Page 7 of A Bride for the Wicked Duke (Claimed by Regency Devils #2)

Chapter Seven

A lthough the justification for what she was doing was weak, Aurelia was still determined to see it through. It had to be done. It was, in every way imaginable, the right move. And by the time this evening had ended, not only would her family be free of their debt, but she would be free of the duke.

I want the duke out of my life once and for all. More than that, I want him to know that he does not own me. And once I am through here, if all goes to plan, I will never have to speak to or see him again.

This thought made her smile, satisfaction had at holding one over the duke as he had done to her so many times before.

The hour was late. The night was dark. And Aurelia stayed low as she hurried across Sutherford Estate, glad for the cover of the night because she did not wish to be seen. Rosalind, she knew, to be an early sleeper, so there was little chance that she would be caught out by her best friend. But it was better to be safe than sorry.

Under Aurelia’s arm was tucked a box, in which she had folded the dress that the duke had bought her – brought to further her excuse for being here. She needed to return it, to rid herself of it, a means by which to show the duke that she no longer needed him. As well as that, she wished to say it to his face so that there could be no confusion.

That was why she had snuck out tonight. Stealing a horse from the family’s stables – it was tied up outside the gate of the estate – she reasoned that now Lord Littlefield had proposed to her, it was best to alert the duke to this arrangement so that he would know their debt would soon be cleared. Again, so that she could free herself from his power and his influence once and for all.

And yes, perhaps this news could wait. Really, there is no rush to tell him. But I need to do this. I need to commit to this marriage, and this right here is the best way to ensure there will be no going back.

She knew the Sutherford Estate well, having been here a dozen times or more. Thus, she did not hesitate in taking a side entrance into the home, not at all surprised to find it cloaked in silence as most of the staff were sure to be in bed. She crept through the manor, up the staircase, careful not to make a sound. Few candles burned in the ceiling, providing more cover for her to sneak down the hall, her sights set on the study at its end.

The duke’s study. She could see light coming from under the doorway, confirmation that he was still awake and at work. What was more, that he was alone...

Was this the stupidest idea of all time? About to knock on the door, she paused and wondered at that question as she had been doing all night. To sneak out as she had done, to put herself alone in the room with the duke, it would surely cause anger and alarm and even repudiation. But perhaps that was a good thing? Again, he needs to know that I am not the type he should be spending any more time with than is necessary.

She took a deep breath and knocked on the door. And then, before waiting for him to call her, she turned the handle and pushed the door open.

“Lady Hawkins!” the duke gasped when he saw her slip through the door and close it behind herself. “What are you – what is this!”

“We need to talk,” she said. “And it cannot wait.”

He was sitting behind his desk, hard at work it appeared, but upon seeing her barge into his office, his quill went down, and he was on his feet. Although she shouldn’t have been surprised that he didn’t appear angered by the sight of her. Rather, he looked intrigued, even amused as was often his way when they spoke.

“And you thought this was the most appropriate way?” He stepped around his desk. “How did you get in?”

She shrugged. “I have been here enough times to know my way without causing alarm. And I did not think it would be such a good idea if I was spotted.”

“Which tells me you know how inappropriate it is that you are here.” He walked to the center of the room and might have continued right toward her if she did not take a step back and hold the box out before her. He eyed the box curiously. “What is this?”

“It is for you,” she said, holding her chin up, not wanting to appear scared or unsure. “Take it.”

He frowned as he took the box. “I wish I could say I was surprised, but from what I know of you so far, you make a habit of doing the wrong thing. I almost think that you enjoy it...” He trailed off as he opened the box to find the dress. “And this confirms it.”

“It is the dress you gave me,” she said. “I wish to return it.”

“I know what it is.” He exhaled sharply from his nose. “Please tell me that you did not sneak from your home and ride here on your own simply to return this dress...” Again, he looked amused, not angry. “Again, there is that sense that you take pleasure in seeing how far you can push the expectations of propriety and decorum --”

“There is one more thing,” she hurried to speak over him, needing to get it out so that she could leave. Which I will do! As soon as I say my piece. “The dress is not the only reason I am here, I mean.”

“Oh good,” he said dryly. “And here I was, thinking that you had lost your mind.”

Aurelia hated how handsome he was. This would be so much easier if he was hideous. . Tall and imposing. Confident and just a little arrogant. Mostly, it was his eyes that Aurelia found herself the most besotted by. The way they watched her, saw through her, read her like a book so that she felt utterly exposed around him.

Still, Aurelia did her best to put all of that aside, focusing on how much he annoyed her instead, as that was just easier. “I have some good news.”

“Oh?”

“You will be pleased to hear that the debt which my family owes you will soon be paid, within the allotted time frame no less. Meaning...” She raised an eyebrow at him. “That you and I, we are done.”

