Page 20 of To Ensnare a Duke

The girl has absolutely no idea what she's even asking. She can't. The things I want, the things I need, are not fitting for her innocent ears. With a sigh, I force myself to sit back down on the edge of the desk.

"I feel a kinship to your family. An affection, to be sure. But such matches are not made thusly."

Her hands reach out and clasp mine, bringing them to heart. My cock stirs as the back of my hand brushes against the soft expanse of skin.

"They could be. I know ours would not be a love match like those of legend, but it could be amiable. In time, our marriage can turn to love."

I pull away and give her an indulgent pat on the head. "Such pretty words from a pretty little sister." Though the look of hurt is obvious in her expression, I have no other choice. There is no way on God's green earth I can allow her to carry such fanciful notions. "I appreciate your words, but it cannot be. Best to put those thoughts out of your head."

With a slight pout, she sits back down in the chair. "Fine. If you will not accept my proposal nor educate me, then I suppose I'll have to contend myself with hearth and home. Think nothing more about it."

"Such a sensible statement."

"On one condition."

This time, it's my turn to blink at her. "You seriously think you're in a position to negotiate?"

"I don't want you to go to the butler. It's not my maid's fault."

With a sigh, I steeple my fingers and rest my chin against the tips. "You seem to be under the misapprehension that I'll obey your request simply because you make it. That will not happen. You could have been injured or killed on her watch. She is at least partially to blame and must be held accountable. I tire of this discussion."

As I turn to leave, she grabs my arm and slides down to her knees. Such a pretty picture she makes as she looks up at me, longing and pleading in her gaze. If it were a different woman, I'd love nothing more than to indulge. Unfortunately, as it is, she's the least accessible to my desires.

"A Lady never kneels," I growl, helping her to her feet.

The lie hangs heavy in the air and wooden on my tongue. How I wish I could make it a truth. How I wish the girl in front of me was a suitable match and not the sister of my best friend. Lord Hardon would meet me at dawn with pistols if I even dared glance at her in a desirous way, much less marry her.

"Could there possibly be another way?"

"I see none."

She drops her hands in front of her and clasps them, her fingers twitching as she thinks. "What if I take her punishment in her stead? I feel simply wretched if she suffers for my misdeeds."

"You're in earnest?" I can't be hearing her correctly. There's no possible way she'd want to do this. It must be a trap of some sort. "And what punishment do you think there is?"

She shrugs, a sense of helplessness surrounding her. "I've never been privy to what the butler does with the maids and manservants. But I trust it can't be too pleasant. Perhaps a rap on the knuckles with some sort of implement?"

I cannot help the grin crossing my lips as I drink in her innocence. "You think he chastises them as a nursemaid might a child? Surely you cannot be that naïve."

With a huff, she plants her hands on her hips. "Shall I enquire as to what sort of punishment, then?"

Before I can answer, she whirls around and heads for the door. I don't quite manage to stifle my shocked chuckle as I wrap my arm about her waist and haul her backward, out of reach.

"There'll be none of that. I know how a butler disciplines their charges. I merely aimed to keep you from such a fate."

She stills, her squirming stopping. "Is it quite horrid then?"

"Do you care to find out?”

The urge to trail my lips around the shell of her ear beats at me as I hold her close, allowing her warmth to seep into me. I'm playing with fire, and sooner or later, we will both be burned.

CHAPTER 11

AUGUSTA

My body quivers as his fingers dig into my midsection. When I proposed marriage, it was in jest. I merely got caught up in the moment and frustration. Now, I'm not so sure. Being this close to him, feeling the heat of his breath upon my skin… I feel just as hot as when the fires licked at my heels.

Between my thighs, that insistent bundle of nerves pulse, demanding I touch myself. No other male has driven my lusts to this height. One thing is for certain, he's not good for my sanity. Unfortunately, that only makes me want him even more.