My Duke's Deception (Wicked Lords of London Book 2) by Tammy Andresen

Author:Tammy Andresen [Andresen, Tammy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-05-28T18:00:00+00:00

Matthew contemplated Ella for a moment and wondered if Luke hadn’t been right yesterday. He’d gotten angry because he’d been afraid. Silly for a man his age but Sarah—hell, his father—had left deep scars. He couldn’t stand another for fear he’d break. But even a blind man could see that Ella was nothing like Sarah. She didn’t want charity and she wouldn’t make a match for her own convenience. She was kind and giving and she would understand his aches because she too had experienced them.

The ladies moved ahead to greet Tricia and he fell behind to speak with Luke. “I’d like to apologize for my behavior in the barn. I was rash and foolish.”

Luke winked. “You forgot bull-headed and jealous.” Then he gave a laugh and slapped Matthew on the back. “But do not fear. I am used to dealing with dukes.”

He winced. He had yet to tell Ella of his title. Not that it should matter but he had been intentionally keeping it from her. He hadn’t trusted her but now that he did, not telling her felt like a betrayal. “Do you still think I should marry her?”

Luke stopped walking. “Honestly, my friend, every moment that we are with her, I am more certain you should. Ella might be the most selfless person I’ve ever met and Tricia is my sister-in-law.”

Matthew had to shake his head. The man had a point. As he looked over at her, his heart constricted in his chest. He wanted to believe that but he wasn’t sure he was ready to make that commitment. “I’d consider asking for her hand just to avoid this dinner.” He didn’t relish watching other men try to catch her eye tonight.

“And risk the wrath of Tricia and Tabbie? You’ve gone mad.” Luke quirked an eyebrow as only he could. They’d moved from the steps into the entry and Ryker made his way over to join them. Ryker was a man who always had his wits about him.

He’d have to attempt to adopt his friend’s attitude tonight. “Blast, but I don’t want to do this.”

“They’ll be no competition for you.” Ryker gave him a calm, assured grin. “Besides, she already holds a great deal of affection for you. You can send them scattering any moment you choose.”

“You think so?” That made him relax considerably.

Ryker nodded. “Not only did you save her, her knight in shining armor, but you’re a handsome devil, though you’ll never hear me say it again.”

“Not more handsome than me,” Luke interjected. “But I can see why some of the ladies might take a fancy to him.”

They all chuckled and Matthew felt significantly better about the evening. Ella would never feel for one of them what she felt for him. But what did that mean for the future?

She glanced back at him, a shy smile playing about her lips. He stepped away from other two men to stand next to her. “Did I tell you how beautiful you look this evening?”

“You did not.” Her smile turned brilliant as she looked up to him.

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