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

He darted his hand out, bending down to steady the tray. His face came level with hers. He tilted his chin down to better align his lips with hers. Her scent wrapped about him and her eyes dilated.

Her chest rose and fell in a series of quick movements, her breath fanning across his cheeks, warm and sweet as the rest of her. “Your Grace,” she said, her voice satisfyingly breathy. His cock hardened, need making every muscle tight. Damn, he wanted this woman.

“Don’t worry about him. I’ll take care of whatever man Balstead has lined up if you need me to.”

“Take care of him?” her voice tightened, coming out as a frightened choke.

Bloody hell. He was scaring her. He’d always had an intensity that others found off-putting. He returned to lightly caressing her cheek. “I just meant that I’d tell him of your decision not to marry him. That’s all.” Guilt stabbed at him. He’d be selfish to keep her from marriage, at least for a while—but damn it, he’d been without a woman for too long and now needed her with every fiber of his being. Naked, in his bed.

She relaxed slightly, her shoulders slumping and her breath slowing. “I think it best that I take a bit of time to consider your proposal.”

He cocked his head to the side. He’d prefer to seal the deal today. Patience was not one of his virtues. “Would specific numbers help with your decision?”

She shook her head, the skin of her jaw sliding along his hand. “I don’t know. I just assumed I would marry. Deciding to go change the plan as you’ve suggested is a big decision and…”

He waved his free hand. “Many women marry after taking a lover. With the sum of money I leave you, you’ll be free to do whatever you choose. Perhaps your current fiancé will wish to rekindle—” He stopped, his other hand dropping to her waist. The very idea of another man touching her irritated him immensely. He gave his head a shake. Of course, he felt that way now, he’d yet to bed her. In his experience, over time, this passion coursing through him would cool. It just needed an outlet.

Her skin paled, making her hazel eyes appear even larger. “I don’t think that would be wise.” Then she carefully stepped to the side, slipping from his grasp. “I need time to consider your offer, Your Grace. Thank you for your understanding.”

He narrowed his gaze but dropped his hands to his sides. “It’s Damian.”

“Damian,” she repeated just above a whisper. “Dinner will be at seven.”

He drew in a deep breath, resisting the urge to pull her closer. “Can I expect your answer by then, Mrs. Winterset?”

She shook her head, a grimace furrowing her brow. “I don’t know.” Then she spun and fled the room.

He watched her go, dissatisfaction rumbling through his chest. He’d scared her off, God damn it. But he hadn’t been with a woman for so long and she was absolutely perfect for him. Holding himself back would be incredibly difficult now.

With a grunt of frustration, he reached down and plucked a small sandwich from the tray, then popped it into his mouth. The ham melted on his tongue like butter, the bread was soft and tasted just a touch sweet. It was delicious and he had to confess. She’d been right. He was hungry after all.

He ate another, still staring at the door. He was starving for something else far more important. Her.

Chapter Three

Cassandra retreated to the safety of her room, barring the door behind her and then pressing her back against it, her head clunking against the wood. How could she have let this situation spin ridiculously out of control?

Because she’d had such a visceral, heated response to him from the moment he’d stepped into the room. The entire interaction replayed in her mind as she continued to lean against the door. She remembered every touch, every glance, and all the words as her heart continued to hammer in her chest.

Closing her eyes, she placed a hand over the racing organ, willing it to slow its wild beat. What had come over her?

A duke. That’s what.

She gave her a head a shake, finally pushing off the wood. She needed to consider his proposal. And his enticing kiss.

Perhaps, she’d consider the kiss first. It had been…wonderful. Or perhaps even more than just fantastic. The light touch had stolen her breath and made butterflies dance in her stomach. It had stolen her reason and certainly her sense. Was that simply because he’d caught her off guard?

It was possible. Then again, the reason she’d responded so ardently to him was more likely because he was just new and different and any excitement would quickly wear off. Her fingers pressed into her cheeks. Even if she said yes to his plan, would he grow resentful of her lack of zeal too?

Then she shook her head. His reaction didn’t matter. Or she’d like to believe it didn’t. This would be an arrangement. In some ways, perhaps, far more superior than the one Raithe had been trying to make for her. She’d not have to face crushing resentment when the duke grew disappointed with her. He’d just end their relationship. Unlike a husband. With a marriage, there was no escaping when one partner was unhappy with the other.

But with the duke, there was an end…and then she’d be free. With money, and a home, she could quietly live out her life. No worries about whom she might disappoint or how she’d failed as a wife.

She nibbled her lip. What would others think of her?

He was right, of course. Widows were free to take lovers but what of Raithe? He’d been like her brother and she doubted he’d approve.

She sighed, rubbing her face. Raithe would surely understand her aversion to marriage because he seemed to share it.