Page 77 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

To Rose, the smile seemed an utterly unattractive thing. Lacking in substance and slightly thin.

Perhaps if I stop speaking to him, he will leave.

“Besides, I felt I needed to explain my actions last night.” Lord Verimoor adopted an earnest expression. “For I fear I caused you some upset.”

Rose continued to say nothing. She had no wish to speak of his behavior the night before, nor to speak to him at all. Instead, she continued to walk, studiously avoiding him as he continued to somehow move closer and prevent Abigail from returning to her side.

“I should not have been as forward as I was. Not on such a public occasion.” Lord Verimoor flipped his hair artfully, reminding Rose of a preening schoolboy. “You see, I was quite overcome when I saw you again. I could hardly contain myself. And my own desires… well, they made me forget just how proper and ladylike you are.”

Rose frowned at him, hoping that he would stop speaking. Yet, her hope was a vain one.

“You see, I can understand how one such as yourself would be opposed to such forward proclamations in such a public space. It was foolish of me to be so candid at a ball.” Lord Verimoor glanced over his shoulder and then leaned towards her. “Which is why I am so glad to have run into you this morning.”

Rose’s heart rate quickened.

He thinks that the cause of my distress is the location rather than his own behavior. Does the man feel no shame?

She opened her mouth to disabuse him rather firmly of his mistaken notion, but before she could, he cut her off.

“You see, I am in love with you.” Lord Verimoor said the words as though he were bestowing the most marvellous gift upon her.

Rose gaped at him. “You are in love with me?”

“Indeed. I have been since the moment I first laid eyes on you. My heart knew I had to have you, and the strength of my desire has only grown over these last few months.” Lord Verimoor grabbed her hand, taking advantage of her shock. “I know you feel the same. That you, too, must sense our connection.”

Rose shook her head, attempting to free her hand from his grip. “Indeed, My Lord, you are mistaken. I do not love you. And I have no wish to be loved by you.”

“Come now, you do not need to hide your feelings. There is no one here but your maid, and she will not tell a soul.” Lord Verimoor shot Abigiail a threatening look. “Will you, girl?”

“She will not tell a soul because there is nothing to tell. And how dare you speak to her like that.” Rose tried to free her hand from his grip once more.

When did it get so dark?

She glanced around as she tried to catch Abigail’s eye. To her horror, she realized that at some point they had left the park and entered the forest. And Lord Verimoor was now using the trees to lose Abigail.

“Perhaps we should return to the park, Your Grace?” Abigail called, concern in her voice.

“I think that is an excellent idea.” Rose managed to tug her arm from his grip and began to step away from him.

How do I leave this place?

“I am not finished.” His eyes narrowed. “I love you, and you will be my wife.”

“My Lord, whether you love me or not, it matters little.” Anger and panic welled up within her.

How did I let him drag me to the forest?

“I am a married woman, although you seem to be unable to remember this fact.”

Lord Verimoor laughed. It was a high, unpleasant sound, and it sent shivers down her spine. Rose glanced at Abigail, who was shaking her head and moving towards her.

We shall run as soon as she is closer.

“Do not worry, my dear. I remember that you have a husband. Or should I say, youhada husband.” Lord Verimoor grinned.

Rose’s heart stopped. “What do you mean?”

“Oh, just that I get what I want. And I would not let a little thing like some unhappy accident stand in the way of that.” Lord Verimoor glanced at his pocket watch. “Yes, even as we speak, my little plan is being set in motion.”