Page 12 of My Blind Duke (The Twisted Dukes #5)

“ P rudence, you are using the wrong color again.”

Prudence blinked at Melanie, then looked down at her hands, noting that the child was indeed right.

“Oh, no. I am sorry,” she apologized, taking the pink flower out of the wreath and choosing a yellow one.

“Do not be so hard on yourself. Mistakes happen.” Melanie beamed at her and went on with her work, leaving Prudence to wonder how a child could possess more patience than adults four times her age.

They had been making the flower wreath they had planned to do a while ago because they needed to get a new batch of flowers after the last one started to dry up. And thanks to Prudence, it was taking longer than they had expected, due to her many mistakes.

Melanie had been sweet the whole time, pointing out whenever Prudence’s color choice went out of the order they had picked, gently nudging her attention back to the task at hand.

And by God, she was trying so hard to stay focused. But it was extremely difficult when her body and mind recalled so much of William’s touch. She could still feel his hands kneading her hips, his tongue on her nipples, his teeth nibbling her neck and his lips pressing searing kisses onto hers. It was driving her mad with desire.

She had never particularly felt as though she had missed out on something spectacular when Anthony passed. She had not been eager to bed him on their wedding night and his passing had made her wonder if perhaps she was destined for a life of solitude.

Some of her so-called ‘ friends’ had encouraged her to take a lover.

“Are you not lonely? Men might be more trouble than their worth but they do have their uses. If you find the right one, he can do more than just keep your bed warm.”

Prudence had sputtered and blushed her way out of that conversation, hoping it was never brought up again. She did not understand why it was so necessary to submit to one’s inhibitions. She could never have fathomed it.

And yet, three days ago, she had let the Duke of Pemberly lift her onto a table and touch her in places no man ever had. She had craved every bit of him that she had gotten to feel and taste, and had even moaned his name.

“Oh, Lord.” She dropped the wreath and pressed her hands over her face.

“Are you all right, Prudence?” Melanie asked, startled and concerned.

Prudence nodded and quickly sat up. “Yes. Yes, I am, dear. I just… I have not been sleeping well. Lately. So – um. I am a little tired these days.”

“Oh,” Melanie sighed with a sympathetic expression. “Nightmares?”

“Not… not exactly. I suppose I just have a lot on my mind,” she replied.

“Like what?” the child questioned, her eyes betraying precious childlike curiosity.

Your father, mostly.

“Just, a few things. But do not worry! I am well.” Prudence smiled, hoping she looked as reassuring as she was trying to appear.

“If you are sure. But! If you want to talk, you know where to find me,” Melanie stated seriously, as though she was not quoting an offer that Prudence had made her, word for word.

She had extended the offer to be Melanie’s friend and confidant after one of their very first walks together, hoping the girl would understand that she meant well. And to hear those words directed at her, knowing that Melanie had not only understood her offer of comfort and returned the same sentiment made the duchess really happy.

“Thank you, darling. I will keep your kind offer in mind. I truly appreciate it,” she told the child sincerely.

“Of course,” Melanie smiled at her and returned to her wreath a moment later.

And Prudence began to wonder if what she was feeling was proper.

Was it a good idea to want a man with a daughter? A man who despised her but wanted her? A man whose child liked her a lot and had begun to rely on her? Was it safe for Prudence to let her mind and desires run away with her like this?

She did not have the answers, but she knew she had never felt like this before. Had never wanted anything before as fiercely as her body demanded and yearned for the duke’s attention.

For his touch.

Prudence had never disliked someone so much in one breath and prayed to feel their lips on hers in her dreams over and over again until the lines between reality and dream began to blur together.

She did not know what to do with all of these feelings. Did not know what to do with herself when she came to and realized she had spent hours fantasizing about the man who had once expressed interest in putting her out of her own house.

Has he changed his mind about me? How can I trust that he will not change his mind again and toss me out?

But when Melanie raised her head to smile at Prudence, her hands gently showing her progress as she asked, “Do you think he will like it?”

Prudence found herself hoping that whatever the answer to her questions was, they would not destroy her.

“I am sure he will. He has to.”