Page 19 of Stolen and Seduced By the Duke

Margaret's cheeks warmed. "You promised not to mention that."

"I promised nothing of the sort."

"Then you are an honorless man."

"And yet you are considering marrying me."

She opened her mouth, then closed it again when she realized he had trapped her with her own argument. "I am considering escaping Geoffrey Harrowby," she corrected. "You happen to be standing conveniently between us."

"I shall try not to take it personally," he said.

Margaret studied him for a moment, suspicious of the faint amusement in his expression.

"Do you always speak this calmly when people insult you?" she asked.

"Only when they are entertaining."

Her eyes widened. "Was that a compliment?"

"Possibly."

"How disappointing. I was beginning to think you incapable of giving one."

Pierce stepped closer, though this time he stopped well beyond the distance that would have allowed his hand to touch hers.

"You looked…intriguing at the masquerade."

Margaret's breath caught despite herself. "I am aware."

She looked away, suddenly conscious of the warmth rising into her face. "You are very troublesome."

"So I have been informed."

"By whom?"

"Everyone." That made her laugh before she could stop herself, and Pierce's expression softened for the briefest moment.

Margaret noticed it immediately. There was something almost vulnerable beneath his stern exterior, something he seemed determined to hide. It made her wonder.

What sort of man was he before grief hardened him? Or has he always been this way?

She turned serious again. "If I agree, there will be conditions."

Pierce nodded. "Name them."

Margaret raised one finger. "My freedom." A second followed. "My sisters remain welcome at Ravenfield." A third. "And I will not be ordered about like some possession."

Pierce considered her demands with an expression of grave seriousness. "Agreed with all but the possession. It is my household, and I shall have strict rules. If you see that as possession, then so be it."

Margaret blinked. "I suppose we shall see."

"Now, my conditions," he said.

Pierce's eyes settled upon hers. "You will never leave Ravenfield without telling me where you are going."

Margaret stared at him. "That is not a condition. That is tyranny."

"It is protection."