Page 47 of Her Ruse with the Rakish Duke

Perhaps she had not been expecting to see him.

He had wondered why she had suddenly begun avoiding him. It certainly was so because she had started turning and running in the other direction whenever she had seen him coming.

What had suddenly spurred this strange behavior in her? His emotions oscillated between worry and anger as the days went past. Yet no single sensible reason had come to light.

He had been positively gentlemanly with her, struggling but ultimately succeeding in keeping his hands to himself, no matter how tempting she had looked, and talking about her favorite books. And when she would look up at him with her big innocent eyes… eyes which begged him to kiss her.

Now that Daphne was standing in front of him, Victor’s anger lit up once again. He was not going to let her go without an answer.

“Your Grace,” she curtsied, kindling his frustration.

Why would she suddenly revert to treating him like a stranger?

“What are you doing, Daphne?” He glared unable to keep the heat out of his voice.

She looked away from him biting her lip.

“I do not understand you, Your Grace.”

“I told you to call me Victor.” He responded. “Why are you avoiding me?”

She paled, her eyes darting around.

“And do not think you will be able to flee this time.” He frowned, stepping closer to her. “I want an answer.”

“I… I am not avoiding you.” She stuttered in a high-pitched voice. She cleared her throat, squaring her shoulders and unknowingly emphasizing her cleavage. “Why would I be avoiding you?”

The familiar beat of lust swimming through his bloodstream strummed through him. He ignored it and he raised a brow at her.

“That is precisely what I am asking you, darling,” he said, stepping even closer.

“Your Grace.” She warned, her hands coming up to stop him.

Her hands on his abdomen sent a spark through him but he was undeterred.

“People could see us,” she warned again.

“Did I hurt you?” he asked in a small voice. “Is that why you are avoiding me?”

“No, you did not.” She sighed. “I just…”

“Victor?”

His mother’s voice caused him to pull away from her and put her behind him.

“Oh, it is you, Lady Daphne. Is everything all right?” she asked trying to peer over his shoulder.

“Good day, Your Grace.” Daphne curtsied. “Everything is well.”

“Yes, Mother it is,” he said, noting the dark circles under her eyes. “Are you all right?"

She jumped like she had been startled by the question.

“Yes, I am,” she answered with a weak smile. “Could we talk? In private, please.”

His body instantly went on alert as he wondered why she had to ask so seriously. He nodded and turned to Daphne behind him.

“I will see you after dinner,” he told her. “This discussion is not over.”