The duke tilted his head as he studied her, and it was impossible to tell what he was thinking. She almost hoped that she saw a look of regret cross his face, as if this news might upset him. Sadly, there was no such indication.

“Is that right?” he said with a smirk.

“It is.”

“Does this mean you have found yourself a suitor?”

“It does.”

“And who is the lucky man, if I may ask?” His smirk grew. “He who has stolen your heart as well as your innocence... or rather, who will be.”

She looked at him flatly. “I would say that it is none of your business, but as you are going to find out sooner or later, there is no sense in hiding it. It is Lord Littlefield. Just today, he and my mother --”

The duke began to laugh.

“What!” The anger inside of her flared at his mockery. “What is so funny!”

“Tell me you are joking,” he continued to laugh. “Although if you were, I cannot imagine you would have come all this way to see me. Unless that was simply a ruse...” He winked. “What happened? Haven’t been able to get our dance out of your --”

“I am not joking!” she exclaimed with anger, even if the way her cheeks flushed was caused by something else. “Lord Littlefield and I are to wed. And within the month! Which means that you and I --”

“Will be seeing a lot more of each other,” he said, still chuckling lightly. “I am sorry to say, but despite this late-night assault, and how eager you clearly are to be rid of me, nothing has changed. Except for the fact that I now have a new dress, of which I have no need --”

“What do you mean!” Aurelia snapped. “Did you not hear me? I told you, Lord Littlefield and I are to be wed. And as part of my dowry, he has promised to cover our debts to you.”

The duke snorted. “I am sure Lord Littlefield promised you the world and everything in it, such is his desire to marry. But have you stopped to wonder why he has not married until this point? And why the sudden urge?”

Aurelia frowned, not liking where this was going. “I... what do you mean?”

“Lord Littlefield is hopelessly in debt,” he said. “To me, in fact. He can no more cover your debt to me than can the horse which you rode here on.”

“No...”

He shrugged. “I do hate to be the bearer of bad news, alas, it falls on me to tell you. Marry Lord Littlefield or don’t, the result will be the same. You and I...” He raised an eyebrow at her and continued to smirk. “Are still very much involved, I am afraid.”

“That is... it can’t be,” she stammered as the world began to crumble.

This cannot be happening. He must be lying! But why would he? Surely, he wishes to have this debt paid as much as I wish to pay it? There is no reason for him to do anything but tell me the truth.

Aurelia felt the room turn around her. She felt her knees tremble. She felt like being sick, the excitement she had been feeling, the resolve which had carried her, dashing against the wall and smashed into a million tiny pieces like a pane of glass dropped from a great height.

It was hopeless. This deal she had made. This desire to find a husband to marry. Worse that she did not even wish to be wed! To be upset by something that she did not want in the first place was... it was... it was more than she could bear.

She stumbled back and very nearly fell.

“Easy there.” The duke went for her, quick to wrap an arm around her back and steady her.

“Get off me!” Aurelia snapped, slapping the duke’s hand away.

“Excuse me?”

“You...” She glared at him, anger infusing her. None of this was his fault. Not really. But he was the face of it, and she was sick to death of how damn reasonable he was being. How cocky. How arrogant! “You are glad this has happened, aren’t you!”

He frowned. “Is that what you think?”

“Of course you are,” she continued hotly. “Oh sure, you pounce about the ton, pretending at being the perfect gentleman. You like that people see you this way. But I know what you really are! I know the true you!”

“And what is that?”

“The devil in a nice suit,” she snarled. “Taking advantage of innocent people – holding over their heads the money they owe you. You don’t care about me or my family or anything but what we owe you. It gives you power and control and that is what you love most.”

“Is that what you think?”

“I think you are... that you are... that you are the most wicked, despicable, evil man I have ever met. A rakish scoundrel who if the world found out about then...” She widened her eyes at him, anger boiling to the surface. “I do not even know. But maybe we should find out.”

His expression hardened, as did his tone. “Is that a threat.”

“You want to keep me under your thumb?” She scoffed. “Perhaps it is time you found out what that means.”

As always, he remained calm, even if she could see the anger bubbling beneath the surface. “I will remind you that I am not the one who put your family in debt. That was your father.”

“But you are the one who --”

“Has done everything he could to help you,” he snapped. “I did not have to. Better that I not help you, for it has brought me nothing but pain.”

“I --”

“Am insolent,” he continued, this time stepping into her. Aurelia was so incensed that she did not back down, rising her chin to meet his eyes, wanting him to see how angry she was. That she wasn’t afraid and that she was through being taken advantage of. “You always have been. Since I first met you, you have been nothing but trouble. More than she is worth.”

“At least I am honest about who I am.”

