Page 15 of Claimed By the Duke of Ice

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Nathaniel noticed the subtle change in Grace as he said goodnight and paused. She had seemed so delighted by the house and especially her apartments. But then, as he was about to take his leave, a look of apprehension came over the delicate features of her face, and she drew in on herself.

“What is it?” he asked, cocking his head slightly to the side.

“Nothing, Your Grace,” Grace replied, her voice now strained. Yes, something had definitely changed in her.

“I know we do not know each other that well yet, but I am rather good at reading a person’s body language, Grace,” he replied. He wanted to remind her to call him Nathaniel, but he realized it wasn’t the proper time.

“I can tell something is wrong,” he continued, growing irritated. “Tell me. Is it the decor? You may change it however you like.”

A soft blush touched Grace’s cheeks as she shook her head and avoided his gaze.

“No, Your Grace,” she assured him. “The room is most beautiful. I would not change a thing.”

“Well then,” he gently prodded, “what is the matter?”

Grace laughed softly as her blush grew deeper, somehow making her look even more charming and demure than before.

“Well, Your Gr—I mean, Nathaniel—I—well, my Mama. You see, she told me of some things to expect now that I am a wife,” Grace stammered, only growing more adorable to him by the moment, “and I—well, I suppose I expected us to spend our first night as husband and wife together. In the same room at the very least.”

Nathaniel paused, everything inside of him growing still. Though he hadn’t spoken a word of it, his day’s thoughts had consisted mostly of the memory of their kiss and the effect it had on him. He wanted to explore that more, very much so, but he wasn’t sure how to go about it. For as she had kept herself pure, so had he. For her, it had been about tradition, but for him, it was his adverse reaction to touch.

“Do you understand what you are asking for?” he asked her, taking a step closer to her.

Grace’s eyes drew up to his, and he immediately saw the warmth in them, making a tingle go down his spine.

“I do,” she agreed, taking a bold step toward him. “I am…curious about these things,” she admitted.

Nathaniel’s eyebrows perked up as she said this, and he took another step toward her, closing the space between them entirely. Grace blushed as they stood only a breath apart, but she did not back away.

“You are?” he asked, a sense of pleasure rising through him at her admission.

Grace nodded as she gazed at him hopefully. She looked so sweet like this. So pure and innocent and yet also ready for him to lay his claim. At his sides, Nathaniel began to feel his hands itch beneath his gloves as if they wanted to feel her again.

“That could be very dangerous,” he mused, his tone harsh as he fought his urges. “I could be a monster for all you know. A terror of a man when it comes to marital affections.”

“Oh, but I do not believe you are,” she replied quickly as if not at all bothered by his warning.

“The way you kissed me at the dinner party,” she whispered, her eyes dropping to his lips for a moment, “it was as if we had known each other for centuries. The way it made me feel…”

Her talking about their kiss stirred up all kinds of delicious sensations inside him, and he began to flex his hands. He wanted so badly to tell her that she was right. He wished express that though the kiss had not been premeditated, it had affected him deeply. He wanted badly to imbibe in such an embrace again, but if it didn’t work this time…if his strange symptoms returned…

“While it was indeed lovely,” he said matter-of-factly, taking a step back from her, “I did us both a dishonor by reacting so brashly. It created this situation that we are in now, and I apologize for how it tore you from your family. But I must remind you that our union is that of convenience. So that both of our families could avoid scandal.”

Grace’s eyes shined back at him with hurt, and he immediately wanted to take his words back. This woman had done nothing to hurt him, yet here he was, making her suffer through a loveless marriage. But there was nothing he could do about that now, and he had to accept the responsibility he’d volunteered for. He would keep her sheltered and clothed, perhaps even make her happy at times, but he could not give her what she asked for now.

“I am sure you will find your apartments quite comfortable without me,” he tried to assure her.

“Is that all I will have?” she asked, sounding hurt. “These apartments? Who am I supposed to spend my time with?”

“You may roam the entire estate if you wish, save for my apartments,” Nathaniel replied quickly. “And as for company, I see no need for us to avoid one another altogether. We shall dine together when we can. Attend events together when necessary.”

When he saw no change in her saddened expression, he went further. “I did enjoy our talk in the carriage,” he admitted with a gentle tone. “Perhaps we can speak more. Even after a time, come to call one another a friend.”

“Friends,” Grace echoed softly, turning away from him. She followed with a hollow laugh that caused an ache in his chest.

“Very well, Your Grace,” she agreed after seeming to take a moment to gather herself.

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