When to Dare a Dishonorable Duke (Romancing the Rake 7)

“It will keep you from starving,” he barked as he watched the sway of her hips up the stairs. He didn’t want to talk anymore, he wanted to touch her. Now.

They reached the third floor. Cassandra didn’t answer as she made her way to her room. Then she turned back to him, holding several parcels in front of her like a barrier between them. “We both know I am unlikely to starve, whatever I choose.”

He frowned, setting down the packages he’d carried for her and crossed his arms over his chest. “I told you. The money and home I’d provide would give you independence. A chance at a life that was completely your making.”

She shook her head. “It would be your making.” Then she snapped open the door. “I don’t expect I’ll be down for dinner.”

She slipped into the room and the door clicked closed behind her just before the lock slipped into place.

Irritation and desire coursed through him as he stared at the wood paneled door. He’d need to take another three-hour ride.

Or drink himself into a stupor.

Likely the latter.

Chapter Seven

The next morning, Cassandra paced her room, not touching the breakfast tray that had been delivered.

The maid delivered the toast, eggs, tea, and biscuits, as well as some delectable looking tarts.

As she’d dropped the tray, Cassandra had been unable to resist asking if the duke had by chance left.

He’d given her no indication that he planned to go, but she’d also ignored him since midday yesterday. She’d wondered if he might lose interest. Part of her would be relieved. He was dangerous, temptingly so.

A deeper part shuddered with regret at the idea of never seeing him again.

But the maid had informed her that the duke was still in residence at the house.

In fact, he’d been up late, drinking alone, and had only gone to bed when the sun had risen.

She’d thought he’d be gone already. Which made her stomach twist in knots.

But the thought of seeing him made the organ drop to the floor.

Giving her head a shake, she walked to the door reaching for the knob. Then she dropped her hand again. Was she actually going to spend the entire day hiding in her room? This was her home. Or Raithe’s home, who was her best friend in all the world.

She twisted her hands. What was keeping him? She’d have expected him to be back by now.

If he were here, she might not have to hide out in her room. Which was silly. She ought to leave.

But even as she thought about leaving the safety of these four walls, she turned back to the center of the room then let out a frustrated sigh.

She didn’t lie, she wasn’t brave. Sin made her retreat into a frightened ball of worry. What exactly was she good at? After her disastrous marriage, she could no longer be sure. She’d been honest with Damian last night. She was the daughter her parents had raised. Obedient and demure, she wasn’t prepared to square off with a strong and willful duke.

So she’d have to stay here until he’d left. There was nothing else to do.

A loud knocking filled her room, echoing off the walls. Everything in her tensed. She didn’t need to ask who stood on the other side.

It was Damian.

Who else would knock with such force? His voice filled the room even with the oak panel that separated them. “Cassandra,” he called. “Open the door.”

A shiver raced down her spine but this time, there was nothing scary about it. It was pure excitement. “No.”

He let out a rumble of frustration, rattling the knob. “I didn’t sleep much—”

“I heard.”