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His face was cast in shadows making seem even more menacing than he naturally was.

Sarah took a step back. If ever she wished she would have followed instruction it was in this moment.

Charles’s eyes remained on hers., his jaw ticking under the force in which he was grinding his teeth. “Follow me.”

When Sarah remained Charles let out a low growl. “Now!”

Sarah jumped at his demand. She put the book back on the shelf and followed him through the doors to the main study she came through.

She opened her mouth several times to ask him about these rooms but each time she thought better of it. Rage and frustration pumped off of him and she didn’t want to encourage his wrath any more than she already did.

Sarah risked a glance back at the open door as she descended the steps behind Charles. What was it about these rooms that there are not only closed off, but they would cause the Duke so much distress?

CHAPTER 9

Charles took a deep breath to steady his racing heart as he entered his study.

When he saw the dim light shining from the open door to his mother’s study he sprinted to it. He was foolish to think Sarah wouldn’t eventually wonder around the house. The girl had a way of doing the exact opposite of what he wanted her to do.

Why couldn’t she just see the gift their arranged marriage was and just be an obedient wife?

Charles stormed directly to his desk where he left a tumbler of whiskey while he was working on some trade deals earlier.

He threw back the drink, letting the trail of fire settle him. The air in the room shifted when Sarah crossed the threshold into his office. He could feel the anxiety radiating from her. Her quick little breaths called out to him.

His jaw ticked as he turned to face his wife.

“What were you doing in there, Sarah?”

Red flags colored Sarah’s cheeks as her big round eyes dropped to the floor.

Charles swallowed and placed the tumbler carefully back onto his desk. He adjusted the cuffs of his sleeves. Cracking his neck he took a step towards Sarah.

“What were you doing in there?” He asked again, as if he were speaking to a child. If she took offense, she didn’t show it.

Sarah’s eyes drifted up and met his. “I was just looking-” Her voice was soft and weak. The fearless hellion who stormed into his house all those weeks ago was no where to be found. He felt a strange sinking feeling at the thought but quickly brushed it off, letting his anger take charge of this moment.

“Who gave you permission to look in those rooms?” His words cut her off.

Sarah rose her chin. “You did.”

Charles reared back in confusion. “I did no such thing!” He countered.

Sarah pulled her shoulders back and smiled as she took a step forward, matching his stance.

“You did when you married me.”

Charles’s eyes narrowed. He had to take a breath to remind himself he was angry with her. But that flash of fight in her flipped a switch within him. He knew she was smart. He didn’t know if he wanted to praise or punish her for her sharp tongue.

Sarah’s eyes were now alight with fire.

Ah. There’s the fearless woman I met.

“I am the Duchess now and by the looks of those rooms they are a part of the Duchess’s wing, are they not?” Her bore into his. “Someone told me a Duchess is in charge of her home, therefore I am in charge of those rooms.”

Triumph and victory shone brightly in her eyes making them sparkle.

Admiration warred with stubbornness within Charles. He wasn’t used to being questioned, let alone being questioned by a woman. He couldn’t decide if he liked it or not.