Page 14 of Seven Nights with the Wicked Duke

He burst into laughter then, forgetting they were supposed to be as quiet as possible so she slapped her hand over his mouth again.

"Be quiet at once!" she ordered.

He shot her a glare that had her stumbling back from him.

"While I find you amusing, Cecilia, do not think to forget you are speaking to a duke," he warned.

"I… I…"

He laughed at her confusion and she frowned again.

He seemed to enjoy laughing at her.

"You are infuriating," she gasped, turning away from him.

"And you are quite possibly the most interesting person I have ever met," he told her. "Which is why I must advise you to cease this task you intend on pursuing. It is dangerous."

"I will hardly be hurt by anything there. It only…"

"It risks your reputation, therefore it is dangerous," he scolded. "Have you stopped to think for one second what would have happened if it was anyone else you met this evening that recognized you? Do you think there are that many gentlemen that would keep your secret?"

She had indeed thought of that.

"I have and I am grateful you chose discretion instead of ousting me but…"

"But nothing, Cecilia," he said with finality. "I expect you to apply yourself to common sense and stay away from balls like the one you attended today. It is much too dangerous for you."

"And if I choose to go?" she asked, not knowing why she felt the need to rile him. "Will you report me to my brother?"

"I will if you choose to keep being so stubborn."

"You cannot keep me from pursing my happiness when you do not understand my reason for doing so," she said, lowering her eyes. "It is not foolishness that drives me but weariness. I am tired of being treated like I am incapable of rational thought."

"I can understand your desire for freedom but this is not the path to do so."

She scoffed and turned away.

"I thought you would understand me," she accused. "You do not seem bound by any rules."

"That is because I am powerful enough to break these rules without suffering the consequences. You are not."

She knew that but she didn't want to agree with him.

He was a reprobate by all standards but while lesser men were shunned by mamas and chaperones, he was still hounded by them because he was a duke.

He was accepted in every circle, respectable or not because he had power to ruin or build up reputations.

She was sure he had an invitation to every ball and only had to decide which to visit. He could even…

An idea dropped in her mind that was too tempting to resist.

"You could take me then," she offered. "You could be my partner to these balls and you can protect me."

He laughed again, tossing his head back and exposing the long, elegant column of his throat but she forced herself to focus on the idea that seemed the most sensible option she hadn't even considered.

He would be able to keep an eye on her and guide her to responsible people who wouldn't hurt her and since he knew all the hottest events, she could attend by his side.

"Clearly you have no sense of danger. Or else you would not dare suggest I be your partner." His words were playful but his tone and gaze were anything but.