Page 61 of Her Ruse with the Rakish Duke

“Who wants to marry me.”

“He is a rake, Daphne. Awhoremonger. Do you know what he does to girls like you?”

“Before you judge him for having a past, you should look at yourself in the mirror. Or have you forgotten the position I found you in some time ago?”

“Why must you always bring that up?” he asked angrily.

“I bring it up because you are the pot calling the kettle black.” She spat. “Both of you have the same love for women, but while he is honest about it, you see yourself as a saint and judge him.”

He frowned darkly at her.

“You are defending him now?”

“Yes, I am.”

“You have known me your whole life. And you pick the side of a man you barely know?”

“Why are we having this conversation?”

“Do not worry, Daphne,” he spat. “After he has used and discarded you, I will be here.”

“You are being horribly unkind.”

He stalked closer to her grabbing her by the waist. She tried to struggle out of his hold.

“Let me go, Percy,” she cried out.

“Do you think he intends to marry you?” he spat. “He will treat you as he treats all other women. He will take, and take, and take all he wants from you. And when he is done, he will leave you like a toy he does not want to play with anymore.”

“You do not know him.”

“And you do?” he asked with a mocking laugh.

“I know him well enough.”

“Then I guess you know he has sworn off marriage, right?”

“I know that.”

“But do you knowwhy?”

She tried to school her expression, but it was too late. He had already seen it.

“He has not told you, has he?” He laughed. “He has not told you what happened with his father.”

“I… I don’t need him to.”

“You barely know anything about him, except what is common knowledge.” Percy went on. Do you even know where he spent the last four years?”

Daphne frowned as she realized she did not know any of these things. Then again, there was no need for her to, considering they were not truly courting. That didn’t mean his pointing them out didn’t sting.

“You are probably only interesting to him for now, because, unlike the other girls, you will not throw yourself at him. Be careful Daphne, because once he has a taste of you, he will end whatever it is you think you two have.”

“Why are you being so spiteful?” she cried, feeling a tear run down her cheeks.

“Because I am your friend, and I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“But you have hurt me even more than he ever could.”