“The good that has done you,” he continued, hissing at her now. He stood over her, their bodies mere inches apart. Aurelia felt the urge to step back again, not liking how close he was... “You wonder why you cannot find a man willing to marry you? You wonder why you are in this predicament in the first place – why I must help you? Perhaps you should look at yourself.”

“There is nothing wrong with me. You are the one who --”

“We are not talking of me,” he spoke over her. “You are the one who needs all the help she can get.” Somehow, he stepped even closer to her. Their bodies pressed together, his hand moved to her waist and snatched it. She gasped and tried to wiggle free, but he did not let go. “Help which I have been willing to offer you. Although why I do...” He scoffed. “I know a hopeless case when I see one. Better that I amputate now and save myself the hassle.”

“I am not...” She tried to wiggle free, but he held her. “I still have one month. Don’t you dare even think about cancelling our deal. Your promise.”

“A waste of time,” he said. “You and I both know it. Give me one good reason why I should bother.”

She curled her lip. “Why waste my breath? A man like you? As if I could trust anything you say.”

He closed his eyes and groaned. “You...” A deep breath which she felt wash over her. “You really need to learn to keep your mouth shut. It does nothing but get you into trouble.”

“Do not tell me what to do.” She widened her eyes at him, trying to ignore the way his hand held her. The duke continued to look down at her, a look now in his eyes that she didn’t recognize but made her heart race.

“Why not? Until you pay me, as far as I am concerned, I own you.”

“You do not! And stop saying that you --”

The duke moved on her before she could stop him. Before she knew what was happening. Her mouth was open to reprimanded him, which saw him pull her in close, lean his head down, and plant his lips on her open mouth.

It was as if a fire lit itself inside of her. As if it rose from her stomach, engulfed her heart, and then spewed from her mouth. But the duke swallowed it, accepted it, taking it on himself as he continued to kiss her passionately. Both hands now held her. Even if she wanted to, she would not have been able to pull away. And she did want to... she did not enjoy kissing him... although the way her tongue played inside his mouth, the moans that escaped her lips, and the tingling sensation which ran down her body and spread to her loins suggested differently.

She hated this man. Oh, how she did! And yet… she could not help but imagine her reaction had it been Lord Littlefield kissing her instead. Would it have felt the same? Would she have been so enraptured by it? Somehow, she doubted that very much.

As quickly as it started, it ended.

“There,” the duke said, still holding her, smirking to himself because he seemed to take pleasure in her shock. “That is one way of shutting you up.”

“How dare --”

“Quiet,” he snapped, which had her shutting her mouth. “What am I going to do with you...” He clicked his tongue, his hands squeezing her waist. “Make no mistake, I want nothing more than to be done with you. You vex me...” He groaned, his hands still squeezing. And that wasn’t to mention the throbbing she felt at the front of his pants... “But I am correct about you. As you are, no lord in his right mind will have you.”

“I don’t care what you think,” she snarled, even if her heart wasn’t in it. Her mind was fractured. Her thoughts in a million places. And it was all she could do not to stare at his full lips.

“You should,” he said. “If you really do wish to be done with me. Or was that a lie?” He raised an eyebrow.

“I never want to see you again.”

“And you won’t,” he assured her. “Once you find a husband. Which you won’t be able to do in your current state.”

“I --”

“Will require instruction. Etiquette lessons. Someone willing to teach you how to behave, at the very least to control that tongue and that temper when in the presence of a gentleman. So far, I see no evidence that you have the self-control for either.”

“You...” She bulked, not certain what he was saying. “What do you mean?”

“I’m not sure...” The duke studied her again, the hunger in his eyes gone, curiosity taking them instead. “But I will.” Then, he stepped back, releasing her suddenly, turning and walking toward his desk. “We are done here.”

“What?” she stammered, taking her first breath in what felt like a lifetime. Her body was running hot. Her legs were trembling. And as to that kiss... it lingered on her lips so that she could still taste the duke. Not that I want to! I... I... I don’t!

“Leave me.” He walked around the desk and sat down. “I have much to think on, and you being here is a concern that we should be glad to escape before anyone finds out.”

She still did not understand. She was still frozen to the spot. She stared stupidly, dumbstruck as she tried to figure out what was going on. What had just happened! “I don’t --”

“Lady Hawkins,” he said simply, perfectly calm, as if he hadn’t just kissed her. “I am asking you to leave. Nicely. Do not test my patience.” A raised eyebrow in warning...

Aurelia could not remember leaving the duke’s office. Or his manor. Or his estate. It wasn’t until she was back on her horse, riding home, that she came back into herself, her mind finally fixing back on what had happened between her and the duke.

They had kissed. He had kissed her... and she had kissed him back. All this time, Aurelia was convinced that she hated the duke and wanted nothing to do with him. I still don’t! The less I see of him the better! This was a truth, at least, although it was a truth for all the wrong reasons.

What on earth had Aurelia gotten herself into?