A Rakish Duke's Rules for Love: A Steamy Historical Regency Romance Novel by Daphne Byrne

Author:Daphne Byrne [Byrne, Daphne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Daphne Byrne
Published: 2022-07-28T18:30:00+00:00

The Marquess Blackwood’s ballroom was moderately packed with all crème de la crème of the ton in their fineries. Gentle music, soft laughter, and benign chatter pulsed around the room while Gabriel nursed a glass of champagne while chatting with two other lords—who had the common sense to talk business instead of the gossip pages.

“Seems that Viscount Alderman has gained the Midas Touch,” said Earl Yates. “The price of that shipping venture of his has increased threefold in the last week. Everything he touches turns to gold.”

“You would have joined a merchant?” Marquess Ralston scoffed with disgust while adjusting his diamond-studded cufflinks. “In trade?”

“Why not?” Gabriel asked, sticking a hand into a pocket. “As far as I remember, blunt doesn’t come with a mark shading as coming from trade. Pounds are pounds, whatever the origin. Should have bought shares myself.”

A hush ran around the room, drawing Gabriel’s attention. At the doorway, Anastasia had arrived in a stunning dark emerald, empire-waist gown with an overlay of sparkly silver netting. The drop sleeves artfully hung off her shoulders, giving the illusion of being perilously close to falling, but the square neckline was modest while beguiling.

Her only jewelry—the now infamous diamond necklace he had bought—came around her neck like a choker and gracefully draped itself over her collarbone. His chest burned with unconcealed and possessive pride. God, she was a dream. With her hair up in a simple chignon, she outshone every lady in the room, including some who dressed like gaudy peacocks.

Gabriel felt knowing gazes skittering over his person and said, “If you will excuse me gentlemen, I must greet my intended.”

Nodding curtly, he handed his glass off to a passing waiter and then headed off to meet Anastasia. Bowing, he greeted her aunt and cousin then offered his arm to her. “Take a turn with me?”

Offering her gloved hand, she replied. “Good evening, Gabriel. I would love to.”

Making his way to the refreshment room, he complimented, “You’ve always been beautiful, but tonight you are stunning. I’ll be the envy of every gentleman here tonight.” He filled a glass for her and added, “I’d imagine everyone in London will hear about this ball. There has already been quite a stir about the necklace.”

She gently touched the glittering jewels. “I feel like I will be targeted.”

“Oh yes,” his lips quirked. “Believe me, I know. A number of people would commit all manner of crime for gems like that, not all of them poor either.”

The first strains of music could be heard as couples began to assemble on the dance floor, and Anastasia rested her glass on the nearest table. Grasping her hand and lightly kissing her satin-encased knuckles., he asked, “Would you do me the honor?”

She smiled in delight. “I would love to.”

He led her to the floor, and the orchestra’s bows leaped into life, playing the sensual waltz, and then, Gabriel and Anastasia glided and turned circles. The moves were intricate, intimate…a sensual tease that made it more so when he had a partner that stirred his senses so acutely.

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