The Last Duke (Thornton 1)

Pierce’s fingertips drifted up and down Daphne’s waist. “I don’t think you have any idea how precious you are.”

She shivered. “I like when you show me.”

“Ah, Daphne, if you only knew how much I want to show you,” he murmured, capturing her mouth under his.

The kiss went on and on until, weak with reaction, Daphne pulled away.

“You’re like fire,” she confessed breathlessly when she was able to speak. “You seep into my blood, lure me close to the flames, but at the same time I’m terrified of being burned.”

“I’ll never burn you, love. You have my word.”

“Pierce.” She pressed her forehead to his shirt, wishing the security she felt could last forever. “This can’t happen.”

“It already has.”

“Then it can’t continue. There are too many obstacles.”

“Damn the obstacles. They’re all meaningless. All but one.” He raised her chin, carefully avoiding her bruised cheek. “Do you want this to happen? Do you want it as much as I do?”

“You must know I do,” she whispered.

“Then it will happen. I’ll make it happen. All I needed were those words.”

“But my father.”

“I’ll handle your father.”

Daphne inclined her head. “Will you tell me what’s between you?”

“Hatred.”

“Why?”

A pause. “Daphne, you said you trusted me, did you not?”

She nodded.

“Then trust me to tell you when the time is right.”

“Very well, Pierce. I’ll try.” Another pause as Daphne grappled with her questions. “There’s a reason you want this title, isn’t there?” she blurted out.

“Yes.”

“Is that reason my father, or is it something more?”

Pierce frowned. “Both.”

Again, Daphne studied his face. “Whatever you plan to do, it requires the late duke’s money and influence, doesn’t it?”

“Yes.”

“And you’re not going to tell me what that plan is, I presume?”

“Daphne, I’ve already told you far more than I’ve ever told another.”

“Another woman?”

“Another person.” Despite the magnitude of their exchange, Pierce shot her a wicked grin. “You’re jealous. I like that.”