Fate Gave Me a Duke by Amanda Mariel

Author:Amanda Mariel [Mariel, Amanda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Brook Ridge Press

Juliet rested, her body pressed against Giles’s side and chest, and listened to the steady beat of his heart. The feel of his heat and embrace did more than warm her. It comforted her, too. But despite the way he made her feel, she still could not relax. Her mind bounced from one idea to the next as if she had no control over it.

What did he think as he held her? Did he find her figure pleasing? Was he terribly disappointed to be wed? Or was he excited about their future? Would he come to her tonight? If so, would she disappoint him? If so, would he take a mistress? Maybe he already had one.

The thought troubled her, for she did not wish to share him. Or maybe she did. What if she found no pleasure in the marriage bed? In that case, she may welcome him having another to satisfy his lust.

She heaved a sigh and snuggled closer. Of course, she would enjoy coupling. Why would she not? He drove her to distraction and turned her knees to pudding with his kisses. Surely, having all of him would be even better. But then… Her mind continued to spin.

Bedding him could bring pain of another sort. What if she could not protect her heart in the face of such intimacy? Did it matter at this point?

Juliet was not even sure she still wished to shield her heart from him. For better or worse, she’d married Giles, and now she wanted a genuine marriage—complete with intimacy. In fact, she found herself very much looking forward to that part of it. But could they have a real union built on respect and honesty? Perhaps even love?

Juliet peeked up at Giles. Would he come to adore her? To want her heart and soul, as well as body? And would she reciprocate?

His gaze met hers, and her cheeks warmed as she looked away. Juliet worried her lower lip as she hoped he would make nothing of her gazing at him, although she had been mooning over him.

“What is it, Juliet?” he asked.

She inwardly cringed, then said, “Nothing.” She pressed her lips together and closed her eyes. Maybe he would refrain from asking more questions if he believed her to be tired.

“Are you still terribly cold?”

The question could have been more intrusive. It thrilled Juliet that it was not. She forced herself to meet his eyes and said, “No, I am far more comfortable now.” In fact, his embrace had chased the chill from her bones, and she suddenly craved his company. “Might we talk?” she asked.

He grinned down at her. “What do you wish to discuss?”

“Any impolite topic will do.” Her cheeks burned hotter, but she did not regret what she had said. Speaking of the weather would bore her to tears, and she would not come to know him better by engaging in such a mundane conversation.

Much to her amusement, he chuckled, and she smiled at her own witty reply. “I dare say I cannot tolerate one more conversation on the weather or upcoming season.

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