A Whole New Duke by Samantha Holt

Author:Samantha Holt
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2019-11-10T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

Pulling back his shoulders in an attempt to get more comfortable, Adam winced as his spine seemed to crack along every joint. He tugged his coat closer around his neck and shoved his hands in his pockets. Even in the dim interior of the stables, he could see his breath—white clouds highlighted by the flickers of the nearly full moon that slipped in through narrow windows. The parts of him that did not ache from sitting still for long were growing numb.

He flicked open his pocket watch and held it into the light. Just a few more hours and Reid would take over. Unfortunately, they did not have nearly enough men to continue keeping watch for an intruder with a tattoo but Adam was beginning to suspect the man would not be foolish enough to come back a third time. He was already surprised the man had returned at all but perhaps his brush with Bea had frightened him off for good.

He huddled deeper into the corner of the building where he would have a good view of anyone entering via the main entrance. At least he did not have to worry about falling asleep. The cold and discomfort combined with his mind moving faster than the finest racing horse was enough to keep him extremely awake. He could not help his gaze drifting up to the thin window to the left of him and watching for lamplight.

Of course, Bea had retreated to bed many hours ago and would be soundly sleeping. There was no reason to watch for any sign of her. No doubt she was warm and safe, tucked up in her bed and murmuring occasionally to herself as he had discovered she was inclined to do at night.

He smiled to himself. Prior to their marriage, he could not have fathomed even suffering a single night in bed with a woman. Now fate had forced his hand twice and he, like an idiot, missed those noises.

Hell, he missed her. Missed her body, missed her scent. Missed the way she often curled up into him or sometimes swatted him with her hair as she turned.

Teeth gritted, he forced his attention back to the entrance. This was not how he had anticipated spending his Christmas—watching for a horse thief and contemplating how easy it would be to invite Bea into his bed. There was no denying it though—Bea was breaking through his defenses, thawing them until he was left with nothing but a melted puddle at his feet. The idea sent his heart pounding. He already cared for her too much. What if something happened to her? What if she was another Marianne?

Balling his hands into fists, he stared sightlessly at the entrance. Why the devil would his heart not slow? Why would it not listen to reason? Why could his mind not settle on the very logical convenience of their marriage. She had status, he had money. There was no need for it to become any more complex than that.

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