Page 15 of The Duke’s Ultimatum (Unrelenting Lords #1)

CHAPTER 15

T he next night, Eleanor followed her mother and the Duke through the main doors to Lady Weller’s grand ballroom. Lady Weller’s balls were the highlight of the season and therefore drew quite the list of names.

As soon as they entered the ballroom, Eleanor split off from her mother and the insufferable Duke. She made her way through the crowds and spotted Caroline.

“Oh, Eleanor, you look ravishing in your dress. Is that the new one you were talking about? It makes your green eyes positively pop!”

Eleanor leaned in to give her friend’s cheek a kiss and blushed. “Thank you, Caroline. I didn’t know if yellow would suit my coloring and blonde hair, but Mama said it was the perfect shade for me.”

Caroline squealed. “They’re really pushing you out there, aren’t they?”

Eleanor nodded in agreement. “Third times a charm,” she said, referring to her third season.

Her friend laughed. “Well, if it is to happen anywhere, it may as well be here. Anybody who is anybody is at this ball.”

Eleanor scanned the room. There were the regular faces she had come accustomed to seeing—even the Viscount of Hountshire was there. He gave a slight nod in her direction. She responded with a smile.

She was sure she would end up dancing with him at some point in the night, but for tonight’s purposes, she had bigger plans. Caroline was right when she said they were doing everything in their power to make sure Eleanor was noticed tonight. Only Caroline got the coordinators wrong. It was Eleanor’s own doing that her cheeks were rosy, her eyes sparkled, and her dress lay just so to accentuate her frame.

She was on a mission to not only find a man but to make sure the Duke was well aware of her operation.

Caroline and Eleanor walked around the ballroom, gossiping about who was there and who, if anyone, caught their interest.

“Did you see Lord Malson’s son is back from Oxford?” Caroline whispered while nodding to her right.

Eleanor’s eyes followed the movement and fell onto the boy who used to pull her hair when they were young.

Although, he was no longer a boy. He was all man.

“Well, time away certainly has done wonders for him,” Eleanor murmured.

Caroline gasped before covering a giggle with her hand. “Eleanor! Where did you learn to speak like that?”

Eleanor took a moment to consider her friend’s shock. She normally would never think something like that, let alone actually say it out loud. Not before meeting a certain duke. Drat. That man is slowly dissecting my very being.

She turned to Caroline to apologize when her eyes clashed with dark blue ones behind Caroline. Graynor was standing by a wall; a man was talking to him, but his attention was fully on Eleanor.

Eleanor was caught in his gaze, and she couldn’t move. Time seemed to stop.

“Eleanor?” Caroline nudged her friend.

“What? Oh, sorry.” She shook her head from the trance she kept falling into when her eyes connect with the Duke’s. “You’re right, I shouldn’t have said that about Micheal.”

Caroline rolled her eyes. “Why not? It’s the truth,” she said with a wiggle of her eyebrows. Both girls giggled at the silliness of it all.

“Why don’t you go say something to him? You know, I always thought he liked you.”

Eleanor laughed. “Hardly. He was always so horrid to me, pulling my hair, taking my books. He was not a kind child.”

“Oh, Eleanor,” Caroline teased, “haven’t you ever heard the old wives’ tale that if a boy likes you, he shows it by picking on you?”

Eleanor raised an eyebrow. “Sounds made up to me.”

Caroline carelessly shrugged. “True or false, I say you go over there and catch up with an old friend.”

Without realizing it, Eleanor found herself looking back to where the Duke was standing. He was still in conversation with the man, but once again, his eyes were focused on her.

Well, if he wanted to keep a watch on her, then she’d give him a show.

With a confident smile, she sauntered over to where Michael stood, pouring himself a glass of punch. She made sure to put an extra sway in her walk, not too much, mind you, but just enough.

“Good evening, Michael, it’s good to see you.” Eleanor made sure her voice was soft and demure. She kept her eyes trained on his until he looked at her at which time she let them fall. She didn’t want to seem too forward.

“Lady Eleanor? Is that you?”

