Page 12 of Duke of Emeralds (Dukes of Decadence #2)

H ester sighed. The thought of a family, of a little one to love and cherish, was something she had always wanted.

But she couldn’t risk it, not when she knew the pain and heartache that came with love and loss.

It was best to avoid it all together. If children were to be the ultimate sacrifice, then so be it.

“As you wish, Duchess,” Thomas surprisingly agreed. His acquiescence left her slightly skeptical, her brow furrowing slightly as she studied his face.

“I will be in the sitting area if ye need anything then,” he said. “Or happen to change yer mind,” he added with an impish glint in his eyes.

Hester felt herself blush profusely, her cheeks warming under his gaze. Thomas must have noticed her reaction and gotten the response he wanted, for he burst out laughing then, the sound rich and warm.

“If you will excuse me, I should like to change and have dinner now,” Hester said as she shooed her husband out of the room.

She had dismissed her lady’s maid, Miss Holt, earlier, to keep up appearances since she had no intention of having a proper wedding night. Relief eased through her as the door closed behind Thomas, leaving her alone in the room.

She made her way to the small table where their meal awaited them, the scent of roasted meat and fresh bread filling the air. She took a seat then glanced at the door. Thomas might rejoin her soon, and she was unsure if she welcomed his company.

He did so moments later, his tall frame filling the doorway as he entered the room. He took a seat across from her, his eyes never leaving her face.

“But why do we have to avoid each other completely at night?” he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied her.

“You seem to find all of this amusing, do you not?”

“Certainly. I cannae understand why a bride avoids her groom so.”

Hester felt a blush creep up her cheeks as she recalled the rumors Nancy had shared. How could she possibly tell him that a part of her was afraid those rumors could be true? And that she didn’t want to risk seeing him prowling the night in his wolf form?

“You shall get your answer after I’ve had my meal,” Hester finally said, her chin lifting slightly as she shooed him out of the room once more.

Thomas chuckled, the sound rich and warm. “Ye take dinner very seriously, don’t ye?” he asked as she reached for a second helping of some mash and gravy.

“In case you didn’t notice, I haven’t had a proper meal all day,” she excused, her cheeks warming under his gaze.

Thomas chuckled once more, reaching for the decanter of wine and refilling her glass. “Thank you,” she mumbled through a mouth full of mash.

“It’s me turn now,” Thomas said.

Hester swallowed, her brow furrowing slightly as she studied him. “Hmm?” she let out, her fingers nervously twisting together.

“I listened to all yer rules, Hester,” Thomas said. “I believe it is only fair ye listen to mine as well, don’t ye think?”

Her curiosity and anticipation rose as she waited for him to continue.

Thomas leaned forward slightly, his eyes never leaving her face. “I need you to be a duchess,” he said, his voice steady and sure. “That is all I require. For two months, we will stick together like this…

“Close enough to not raise any doubts,” Thomas continued, repeating her words to her, “but far enough from each other to not carry out any matrimonial obligations.

“And after we’ve been seen together plenty in society, we will be free to each go our separate ways, live apart, and do as we wish with our days,” Thomas finished.

Hester nodded her agreement, wondering what this new feeling within her was. Disappointment? Why? Wasn’t this what she wanted? She had been the one to suggest these rules in the first place, hadn’t she?

After dinner, she rose to her feet. “Good night, Hester,” Thomas said, rising to his feet with her.

“Good ni—” she began but took a mindless step back and stumbled over a nearby ottoman.

Her husband’s arms reached out and caught her almost on instinct, his hands strong and sure around her waist, but Hester flailed to get a grip in her alarm, her hands flying to his shoulders as she tried to steady herself.

Thus she only succeeded in pulling him down with her, and they fell onto a nearby sofa in a tangle of limbs and fabric. Hester was sandwiched between the cushions and her husband’s massive body which cradled her.

She swallowed nervously, and her heart thundered in her chest. Curiously, she felt no desire to get him off her, no sense of alarm or discomfort. Instead, warmth and safety spread through her, a feeling of rightness that she couldn’t quite explain.

Thomas made no move to get off her, either, and their eyes held. Slowly, he reached and tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear, his fingers gentle and sure as they grazed her cheek ever so lightly.

Sweet warmth coursed through her at his touch, and so did a sense of longing. What am I doing?

More importantly, what was he doing? she wondered as his head lowered to hers. She could feel the warmth of his breath on her cheek, the scent of sandalwood and citrus that was uniquely him filling her senses.

Is he going to kiss me? Anticipation rushed over her, and she felt her lashes fluttering. His gaze held hers once more, and a magnetic pull seemed to suspend time between them.

But then, with a gentle exhale, he pulled back, lifting himself off her and leaving her even more breathless than before.

“Ye should rest, Hester,” he said, glancing back at her as he straightened his coat. “Tomorrow’s journey is long, and we must reach Dorset before nightfall.”

With that, he turned and took his leave. Hester stared at the door long after it had closed, grappling with the foolishness of her thoughts.

Had she truly believed he was about to kiss her? What nonsense!