He had learned to survive by playing within the lines. But this game would require every ounce of cunning he possessed.
The Duke’s words hung in the air like a wraith, possessing a raw, almost physical presence that spooked her.
Elspeth knew a part of it was her fault, how she pushed him to the edge. Yet, she knew no other way. Something about him compelled her to push him.
Still, she stood frozen, her chest heaving. The shock of his commanding words stole her breath as she looked at herself in the foyer mirror.
How did we get here? And where do we go from here?
She closed her eyes and instead saw his eyes. The blue pools, usually so carefully controlled, had been transmuted by a fierce, untamed fire. A fire that matched her own. She did notunderstand why he reacted so vehemently to her when she was just being herself, yet she had a similar reaction to him.
Something about him got under her skin, and she cursed the part of her that wanted him to stay there. She pictured how he had spun on his heel, leaving her with the frantic beat of her heart.
No. She wouldn’t let him get to her that easily. Nor would she let him have the satisfaction of the final word.
Perhaps she could stay with a friend. Verity, or even Marion. Surely, either of them could house her.
She could announce to the Duke of Arrowfell that she was no longer his responsibility, pack her things, and march out at dawn.
She paced the halls, uncertainty knotting her stomach.
What would she say when she stood before him?
The words felt slippery, yet she trusted in her cunning and stubbornness to carry her through. This man, duke or not, would not unravel her. She had endured too much for that.
Ahead, a faint glow spilled from beneath a door. His study.
She approached quietly, lifting her hand to knock, then hesitated. She lifted it again but still paused.
Turning away, ready to retreat to her chambers and drown her frustration in sleep, she caught herself.
No. Nae yet.
With quiet resolve, she rapped firmly on the door.
“What is it?” the Duke’s voice called from within. “I know it’s you, I can tell by your footsteps. Only you walk so swiftly for someone with a slight frame.”
Of course, he kens it’s me before I even cross the threshold. Bloody arse is a mind reader too, it seems.
Elspeth hesitated before pushing the door open with a soft huff.
There he stood, just beyond the threshold.
She drew in a slow breath, catching the clean, piney scent that clung to him. She tilted her head back to meet his gaze.
She crossed the threshold and shut the door behind her. “Yer Grace, I have made up me mind. I am leavin’ this place. I’ll write to me friends in London and find some way to live free of yer hold.”
He turned then, his face grave and his eyes darkening like a gathering storm. “Leave? After the introductions I have made on your behalf, after I’ve made clear my intention to find you a husband? You would shame me by fleeing now?”
“Aye, I willnae be some prize to be paraded around and sold,” she snapped. “I willnae be a pawn in yer schemes, Yer Grace. Me future’s mine, nae yers to command.”
His gaze sharpened, his tone clipped and commanding. “Lady Inverhall, you misunderstand your positiongravely. The ton has seen you; they whisper already. Should you walk away, the whispers will grow louder, and they’ll speak of your recklessness and folly. But those whispers will not rest on you alone. They will stainmyname,myhonor, and all I have striven for.”
Her chest rose and fell with stubborn pride. “And what of me, then? Am I to be bound to yer name and bear the scorn meant for me? Am I to be used as ye see fit?”
“You are bound to me by law and society, whether you like it or not,” he said firmly. “I will not endure the disgrace of failure.”
Elspeth’s eyes flashed. “I am no bairn to be sheltered or controlled. I willnae be tamed by threats or duty, Yer Grace.”