Eleanor smiled and nodded. “It is. I hear you’re back from Oxford. Are you just visiting or…”

“Just visiting. I’ll be returning for my next term in a few weeks.” Micheal smiled proudly.

Now that she was closer, she could still see the young boy who used to torment her.

Michael shuffled his weight. “I heard of your father’s passing. My condolences. He was a good man.”

Eleanor dipped her head. “Thank you. It has been quite the adjustment.”

Michael nodded. “I heard that a distant relation has taken over the title.”

Eleanor blew out a breath. “Yes. That, too, has been interesting.”

Michael’s eyes glazed over as he leaned over to whisper in her ear. “I hear it’s Derek Fletcher. We actually learned about some of his business deals in our studies. Is he here?”

The prospect of reconnecting with an old friend evaporated before it even really took root. Even if he were to act interested in her, it was the Duke he would have his sights set on. He would most likely use her as a way to get to him and get a leg up on his future plans post Oxford.

“He is. He’s right over there.” She turned to nod in the direction when, once again, her eyes collided with his. Of course, he was still watching her. Only now, the other man was no longer there. He must’ve realized the Duke was too busy staring inappropriately at his ward to pay attention to him.

Eleanor shook her head.

Well, he might not be a prospect, but while she had Micheal’s attention, she might as well as use him.

Eleanor leaned into Michael. “Would you like me to introduce you?”

Michael’s eyes lit with excitement. “Would you mind?”

Their faces were closer than what would be considered appropriate, but all she needed was to stay there for a breath. Once the moment was noted by the pompous arse across the room, she straightened and feigned a blush.

“I wouldn’t mind at all. His Grace loves talking business. I’m sure he would love to hear all about your studies at Oxford.”

Eleanor placed a hand on Michael’s arm. Micheal, in turn, placed his warm hand over hers.

She didn’t see it, but she felt the surge of energy bound at her from across the room. Eleanor smiled widely at her old friend. He was no longer necessary.

“I will talk with His Grace and arrange something.”

“Can’t it be tonight?” Michael was looking over her head to catch another glimpse of the infamous Duke of Graynor.

Eleanor wrinkled her nose. “I’m sorry, Michael, but I will tell him of you and your interest, and I’m sure we can arrange something before your return to Oxford.” Eleanor looked around for her next victim. This was actually quite fun when the purpose was to annoy and frustrate the Duke.

Her eyes landed on a tall gentleman who was currently talking with an old friend of her father’s. He looked a bit older than her, which apparently was what the Duke wanted, and she had to admit he looked rather dashing.

“Please excuse me, Michael. I see an old friend of my father’s that I must say hello to.” She started walking away before he could utter a goodbye.

As she got closer to her father’s friend, and the handsome man he was talking to, the Duke stepped into their conversation. Her footsteps wavered until she realized the idea of flirting with a man directly in front of the Duke was too good of an opportunity to pass up.

Let me show him the problem does not lie with me.

“Lord Bellfry! I knew that was you. How are you? I miss seeing you.”

“Ah, Lady Eleanor, my child. How are you?” The old man’s eyes lit up at seeing Eleanor. He was an old school friend of her father’s who would frequent their home, always bringing little trinkets for the girls.

“I’m well, thank you.” She dipped her chin. When she stood again, she made eye contact with the stranger in front of her, completely ignoring the looming presence of the Duke next to Lord Bellfry.

“Lady Eleanor, please let me introduce you to Samuel Riggins. He is a friend of my son’s from Cambridge.”

She raised her hand for the man to take. Samuel captured her hand in his and brought it to his mouth. She swore she heard a low growl coming from the Duke but paid it no attention.

“Mr. Riggins, it is an honor to meet you.”

Samuel’s clear blue eyes lifted to hers. “The honor is all mine, Lady Eleanor.”

“What brings you to our little corner of the world?”

Eleanor was determined to keep her focus on Samuel, but it was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the Duke. His presence seemed to shift into something larger than life. Her eyes started to drift to him while Samuel recounted his studies and how he chose to spend the summer visiting with Lord Bellfry’s family.

