Page 48 of To Ensnare a Duke

He groans but follows me. "You are not thinking of killing the blackguard after all, are you?"

"As my friend, I thought you would know me better than that."

"I do. It's honestly the best alternative than what could possibly be cooking up in your mind. You need to give her space. Allow the gossip and idle chatter to calm down."

"She trapped me, Norhaven. The chit has the audacity to trap me and thinks there will be no repercussion? She will not be sitting pretty for the wedding if I have anything to do with it."

"Do you love her?"

The question hovers on the air for several moments as I simply stare at the man. It's as if he's grown several heads in the span of a second or two.

"What do you mean, do I love her? She trapped me. How can someone… I mean… How can anyone…”

"I thought as much."

Unable to resist, I ball up my fist and punch my friend in the shoulder, sending him reeling away. With him caught off guard, I catch him about the middle and toss him to the ground. We both tussle about as if we were children again, allowing the steam to rise off of the situation.

After a bit, we both sit there, winded. Glancing over, I note his tousled hair and mussed clothes. He looks absolutely ridiculous. But then, so do I, no doubt. The laugh bursting from our chests is much needed, a break in the gathering tension.

All too soon, however, we both sober up.

"I must tell her brother."

"That, you must."

"He will hate me."

"He sees you as a brother. I doubt he will hate you."

"Worse then," I groan, plopping my head into my hands. "He will kill me."

Norhaven says nothing for a moment, but then tips his head back to gaze up at the stars. "I will ensure your funeral is one for the ages, old boy."

CHAPTER 23

AUGUSTA

Ipace about my room as I keep shifting a glance over at the secret door. It doesn't open. Should I be grateful or disappointed? Honestly, the entire affair is not exactly how I would want it. Something feels not quite right, but I can't put my finger on it.

Aunt Amelia, of course, is overjoyed. Any admonishment she gave me was swallowed up in wedding preparations. Somehow, I failed to realize a scandalous wedding also meant not having the wedding I wanted and desired.

Slumping over onto the bed, I crawl to the other side and let my head dangle a bit so I can stare down at the floor. Thankfully, this position allows me to keep my bottom upright so as to not cause any more undue soreness. My mind absolutely refuses to settle down despite a spot of tea and some warming chocolate. If only Portswell had looked just a little bit happy.

But no. His face was as stern as ever. In fact, I'm sure there was a frisson of anger wafting off of him. Not that I can blame him. I'm sure this isn't how he wanted to go down the aisle, either.

But once we're wed, he'll have no choice but to see just how right we are together. I just know it. All he has to do is give our union a chance.

Was I too hasty with my plans? Did desperation make me take a misstep? As happy as my aunt is, I can't help but feel guilty. All of this is a lie, of course. To my knowledge, there is no understanding between the duke and my brother. And with Greyson being out of town, what does that mean for my wedding?

A love-sick sigh drifts from my lips as I toy with the blanket beneath my fingers. Granted, it's not the actual wedding I want. Not really. Though I will mourn its absence, I'm sure my new husband will more than be able to make up for it.

"Perfect. Exactly how I want you."

Before I can so much as move or even utter a scream in alarm, a thick wad of fabric slides between my lips to silence everything. Strong hands grip my shoulders and turn me over. Heat blossoms through my body despite the pain surging through my backside at the unwanted contact.

There, in all his furious glory, is Portswell. He glares down at me as he presses me against the bed and straddles my lower half so I can't move. Something strong and hard juts against me, grinding against my thigh as he pins me there. But I don't dare look.

"Well met, future wife," he growls, running his hand under my hip to squeeze my poor, abused bottom.