A Wallflower's Folly Fortunes of Fate 6 by Amanda Mariel

Author:Amanda Mariel [Mariel, Amanda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, historical, General, Romance, Regency, Victorian, Collections & Anthologies
ISBN: 9781386301981
Google: PPOMDwAAQBAJ
Publisher: Brook Ridge Press
Published: 2019-06-11T06:12:02+00:00

Chapter 9

Olivia stared up at the duke, her pulse thrumming. She should not have allowed him to kiss her, but when their lips met, she found herself reluctant to pull away. She’d not meant to sway into him, to pull him close, to give so freely of herself.

Good Heavens, she’d completely surrendered. Heat spread through her with the memory.

More than anything, she’d not meant to enjoy the softness of his mouth against hers—not intended to crave more. What the devil was wrong with her? They could not continue on like this. She would soon find herself lost if they did.

A gentle breeze stirred the hem of her skirt as she stared up at him, knowing she should say something, do something…but what? The intimacy they had shared could not be undone. The tingling of her lips could not be wished away, and she most certainly could not forget the way her body reacted to his touch. The memory would be forever scorched into her brain. Of that, she had no doubt.

“I shall kiss you often once we’re married.” The duke smoothed one long finger down her cheek in a feather-light motion.

“Like hell you will!” Olivia seethed, more angry at herself than him.

Cursing came easy this time. So naturally that Olivia found herself shocked at the ease with which the words had rolled from her tongue. Likely because she was so shaken by the kiss they’d shared. Regardless, she could not allow him any more liberties.

Olivia took a step back, peering at him as she did. “We are not going to be married.”

“No.” He arched one eyebrow, the corner of his mouth tilting up. “The bans are all but read. Our ceremony has been scheduled, and your dress is ready. My aunt and siblings will be arriving soon. The papers have been signed.” He drew nearer. “Madam, I will be taking you to wife.”

Her mouth opened then closed, she was unable to settle on what to say as her mind raced. The duke remained as determined as ever despite her shenanigans. “Surely you do not think me an acceptable role model for your sisters. Why not return to London and court a proper lady? The ton is full of eligible women who’d be more than happy to wed a duke.”

“You are a proper lady.”

“I ride astride, cuss, and show my ankles.” She stared at him in disbelief. “My behavior is anything but proper.”

He reached for her hand, but she pulled it back. Returning his arm to his side, he said, “Do you think I haven’t noticed that your ill manors are reserved only for me?”

Her eyes rounded as she studied him. The cad had her all figured out. What was she to do now? Argue? Prove him wrong and throw her reputation out the nearest window?

Mother would have an episode, and Father would have Olivia’s hide. She simply could not disgrace her family or herself in such a way. Then what?

“In truth, I rather enjoy your behavior. My own secret version of the wallflower everyone else knows.

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