allowing me to go with you to Thornhill. You made it happen, didn’t you?” She caught Mina’s hands in hers. “Thank you.”

“Is your mother joining us on the journey?”

“She has a charity auction to organize. She’ll join us at Thornhill a few days later. I can’t believe she’s allowing you to accompany Drew with only myself as chaperone. She must be truly taken with you.”

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