A Duke Is Always Intrigued by Rebecca Leigh

Author:Rebecca Leigh [Leigh, Rebecca]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: BookBaby
Published: 2023-06-05T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Ian watched Emma as she stared up into the sky, the lights from the exploding fireworks illuminating her face, as they stood together outside the gates of Carlton House watching the prince’s firework display. He chuckled when she jumped as another loud boom sounded overhead just before an eruption of light. She was smiling brightly with her hand resting on his arm and he thought that seeing her like this, glowing and happy, was something he wanted to see every day. He wanted to be the one to bring her joy, contentment, and pleasure. He wanted her, all of her.

“It’s so amazing. They explode and shatter in bright light and then disappear just as quickly.” She turned to look back at him, her face beaming with excitement. “Thank you for escorting me, but I should probably head back before anyone can notice my absence.”

He nodded. “Yes, it will be a good idea to leave a bit before everyone else to avoid the crowds.” He turned around and whistled loudly for the hack that was waiting for them.

Ian pulled her closer to his side and wrapped an arm around her waist as he led her back to the hack. He helped her inside and climbed in to sit opposite her. She had removed the hood of her cloak from her head, and he wished he didn’t have to relinquish her once they returned to her aunt’s house. He wanted to pull her into his arms and use the remaining time they had together to love her thoroughly, but he needed to talk with her about this chaos with Aphrodite.

“You had said that you had read about Aphrodite and the excitement your masquerade costume was causing all over London in the scandal sheets.”

Her smile widened. “I have. Isn’t it exciting! Everyone is trying to discover who I am. I never imagined that I would create such a stir in London.”

He hated to dispel the excitement she was feeling, but it was necessary. This game was dangerous, and he had to make her understand how the revelation of her identity could affect everyone close to her.

“Emma, it would be wise if it was never discovered that you are Aphrodite.”

Emma’s smile faded. “What do you mean?”

“Right now, Aphrodite from the ball is an enigma to the ton. Everyone wants to discover who you are. But only two things can happen once you are known to be the mysterious Greek Goddess. The ton is fickle and merciless when they turn on someone, and they have been known to turn on one of their own.” He reached across the carriage and took her hand in his. “You are not one of their own, Emma.”

“But in the papers, everyone loves Aphrodite.”

“Because she is a secret, a riddle to be solved. If it is discovered that you, are her, it could turn out badly. They could become incensed and feel dupped because you are not one of their own. Your family would also suffer from this.

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