Page 30 of The Duke's Pet

“Ah, mutton.” He lifted the lid on a silver serving bowl and sniffed. “One of her specialties, and another reason to keep her for ourselves at Hillcrest.”

Jemima’s mouth watered as the rich herby scent reached her and her stomach clenched in anticipation of a hot meal. She’d eaten more in the last twenty-four hours than she had all week but still had room for more.

Will I ever forget what it’s like to be cold and hungry?

“Here.” He served her a big helping. “And take some bread too.”

She picked up a spoon and began eating immediately.

He served himself and sat. “Lord make us truly thankful for this food before us and all else that you provide, amen.”

She stopped chewing. “Amen,” she managed through her mouthful.

He frowned. “I have invited you into my home, whatever the circumstances, therefore you are my responsibility to care for, to see that you have everything you need. Do you understand?” He’d spoken in a soft voice, so different to the stern one he’d used earlier.

Suddenly her eyes stung and she looked down at her lap.

“What is it?” He cupped her chin and forced her to face him.

“It’s just...” She paused and swallowed, reining in her emotions.

“What?” His voice lowered. “Please tell me. I may be able to help.”

“It’s just.” She poked at a lump of carrot. “No one has been this kind to me since my parents...”

“Please don’t be sad.” He released her chin and placed his hand over hers.

She stared at it, at his big knuckles and slender fingers, and the dark hairs on his forearm that made their way onto the back of his hand.

“I’m not sad. I’m happy, and that surprises me.”

“Why?” He frowned, three neat lines plowing over his brow.

She laughed, a tight little sound. “Can’t you see?”

“No.”

She gestured around the room. “You’ve brought me here, as a virgin, to be yours. You’ve made me your kitten.” She pointed at the tip of her nose. “Spanked me, touched me in places I’ve never been touched, and I expected to hate being here, to hate you, but...”

“But you don’t?”

“Perhaps I’m crazy, or a little funny in the head.” She paused and thought about that for a moment. “But no, I don’t. And I don’t hate you or being here.”

“Good.” He picked up his spoon and stirred his broth. “Because I wouldn’t be doing my job right if you did.”

She was quiet for a moment then. “Can I ask you something else?”

“My little kitten is full of questions.” He popped a spoonful of dinner into his mouth. “Go on.”

“When will you...?” The words were hovering on the tip of her tongue.

“When will I what?”

“Do what you brought me here to do.” Her cheeks heated and she shifted on the seat, her tender ass complaining at the action.

“You mean when will we be intimate?”

She nodded and pressed her thighs together. An image of the duke naked, ready to fornicate, his penis hard for her, slipped through her mind. She batted it away, afraid he’d know what she was imagining.

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