Page 20 of Corrupting his Duchess

Anna’s heart pounded. “I never asked you to?—”

“No,” he murmured, “but you also never asked me to stop.”

She lifted her chin slightly. “I haven’t said yes.”

“True,” Matthew gazed into hers “but you haven’t said no, either.”

Matthew’s eyes lingered on her with a calculating, almost predatory quality as he moved closer. His voice dropped, low and smooth. “Lady Anna, you do understand the weight of these things, don’t you?”

Anna didn’t flinch. “I understand that you think you can persuade me with words alone, but I’ve made no decisions.”

He took another step toward her, his expression unreadable. “Of course, decisions take time. But you understand what’s best, don’t you? What makes the most sense.” His gaze held hers, steady and intense. “The match would benefit both our families, and you would have everything you need. Security, position... stability.”

Anna’s chest tightened, and she forced herself to stand her ground. “I’ve heard it all before, Lord Vaun.” She stepped back slightly, not entirely comfortable with how close he had come. “I am not simply a pawn in some family scheme, no matter how well-intentioned.”

Matthew smiled, but there was no warmth in it. “No one is suggesting you’re a pawn, Anna. You’re simply… being sensible. And I am offering you a future you can count on. Don’t you see?” He reached for her hand, brushing his fingers lightly over her knuckles, and though the touch was brief, it sent a shock of discomfort through her. “I understand you may have hesitations, but we both know what’s expected of you. What’s expected of both of us.”

Anna pulled her hand away, her voice firm. “I have more than just a duty to consider, Lord Vaun. I have my own mind, my own choice.”

He arched a brow, his voice taking on an almost amused edge. “Choice, yes. But the choice isn’t really yours alone, is it? Thereare expectations, Lady Anna. Everyone’s watching. And the longer you delay…” He trailed off, letting the silence carry the weight of his words.

Anna lifted her eyes to him. His face was smooth, calm, and too cool. There was no warmth there, no spark, only a pressing sense of inevitability.

“I—” she began, her voice tight.

But the words froze as a familiar voice interrupted, smooth, edged with curiosity.

“I hope I’m not interrupting something…significant.”

Anna turned sharply.

Henry stood just behind them, his dark green eyes flicking between her and Matthew, something almost unreadable in his expression.

“Henry,” Matthew greeted smoothly, a flicker of surprise in his voice. “You decided to join us finally, I thought it rather ungracious for a host to disappear.”

“I had pressing matters to attend to,” Henry said lightly, though his eyes stayed fixed on Anna. “I wasn’t aware the two of you were so… closely acquainted.”

Anna opened her mouth, but Matthew spoke smoothly. “Oh, we’re more than acquainted, cousin. I’ve called on Lady Anna several times.” His gaze slid to Anna. “Haven’t I?”

Anna’s fingers twitched at her side, her cheeks heating.

Henry’s assessing eyes flicked to her. “Is that so?”

Anna’s throat tightened. She forced a polite nod. “Yes… Lord Vaun has been… very gracious.”

Henry’s eyes sharpened slightly, a flicker of something passing through them. “Gracious.” He gave a small, humorless chuckle. “That’s one word for it.”

Matthew’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “You know, Henry, Lady Anna has quite the mind for practical matters. She understands the… advantages of a well-matched union.”

Anna tensed slightly. “Lord Vaun…”

He smoothly pressed on, eyes flicking to her, voice mild, “We were just discussing how sometimes a woman’s duty and her personal preference do not always align.”

Henry’s brow furrowed. “Were you?” His voice carried a mildness that didn’t match the sharpness in his gaze.

Anna drew in a slow breath. “Lord Vaun, you exaggerate. We weren’t discussing anything so heavy.”

Matthew tilted his head slightly. “No? I thought we had an understanding, Lady Anna. For both our families.”