How to Fool a Duke by Lancaster Mary & Rand Violetta

Author:Lancaster, Mary & Rand, Violetta
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Historical, Romance
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2020-12-03T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Once again, the duke found himself watching with amazement as Sarah walked away—her level of grace and comportment, something he deeply admired. As for himself… He would not deny himself the chance to kiss her again. The path she took home had several areas with thick trees where no one would see them.

“Sarah,” he called as he strode after her.

Perhaps she didn’t hear him, or maybe she didn’t wish to, but kept walking, staring up at the sky, then straight ahead.

Though he appreciated the chase as much as any other man did, Leonard was not one to do so out in the open. He glanced to his left and right, finding no one on the road. Then, “Sarah.”

She stopped but did not turn around.

“It seems you are forgetting something, sweeting,” he said.

“Oh?” This time she did pivot and offered him a naughty smile. “And what would that be, Your Grace?”

“That first kiss was a boon.”

She appeared completely unaware of what he referred to. “What kiss?”

Now only a foot away from her, he looked into her eyes. “Do you require a reminder?”

“Out here? Even you would not be so bold!”

“I am many things, Sarah.”

She crossed her arms over her chest, her cheeks coloring. “It must not have been memorable, for any thought of it is gone.”

He snorted, appreciative of her resilience and ability to give out as good as she got. “There’s no one to impress here, Sarah. Just you and I—two people with history. I know for certain you remember that.”

“I forget things as a manner of protecting myself.”

“From whom?”

“Many people.”

“If this is about your parents again…” Her lack of self-worth where her parents were concerned pulled at his heartstrings.

She shook her head.

“If not your parents, who? Has Arcadi threatened you? Is there another man?”

“Nothing so dramatic. I just feel no matter what I do…” Her hands clenched and she looked away. “Why should I discuss such intimate things with you? You remain the biggest reason why I am here.”

“Sarah.” He wondered what had changed in the few steps she had taken after their walk together. But women were accorded the luxury of changing their minds. Like a northward wind suddenly becoming a westward breeze. One simply did not question the reasons why. “How may I help ease your suffering?”

Before she could answer, he took her hand and ushered her into the trees, hoping for more privacy. “If it provides some reassurance, Sarah, I am here now. Your charms are many and irresistible. The wild girl in that tree is long behind you, though I’d like to think part of her still remains.”

Her eyelashes fluttered attractively as she stared up at him. “And what part of her did you like most?”

“Her spirit.”

She swallowed hard, her gaze raking over him. He found her reaction mysterious, but leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss on her lips. If he did not test the waters, he would never get a true idea of how she felt. When she did not object to

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