Page 17 of Bound to the Heartless Duke (Regency Beasts #4)

But as much as Lily wanted to sound angry, she failed. The heat never quite reached her voice. She knew he wanted to coax something from her, something real and raw, and it terrified her how close he was to succeeding. She just wasn’t ready to give it to him.

“Most women say charming,” he replied smoothly.

“Well, I’m not most women,” she shot back

“No,” Magnus agreed, his tone softening. “You’re not.”

She blinked at that.

The look in his eyes—quiet, assessing, and far too perceptive—made her heart flutter unpleasantly in her chest. It was like a warning, a reminder that he saw her, really saw her.

And she didn’t know what to do with it.

“You think I’m making a mistake,” she stated flatly.

“I think you’re desperate,” he corrected bluntly. “And I think you’re smart enough to know it.”

The simple, cold truth made her flinch.

“And what would you suggest I do?” she asked, folding her arms tighter, as if she could hold herself together by sheer will alone. “Wait around for another Season, hoping that a duke’s carriage breaks down outside my door?”

“I’d suggest,” he said carefully, “you stop pretending that men like Bailey are your only salvation.”

Lily barked a dry chuckle. She couldn’t believe that someone like the Duke of Blackmore, who had a vast wealth and resources, would dare lecture her on what to do.

Talk about his gall.

“I don’t have the luxury of time,” she snapped, her eyes flashing. “Or choice. I need security, not… not sparks.”

His gaze darkened, before he took a step closer. “So you’ll marry a man who recites Latin to the furniture?”

“If he’s willing to marry me in return, yes.” Her tone was stubborn.

He paused, his jaw working. “You deserve more.”

The words landed harder than they should have. She felt them settle into the deepest recesses behind her ribs, where hope used to live.

She blinked, caught off guard. However, she quickly looked away, just in time to see Nathan sweep into the room, his arms raised as if he had just returned victorious from battle.

“Well?” He beamed. “What did I say?”

Lily blinked again. “About what?” she asked.

Her gut clenched; she wasn’t looking forward to his response.

Her brother clapped his hands together. “About Mr. Bailey! The man’s a success, Lily. He has connections in Kent. His family owns half the docks in Southampton. That ridiculous outfit? Apparently, a fashion trend from Milan.”

“He’s… memorable,” Lily offered.

The fact that Magnus was standing nearby made it worse.

“He’s perfect, Lily,” Nathan declared. “And he likes you. I could see it in the way he leaned forward every time you spoke.”

“He leaned forward because his cravat was too tight,” Magnus interjected.

Nathan paused briefly, before returning his attention to his sister. “I told you I could handle it, didn’t I?”

“You did,” Lily mumbled, lowering her gaze.

Nathan began to pace, excitement radiating off him like heat. “I told you I still had a few tricks. And now, look. A respectable suitor who is genuinely interested. And this is only the beginning.”

Something about his tone made Lily take a closer look at him. He was too excited, too wide-eyed. There was something about the way he moved that… disturbed her.

“Nathan,” she asked slowly, “are you all right?”

He paused only briefly before he waved her off. “Perfectly. Just… relieved. After everything—after Father’s death, after losing the manor to the Duke—something’s finally turning in our favor.”

Lily exchanged a look with Magnus, who had straightened to his full height, no longer amused. It seemed that Magnus, too, felt something was off.

Nathan clapped his hands again. “I’ll arrange for Mr. Bailey to return next week. Or sooner. You two had great chemistry. It was clear as day.”

Lily opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but nothing came out. What could she say? That the only chemistry she’d felt in the room wasn’t with Mr. Bailey, but the man currently watching her like she was one step away from collapsing?

She cleared her throat. “Yes. That sounds… fine.”

Nathan looked beyond thrilled at her acceptance.

“Good,” he said, already moving toward the study. “Now, I need to write to Lady Huntington. If Mr. Bailey’s mother is half as gossipy as I’ve heard, this could snowball into several invitations. Imagine a full Season without leaving Medlin.”

And then, he disappeared down the hall, leaving the two of them alone.

Lily stood still, staring at the now-closed door. “He’s unraveling,” she murmured.

Magnus nodded once. “He thinks if you marry well, it will fix everything he’s done.”

“It won’t.”

“No,” Magnus agreed quietly. “But it’ll make him feel better.”

Lily turned slowly, her eyes meeting his. “I can’t change his mind.”

“I know,” he said in the same quiet tone.

“But do you think I should?”

Magnus didn’t answer. He didn’t have to. The silence between them and the look in his eyes said enough.

Suddenly, she hated how comforting his presence was. Hated how soothing it was to have him standing there, understanding her better than Nathan ever could.

How badly she wanted to lean into that comfort, if only for a moment.

Breaking whatever spell had descended over her, she crossed the room, brushing past him. “I need some tea.”

But before she reached the door, he grabbed her wrist, pulling her to a stop.

“Lily.”

She blinked once. His touch was light, barely there, but it burned like a brand.

When she looked up, she found that look on his face—the one that reflected the tension between them. The kiss they had refused to mention again.

Magnus held her gaze for a breath—maybe two—and her pulse thundered in her throat.

However, he let her go just as quickly.

“Get your tea,” he said softly. “But stay clear of Bailey. You laugh like hell when you’re amused, and he’ll never survive it.”

She blinked at his words. But when she turned and made for the door, she smiled, just a little.