Dare to Love a Duke by Eva Leigh

Author:Eva Leigh
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2018-12-23T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

Lying on his bed, hands folded behind his head, Tom stared at the low ceiling pitched just a few feet from his face. He’d tried to open the small window, but had been unsuccessful in unjamming it, and so the air in the chamber was heavy and musty.

Certainly, he’d stayed at a few inns whose accommodations had been less than luxurious—that room on the road to Harrowgate, with the leaky roof and permeable walls that permitted every stray breeze to pass through the chamber—but sleeping in a room designated for servants was a first.

Yet he needed this. The room, the time to sort through the maelstrom of his thoughts. The nearness to Lucia. Even to think of her calmed the storm within him. She was fire, yes, and his desire for her hadn’t cooled. She also possessed strength and certainty. All things seemed possible whenever she was close.

He sat up, carefully angling his body so he didn’t slam his head into the ceiling, and checked his pocket watch.

Nearly five. Time to go to work.

He shook his head at himself as he stood. Dukes didn’t work at establishments that catered to London’s sexual needs. And yet, here he was, adjusting the folds of his neckcloth and tugging on his waistcoat like a footman preparing for his first day on the job. Nervousness danced along his limbs—foolishness to feel it, and yet he wanted more than anything to do a good job, to please her. After one last adjustment of his garments and smoothing his hair, he headed downstairs.

His heart kicked when he found Lucia in the ballroom. How was it that the sight of her never failed to hit him with a rush of exhilaration?

With her back to him, she spoke to a group of masked women and men standing atop the stage. Tonight, she wore a striking gown of sapphire with short, full sleeves, appearing regal as any crown princess.

Christ God, but he could stare at her for hours.

She did not appear to notice that he had entered the chamber. He had the rare pleasure of watching her without her awareness.

“The first performance will begin at eleven,” she said in an efficient voice as she consulted a folio in her arms. “There are no clocks, so you’re responsible for getting yourself to your places on time. I trust you’ve had adequate time to rehearse.”

“Yes, madam,” everyone chorused.

“And everyone knows the order of scenes, correct?”

The performers nodded.

“One final note,” she said, her tone warmer, “and then I’ll leave you to complete final preparations and rest. Two of our strongest men will be in this chamber during the enactments. Should the unlikely happen and any of our guests attempt to join you onstage or assault you, Will and Arthur will remove them immediately. Your safety is guaranteed.”

“Thank you, madam,” a brunette said sincerely.

Lucia nodded before turning away, and her gaze fell on Tom standing behind her. Their eyes met—and awareness tightened through his muscles.

She approached him with a wry smile, but he felt the thrum of gratification as her appreciative gaze moved along his body.

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