“That sounds fascinating, Mr. Riggins. Have you always had an interest in philosophy?” Eleanor asked, hoping to create a conversation she could concentrate on instead of the brute standing next to Lord Bellfy.

“Yes, indeed. The why of who we are but more importantly why are we?” Samuel brightened under Eleanor’s interest.

A gruff huffed out laugh came from the Duke’s place.

Samuel’s eyes flew to his, and he seemed to deflate in front of Eleanor.

Eleanor rolled her eyes. “Are you all right, Your Grace? You may want to get a drink to help clear your throat.” She looked his way to see a look of derision being speared in Samuel’s direction.

“My apologies, Mr. Riggins. I fear I am no man for philosophy. I only deal with the here and now and what can be done.”

Samuel puffed up his chest and proudly exclaimed, “The unexplained life is not worth living.” He seemed proud of his intellectual input.

Eleanor found it pretentious.

“I know Socrates, Mr. Riggins. I just said I wasn’t a man of philosophy. That does not mean I am not knowledgeable about it. As Lady Eleanor can tell you, I make sure to know many things.”

Eleanor blushed. “Gentlemen, there is no need for sullen discourse. This is a party!” Eleanor dug deep into her etiquette lessons to get the conversation back on safe ground.

“Lady Eleanor is right. Let’s save that discussion for the parlor,” Samuel said before turning his attention to Eleanor. “Lady Eleanor, would it be too forward to tell you, you look remarkable tonight.”

Eleanor beamed a bright smile at Samuel. This is more like it!

“Why thank you, Mr. Riggins. I wasn’t sure of the color.” She dipped her head as she brushed a curl away from her face.

The same bullish energy she felt when she touched Michael’s arm came rushing back at her.

“Oh no, I feel yellow is a welcoming color, and it suits you beautifully.”

Eleanor raised her head, tilting it just so to give a coy smile. “You are too kind, Mr. Riggins.”

“Eleanor.” Graynor’s voice was lined with authority. “I completely forgot your mother was looking for you. Come, I will take you to her.”

Eleanor looked at the Duke questioningly as he pulled her from the conversation.

She tried asking why he abruptly stole her from a conversation, again, but there were too many people the Duke was weaving in and out of, so he couldn’t hear her.

He pulled her through the main hallway, past people milling around chatting, some casting curious looks in their direction. She spotted her mother, but the Duke kept walking.

He steps quickened, pulling her away before she could call to her mother. Eleanor looked behind them and noticed they were now alone. Nervous panic set in, and she started to tug on her arm.

“Your Grace, what are?—”

Her body was pushed up against the wall, her hands cuffed above her head, and her eyes were staring into dark pools of liquid fire.

“Do not ask me what I am doing. What are you doing?” He was so close, his breath mingled with hers.

“I was talking to friends, and you, again, rudely pulled me from the conversation.”

A wicked grin pulled at the Duke’s lips. “Oh, no, you were not just talking.”

Eleanor furrowed her brow. “What are you insinuating, Your Grace?”

“You were flirting.”

Eleanor risked a laugh. “Someone told me I needed to find a husband by the end of the season. How am I to do that without a little flirting? No one would be interested in a droll wallflower.”

Graynor squeezed his eyes shut. “You were doing more than simple flirting, and you know it.”

“I know no such thing! Why?—”

Her words were swallowed up in a violent kiss. The Duke pushed his body up against hers, pinning her between the wall and his hard body.

Eleanor could not help but give into the kiss. Her upbringing was trying to ring the alarm bells while her instincts chose to tune the noises out.

Her body reacted by pulling against her restrained hands. She wanted to touch him. Explore him.

He wedged a knee in between her legs and pushed up. A shock of electricity shot through her body. Her moan was muffled in his kisses. He pulled his leg back only to do it again. Her body began to move to a rhythm only he and she knew. Delicious energy swirled within her core begging for more.

Mercifully, the Duke let go of her hands, so his could roam her body. He massaged her breast with one hand as the other traced the side of her body, eliciting a gasp. She squirmed under his touch as his kisses left her mouth and trailed down her throat.

