A Devilish Duke by Tammy Andresen

Author:Tammy Andresen
Language: eng
Format: epub

The sight of a furious Clayton stalking toward her should have terrified Ophelia. A few days ago, it would have.

She’d just watched him physically toss several men. His dominance was unquestionable. No wonder people talked about him with that mix of fear and awe.

But all she could think in this moment was that he was the man who stood between her and all the hurt out there in the world. What a wonderful place to be, sheltered by his very large frame.

He stopped just in front of her, scowling even more fiercely. “What are you doing up here? I told you to stay downstairs.”

“You’re hurt.” She took his arm, gently turning it over to see the oozing cut. “Let me tend you.”

She took his other hand and gently pulled. He didn’t move. “I told you not to come up here.”

She looked over her shoulder to see the black look not easing in the slightest. “I was worried about you.”

“I can take care of myself. It’s you I’m worried about.”

She winced, realizing he’d told her to stay downstairs for her own benefit. “I’m sorry. Next time, I’ll listen.”

His jaw worked for a moment before she felt the rigidness of his muscles ease, and then he allowed her to pull him back down the stairs and into the kitchen. “I need to clean this, a cut like that can fester.”

“I’ve received far worse far more often.” But he let her lead him to a stool, where he sat leaning against the wall behind him.

“But you did not get them because of me.”

“I didn’t get this one because of you either. I got it because men are stupid fools.”

“Isn’t that the truth,” she said, her voice holding the bitterness of her thoughts.

He was silent for a moment and then he asked, “Your father?”

She moved to the stove, heating up water. “How did you know I was thinking of him?”

“You’re not the only one with a terrible father.” Then he cleared his throat. “He created the debt that has your brother in prison?”

“Yes,” she answered shaking her head. “We pay for the sins he refused to face.”

She found a clean rag, dipping it into the hot water before grabbing the hunk of lye soap.

“My mother and I paid for my father’s sins too.”

Ophelia stopped. She’d spoken of herself here and there, but Clayton hadn’t shared much at all. “Really?”

“Want to know why they call me The Duke?”

Her heart began to pound in her chest “Why?” her voice came out as barely a whisper. She lowered the rag she’d been holding out and wrapped her other hand about his powerful neck, bringing him closer. She stood as he sat, and his forehead came to rest on her stomach as he spoke.

“I’m the bastard son of a duke, and my mother was the daughter of a baron who was tossed out by her family when she became pregnant.”

Ophelia’s breath caught in her chest and she squeezed him tighter. “Clayton.”

“She did all right. We did some sleeping in stoops too before she figured out how to manage other girls to make actual money.

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