‘Then it is fortunate that I arrived when I did.’ Troy closed his eyes and threw his head back. ‘When I saw you splattered with Fletcher’s blood, I was terrified that it might have been yours, and frankly, I was frightened by what the sight made me want to do to those scoundrels.’ He reached forward and grasped her hand. ‘Never do that to me again!’
‘Why are you really here, Troy?’ she asked after a brief pause.
‘I think you know.’
She swallowed. ‘I have discovered that it is most inadvisable to desire a duke, which is why I left.’ She looked away from him, but not so fast that he didn’t observe the tears glistening on her lashes. ‘Would you like some tea?’
‘I don’t want any damned tea, Brione, I want you.’ He pulled her to her feet and into his arms. ‘I want you with every fibre of my being. And be warned, I won’t be fobbed off with feeble excuses.’
‘Are you always accustomed to getting your heart’s desire, your grace?’ she asked with asperity.
‘Always. I am a duke so you have to do what I tell you.’
‘Ha! No man will ever tell me what to do. That was an incredible race, by the way. Omega was wonderful.’
‘Stop changing the subject.’ He grasped her shoulders and fixed her with an ardent gaze fuelled by passion. ‘Tell me you do not love me. That you do not feel the indescribable something that exists between us.’
‘I cannot.’ Her smile faded and she looked away from him, but didn’t pull out of his arms. ‘But I won’t lower the tone and give you cause to regret your momentary fixation. Certain expectations are made of duchesses, including being high born. Apparently, that is the most important requirement.’
Troy shook his head in blank confusion. ‘Whatever makes you say that?’
‘Your sister told me.’
‘Hang my sister! I love you, Brione. I love your strength of will, your determination…I have been like a bear with a sore head since your departure, and everyone except for Kensley has been steering well clear of me.’
‘Kensley?’ Her smile was radiant. ‘I believe he and my friend Rachel…Has he spoken to you about his intentions?’
‘Even he probably wouldn’t have dared, not the way I have been. But enough about them. Tell me you are not still hankering after Gilliard.’
‘No, I am quite over him. He played me for a fool, made me a laughing stock, and that is the surest way to mend a heart that was not actually broken, I now have good reason to know.’
‘Then I am glad. He didn’t deserve your compassion.’
‘I am definitely going to sell the business.’
‘I will handle it for you.’
‘Thank you for clearing Evan’s reputation. I assume that was you.’ He nodded. ‘The invitations are pouring in now, but I don’t feel inclined to take up any of them. If my neighbours couldn’t accept me before the rumours started, I fail to see why I should tolerate them now.’
Troy laughed. ‘That’s my little firebrand.’ He tightened his hold on her waist. ‘Now, don’t change the subject. We were discussing your disinclination to marry me.’
‘Who said I was disinclined?’ She sent him a teasing smile. ‘I was merely pointing out the objections to the match that will be raised, along with eyebrows.’
‘I don’t give tuppence for the views of others. I care only about you!’ he cried passionately. ‘I love you deeply, my sweet, infuriating, disobedient, captivating angel. You own my heart and soul and I am nothing without you.’ Shadow barked, making them both smile. ‘And my dog appears to agree with me.’
‘Well, in that case, how can I possibly refuse?’
The End
About the Author
Hi, I do hope you enjoyed To Desire a Duke. If so, please take a moment to leave a review on Amazon. I’d love to hear what you thought of this particular novel – what you enjoyed most about it and what you didn’t like. Constructive criticism is always welcome.
Reach me at wendysoliman@rocketmail.com
I’m a British author, brought up on the Isle of Wight, but now live in Andorra. I share my life with my long-suffering husband and a rescued dog of indeterminate pedigree named Jake Bentley after the hero in one of my books. Both Jakes are handsome mongrels with independent spirits and wild streaks.
I’ve had over sixty books published, ranging from Regency romance, (my first love), to contemporary women’s fiction and marine crime mysteries.
When not writing I walk miles with my dog, make half-hearted visits to the gym, read other people’s tomes…oh, and I’m on a one woman mission to keep the wine trade profitable!
Check out all of my books, and learn more about me from my website: http:www.wendysoliman.com
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Also available from this Author
Historical Romance
Stand Alone Regencies
Lady Hartley’s Inheritance
Duty’s Destiny
A Reason to Rebel
Forgotten Heiress
For Want of a Reputation
Christmas at Castleray
Ava’s Passion
Lady Mysterious
Disinherited
Divided Loyalties
A Scandalous Proposition
The Perfect Impostor
Lady Impetuous
Sacrificial Bride
Dangerous Dukes Series
To Defy a Duke
The Duke’s Legacy
A Duke by Default
Of Dukes and Deceptions
Game of Dukes
Dukes and Indiscretions
Never Dare a Duke
To Desire a Duke
Mrs. Darcy Entertains Series Boxset
Miss Bingley’s Revenge / Colonel Fitzwilliam’s Dilemma / Miss Darcy’s Passion / Kitty Bennet’s Despair / Lydia Wickham’s Journal
Pemberley – The Next Generation Series Vols 1 – 3 Boxset
Emma Bingley’s Romantic Nature / Naomi Sanford’s Compassionate Nature / Bella Darcy’s Impetuous Nature
Eleanor Bingley’s Rebellious Nature / Rosie Turner’s Contrary Nature / Susie Darcy’s Tenacious Nature
Simon Bingley’s Resolve
Ducal Encounters Series 1
At the Duke’s Discretion
With the Duke’s Approval
Portrait of a Duke
For the Duke’s Pleasure
In the Duke’s Estimation
Captivating the Duke
Ducal Encounters Series 2
Reunited with the Duke
Christmas with the Duke
Representing the Duke
Safeguarding the Duke
Acting for the Duke
Emulating the Duke
Ducal Encounters Series 3
Conspiring with the Duke
Dedicated to the Duke
Impugning the Duke’s Honour
By Order of the Duke
Supporting the Duke
Protecting the Duke’s Interests
Ducal Encounters Series 4
As the Duke’s Agent
Masquerading with the Duke
On the Duke’s Authority
Carlton House Cartel
Chance
The Forsters
Compromising the Marquess
Finessing the Contessa
Romancing the Runaway
Victorian Vigilante Series Boxset
Saving Grace / Heirs and Graces / With Good Grace / Fall From Grace / Social Graces / Elegance and Grace
Riley Rochester Investigates Series
Death of a Debutante
Death of a Courtesan
Death of a Prosecutor
Death of a Scoundrel
Death of an Artist
Death of a Recluse
Death of a Mat
riarch
Death of a Footman
Perceptions Series
A Sense of Belonging
A Sense of Purpose
A Sense of Misgiving
A Sense of Injustice
A Sense of Turmoil
A Sense of Destiny
Contemporary Titles
English Contemporary Romance Boxset: Reinventing Radleigh/ Shalimar/Silver Lining
English Contemporary Romance Boxset 2: Name of the Game / Downsizing / Topspin
The Hunter Files Boxset: Unfinished Business /
Risky Business/ Lethal Business