One of her hands threaded in his hair and held his head in place as he sucked, nibbled, and kissed her neck. His other hand was finding its way to underneath her skirts.

“What is it that you do to me?” His voice was hot and raspy in her ear. “You make me lose control. I am not one to be out of control.”

Eleanor’s words were incoherent in her mind. The only way she could communicate was through moans and gasps now. All words were lost to her.

Graynor grabbed her and turned them, so his back was to the wall and her back was to his chest.

“Look. Do you see us in the window, Eleanor?” Graynor’s hand found the apex between her thighs and began to rub gently, sending bright colors of light to explode behind her closed eyelids.

Eleanor’s eyes were closed, concentrating on every new feeling her body was experiencing.

“Open. Your. Eyes. Eleanor.” His finger moved faster with his punctuated words. Eleanor opened her eyes to see their reflection in the mirror.

She didn’t recognize herself. Her hair was a mess, and the dress that once laid so perfectly was now pulled askew in the throes of passion.

“Do you see what you do to me?”

Eleanor rested her head on his chest and closed her eyes, giving in to the building tension in her core.

“No, don’t do that. I want you to watch how you come undone on my hand.”

Eleanor opened her eyes. She watched as her body writhed and moved under his ministrations.

Her eyes locked in on his in the reflection. His crude comment unlocked something deep within her. She felt powerful, feminine, worshipped, seen.

The control she felt in that moment began to slip away as a powerful surge of electricity that was building within her was near completion. Her face must have conveyed her concern because the Duke began whispering in her ear.

“You’re so beautiful like this. Look at you. Follow that feeling, Eleanor. Take control of your body. That’s a good girl. Let it happen.”

His fingers began to concentrate on the spot that had her movements turn frantic against his.

Her moans were growing with each movement. She was close. She grabbed onto the arm that had her pinned against him.

As her body was preparing her for something she never experienced, the Duke pulled her away from the window. He pushed her back up against the wall and captured her scream in his mouth. His tongue swept into hers as her scream lessened into whimpering.

His kisses became softer, coaxing her down from her high.

He brought his hand out from under her skirt.

Eleanor saw the slickness on it, and her cheeks reddened.

The Duke brought his finger up to his mouth and sucked on it, closing his eyes on a moan.

“I knew you would be delicious.”

Eleanor’s eyes widened. Her mind and body were still wavering from the onslaught of feelings and emotions they had just experienced. Her throat was dry, and her knees were weak.

“You should probably stop by the privy on your way back to the ballroom. Can’t have Mr. Riggins seeing this pretty dress all messed up,” the Duke said with a cheeky grin before he turned and walked away leaving Eleanor alone and reeling.

As soon as the haze of ecstasy disappeared, Eleanor felt only one thing. Pure rage.

Derek pushed his way into a random door. Oh thank God, this room has whisky.

He poured himself a generous amount and took a pull. When he looked up, he saw his reflection in the window. His hair was run through. He could still feel her nails scraping against his skull. His body reacted to the memory.

“Damn it,” he said to himself.

Looking at his reflection, he leaned his forehead on the cool glass. “She is not yours. She is not yours.”

Frustration built up, and he pushed himself away from the window. He began to pace in the small study, raking his hands through his hair.

Anyone could have seen them. Could have seen her. Anyone could have seen the way her eyes widened when a new sensation hit her. Anyone could have seen how her body moved when chasing that primal high.

Normally the thought of getting caught excited him. He was always one to push the limits, that was a part of his success. But the thought of someone else seeing Eleanor that way set off alarm bells in his head.

Someone could have been in the hallway or in the garden the window looked out onto. “You fool,” he chastised himself.

He stood with his hands on his hips, his head hung low. The only solace he had was that he pulled her further into the shadows and away from the window. Well, that, and he didn’t push her own limits, and his, and take her right there in the hallway.

Derek righted himself and smoothed down his hair and jacket. It was a mistake, nothing more. The moment got away from him; he could control himself. He’d have to for her sake and his.