“It isn’t the effect of your presence, but the effect of being surprised.” Maddie went on. She resumed her seat, sitting primly as she ought to have been.
“What do you want?” Jonathan sighed.
“I have a proposition.”
“No.”
“You don’t even know what it is.” she cried.
“It involves you, therefore no.”
“That isn’t very kind.”
“I’ve had to tolerate my sister for the whole twenty-two years of her life. You are like three of her at her worst.”
“That is a compliment. Your sister is a marvelous woman.”
Jonathan rolled his eyes. “Get on with it so I can refuse whatever it is one more time, and be on my way.” He watched her grit her teeth. Her green eyes spat fire at him. He smiled in the face of her anger.
She huffed angrily and stood taller. “Fine. I prefer bold honesty anyway. Lord Rigsby, we should be married.”
Jonathan scoffed. “I can’t have heard what I think you just said.”
“Listen, you fool.” She moved the bench nearest his and sat. “You need a wife who isn’t a wife, and I need a husband who isn’t a husband. I’ve failed another season, and I’m about to be auctioned off to a man twice my age. All things considered, I’d rather…well, you know.” She wiggled her head.
“I’m afraid I don’t.” He mimicked her head wiggle.
“The experience, I shall say, would be so much better with a young man. I know enough to know that.”
Jonathan launched to his feet. “Good God, woman! We cannot have this conversation.” Jonathan looked around frantically to make sure they were alone.
“Abhorrid?”
“I started to say abominable and then changed my mind to horrid mid-sentence.”
Jonathan stared at her for a moment, utterly flabbergasted. “What would I do with a wife like you, Maddie?”
“Drop me off at whichever home of yours that has the largest library and leave me be,” she begged hopefully.
“Is this before or after our non-abhorrid coupling?”
“After, of course. Everything must be up to scratch—assuming you could do the job.”
Jonathan narrowed his eyes at her. “Do the job?” A slight like that could not go unanswered. Two steps and he grabbed her, pulling her into a rough kiss. He let go and pushed her back.
She blinked owlishly at him, looking properly dazed.
“I hope that wasn’t meant to be a superb example of your expertise?”
“Bloody hell, Maddie. Be off with you.” He grumbled and turned his back to her. Shoddy or not, his ego said not, that kiss was enough to stir his appetite.
“So you won’t marry me because of that shoddy kiss? Perhaps I am better off—”
“Don’t say it. I’ll think about it.” He tossed over his shoulder.
“We can forgo kissing if it isn’t your strong suit.”
“For the love of God, Maddie.” He faced her again, irritation overriding the taste of lust the kiss had stirred inside him. He stepped close to her, almost nose to nose. “I said I’ll think about it. But if I agree, come our wedding night, you won’t be able to remember your own name. Think about that!” Jonathan turned heel and strode away confidently. He smirked. Let her stew about that.
Maddie frowned at his retreating back. “Forget my own name? Why?”
Contact Dayna at daynaquince.com
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About the Author
Dayna Quince was only fourteen when she developed a serious addiction to romance novels. What began as an innocent desire to read became an all-out obsession with the romance genre. She gave book reports on romance novels, got in trouble for reading during lectures, and would rather spend her time reading than attending high school parties. After all, high school boys could not compete with the likes of Stephanie Laurens Devil Cynster. After getting her first job, her addiction only got worse. She now had her own money to spend and a car to get to Barnes and Noble as frequently as she wanted. She managed to maintain a somewhat normal life, marrying her high school boyfriend who was aware he was competing with fictional men for her attention. Dayna soon began writing her own romance novels, inspired by her love for all things romance. Dayna and her husband live in Southern California with their two children and three fur babies. Dayna is happiest at home where she can be with her family and write to her heart’s content.
For more information about Dayna, please visit her website, “like” Dayna on Facebook and follow her on Twitter or Instagram. Sign up for Dayna’s newsletter to be notified about upcoming releases. She’s loves hearing from her readers. Email her directly at daynaquince@gmail.com.
Also by Dayna Quince
The Fated for Love Series:
Mine, All Mine
Sweet Torture
Storm on the Horizon
To Love, Honor, and Obey
Desperate and Daring Series:
Desperate for a Duke
Just One Kiss
Anything But Innocent
An Unconventional Innocent
Mad About You
Withered Rose
Wildwood Flower
An Undesirable Duke
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