Page 9 of When the Duke Met His Match

Theophilus’ jaw tightened. He stared down at her as if she were nothing more than a rat caught in a trap—something to be tossed away.

“I’m not a pawn. I’m a soldier and will do whatever it takes to protect my country.”

Taking a step closer, she narrowed the space between them and forced their faces to remain inches apart. She ignored how it made her stomach twist. “And I’ll do whatever it takes to protect mine.”

The tension between them was palpable as they locked eyes, neither willing to back down. They served opposing forces on either side of the battlefield. And yet, they were just as iron-willed about it.

It seemed their intense staring would only continue until Theophilus stepped back, his expression hardening.

Odette could finally breathe, thankful he had the decency to spare them both of that agonizing force between them.

“That’s all for now,” he murmured with a curt nod. He turned on his heel while she regained her bearings and rapped at the door. A moment after, it opened, and he slipped through. He was gone before she could wrap her head around what had transpired in that small room.

Left alone with the turbulent thoughts that swirled in her mind, she sat herself in the chair and tried grappling with her irritation toward the young soldier.

He was just as stubborn as she had been and more than willing to play along with her antics. Yet, he was able to get under her skin and evoke passionate responses from her.

She needed to be careful.

That frustration simmered into a deep sadness that dragged her shoulders down while she was eventually led back to the cell. Forced to join the others that never attempted to speak with her, Odette could only hope she didn’t tarnish her one hope of being set free.

Chapter Six

THEOPHILUS

“Good work today, Clough,” Lieutenant Wright said from his desk, giving Theophilus a nod. “Keep pushing for answers and you’ll chip away at her resolve. She’ll crack eventually.”

Returning a respectful nod, Theophilus said farewell to his superiors and departed for the day after giving his debrief. They needed a full report of what was exchanged, and while it wasn’t much, Wright reassured him there would be more to come in the next few days when she’d inevitably tire of sleeping on the cold stone floor and the stinking cell.

He only hoped it would happen soon to help balance out his unbecoming behaviors in the eyes of his superiors. The sooner it washed over him, the better he’d be able to breathe.

Theophilus stepped into the carriage that awaited him outside the building, and the driver pushed the small team to a gentle pace. Rolling down the street, he gazed out the window with a deep breath.

As he promised his father, he found himself returning home, prompt and prepared to see to the commitment arranged on his behalf.

The streets moved by him in a blur, watching as the others traveled by foot or in their own carriages of different makes and sizes, and he found his mind wandering back to the woman that occupied a significant portion of his day.

Even though Odette spent the night in a cell, she still looked stunningly beautiful despite her disheveled appearance. He couldn't help but imagine how she would look under normal circumstances, elegantly dressed in vibrant colors made from the finest fabrics.

But he knew it was a foolish thought, for she didn’t concern herself over such frivolous ideas.

Even more so, her attitude managed to tie his mind in a web of frustration. She was bull-headed and ill-mannered. She had more of a bite than he had expected for a woman, and it seemed to work in her favor.

Irritable just from thinking about how she spoke down to him as if he were inferior, Theophilus felt his head ringing beneath the surface. He clenched his fist and took a deep breath to calm himself.

It won’t be long, he thought to himself with his eyes closed. She’ll crack and spill everything she knows. Give it time.

While it felt like wishful thinking, he didn’t have the mind to dwell on it further.

The familiar laneway appeared, and in no time, Theophilus entered the estate with a growl of his stomach.

His mother stood the moment he entered the room, fussing over the presence of her son and their guests. “There you are,” she murmured, bumbling around him and motioning for him to take a seat. He noticed the breath of relief she drew, surely from his rare punctuality. “The Bordeaux family has kindly awaited your presence, my son.”

Theophilus took in the sight before him and offered the family a kind smile. He bowed his head politely. “Please, pardon my delay. Duty called.”

“It is no matter,” Lord Bordeaux murmured over his glass before he took a sip. “A man must attend to business. Isn’t that right?”

“Certainly,” he replied warmly, even if he didn’t desire to dine with anyone other than his parents that evening.