The Duke's Deceitful Governess (Surprise! Dukes Book 1) by Caroline Lee

Author:Caroline Lee [Lee, Caroline]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-08-24T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

I love you.

I love you.

I love you.

Rourke doubted she realized she’d said the words aloud.

I love you.

I love you.

I love you.

It had been a chant, little more than a breath, each time he’d thrust into her sweet tightness. She’d given him her virginity, and as she’d held him, declared her love.

It was humbling.

It was terrifying.

Still, with Miss Sophia Cuny on his arm as they strolled across the ridiculously manicured lawn of Exingham, was it any wonder he was preening?

Well, preening inside, where no one could see it, but preening nonetheless.

He hadn’t intended to fook her across the desk of his study, but who could blame him when she’d expressly stated her intention to seduce him?

And she said she loved him…

The terrifying part came from the realization Rourke wasn’t certain of his own feelings.

He enjoyed her company. She made him want to laugh, which was something even Thorne hadn’t managed. She’d forced him into having a relationship with the twins, and he had to admit they were much less devilish these days.

She made him think of a future.

But on a day like today—the sun shining, the flowers scenting the air, and the birds screaming melodically in the trees “I will kill you” or “Come mate with me,” respectively—well, it was easy to think about a future.

It had been a long time since he’d thought beyond, try to keep Exingham from falling down around yer ears, eh?

Since he’d killed his own father and been forced to accept the responsibility of a dukedom.

Since Jamie’s death, when he’d inherited the titles and estates and a set of twins who made his life hell.

Since that last disastrous mission, when he lost his leg and his honor, knowing he’d failed.

Nay.

Nay, since before that.

He hadn’t thought of anything beyond the present since the day he’d met with Blackrose and received the news that Demon, one of Rourke’s oldest and most trusted friends, was a traitor.

It had been a punch in the gut, hearing the man he’d trusted with his life, the man who’d been his partner on Blackrose’s missions, had been selling state secrets to England’s enemies abroad. It hadn’t been easy to accept the assassination assignment, and part of Rourke had died that day…but it had been necessary. Demon had to die…

Except he hadn’t, because Rourke had failed.

“Well, you’re certainly quiet today, Your Grace.”

Sophia’s teasing tone dragged him from his reverie. He exhaled, trying to drag his focus back to today and the lovely woman at his side. He glanced down at her.

“I’m considering.”

“Considering what? Darwin’s theory of evolution? Investing in cod futures? Building a convent?”

He took a few more steps, the tip of his cane digging into the soft grass as he contemplated her suggestions.

“Should I be considering any of those things?”

“No, Your Grace.” Her grin was cheeky when she tipped her head back to peer up at him from under that silly hat. “But they’re possibilities.”

To appear proper, she was wearing a bonnet today, despite the freckles on her nose telling him she didn’t always.

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