The Duke's Wicked Dare (Disreputable Lords Book 1) by Verna Cyril

Author:Verna Cyril [Cyril, Verna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Darkan Press Inc.
Published: 2023-04-26T23:00:00+00:00

Sophie’s dance with Lord Kent had just ended when Stephen stepped into the ballroom. Ethan wasn’t at his side, and she had seen them leave together. “Where is His Grace, Stephen?” she asked on his arrival. “My feet are aching, but I promised him the next dance.” And she so badly wanted to be in his arms again.

“I believe I left the duke in the garden.”

Sophie frowned. “The garden?”

“Yes,” Stephen said.

“I shall fetch him for our dance.”

“Sophie!” Stephen called her name angrily.

She paused at the fury leaping in his face. “Stephen?”

“You will do no such thing,” he said. “You are not thinking clearly about your reputation.”

Sophie stiffened, her heart squeezing. “I …” her throat closed over the words.

Stephen’s harsh expression softened. “Cousin, it is imperative that His Grace treats you as a lady.”

Sophie flushed and averted her gaze. She knew where this conversation would lead. “I believe His Grace has been an absolute gentleman.”

“Has he?” Stephen asked with a scowl.

“Yes. Enough insincere gentlemen have courted me so I know the duke is sincere in his affection.”

Sophie’s heart leaped and she smiled when she saw the duke walking toward them.

“Where were you, Your Grace?” Sophie asked. “I was waiting for you. Our next dance is imminent.”

Ethan bowed and kissed her hand. “I am here now, Sophie. May I have my final dance for the evening?”

“Yes, of course.” Sophie beamed. “It would be my pleasure, Your Grace,” she said breathlessly.

Ignoring her cousin’s visible disapproval, she allowed the duke to escort her to the floor. They danced as if they were the only ones on the ballroom floor. Their gazes never left each other’s faces as they twirled around the room. A few members of the ton whispered at their expense. At the end of the dance, Ethan reluctantly brought her back to Stephen’s side.

“We leave this instant,” Stephen clipped, trying to mask his anger.

“Why are we leaving so quickly? I am having such a wonderful time Stephen.” Sophie frowned as she glanced between Ethan and Stephen.

Ethan asked, “My Lord, if you may permit me to have a brief word with Lady Sophie?”

“A word?” Stephen repeated and shifted his gaze to her. “No, I believe Sophie is tired and—”

“Yes, we may have a word, Your Grace,” Sophie said, refusing to allow her cousin to continue to dictate her choice. “Shall we promenade in the garden?”

Stephen frowned, but eventually followed them into the garden.

Ethan seemed deeply contemplative. “There is something I would like to tell you, Sophie.”

She cast him a sidelong glance. “What is it, Your Grace?”

“We have known each other but for a short time, yet I feel like I have known you forever.”

Sophie sighed with pleasure. “I feel equally drawn to you, Ethan.”

Ethan took Sophie’s hand in his. “I want to—”

Stephen, who was a short distance away, cleared his throat loudly. He closed the distance between them and said, “Sophie, I will ask you this, and damn your sensibilities, but I must. Has his Grace taken any liberties with you?”

“Mr. Brighton,” Ethan coldly snapped, releasing her hand.

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