Never Bet a Duke by Alyssa Drake

Author:Alyssa Drake
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Seductive Quill LLC

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

NORA

“Amelia!” Nora leapt forward, diving between the Duke of Roxburghe and her stepmother and shoving them apart.

“What did I do?” Her stepmother’s eyes rolled, attempting to focus on Nora but unable to do so in her drunken state.

“Please forgive my stepmother, Your Grace.” Nora silently pleaded with him not to leave. “She was celebrating receiving an invitation to the Duke of Lennox’s ball and has had a bit too much libation.”

Confusion replaced the irritation blazing in the Duke of Roxburghe’s eyes. “Lennox sent the invitations—”

Eyes bulging, Nora brushed her finger across her mouth, hoping that he understood her gesture for him to remain silent.

He nodded once, then inclined his head toward the corridor.

After confirming Mrs. Bexley would look after her stepmother for a few minutes, Nora joined him outside the parlor.

Taking Nora’s arm, he guided her down the hallway, his eyes scanning the rooms they passed until he discovered the library and pulled her into the room.

“Why did your stepmother believe Lennox snubbed both her and you?” he asked, his voice barely louder than a whisper.

Swallowing, Nora strode away from him, walking toward the bookshelves lining the far wall. When she spun around, she started, shocked to find the Duke of Roxburghe standing directly behind her.

“You’re going to think ill of me,” she replied, winding her fingers together and dropping her gaze to the floor.

“At this moment, my only thought is curiosity.” Reaching out, he lifted her chin until she was forced to stare into his intense blue eyes. “What terrible thing have you done?”

“As revenge for sending Winifred to prison, I hid the Duke of Lennox’s invitation and watched my stepmother slowly descend into despair as each day passed.” Nora jerked her face out of Merritt’s hand, twisting away from him as tears gathered in her eyes. “I understand if you wish to withdraw your amorous declaration.”

He must believe her to be the most ungrateful, horrific shrew to cross his path. At any moment, he’d announce he’d reconsidered his affection.

A quiet voice crawled over her shoulder. “I don’t know what you expect my reaction to be, but my feelings regarding you haven’t changed. If anything, they may have increased.”

“You’re not disappointed in my behavior?” She turned slowly, wiping her face.

“I’m impressed by your innovative plan for revenge.”

“I didn’t realize my stepmother would be intoxicated before dinner.” She forced a watery smile. “I had no opportunity to warn you.”

“It isn’t an ideal situation,” he replied with a shrug. “However, your stepmother’s inebriated state makes it easier for us to converse freely.”

“Do you have another confession to share with me?” Nora’s eyes flicked to the open doorway behind him.

Had she heard Amelia’s voice in the hallway?

“You know of my affection,” he said, taking her hands in his and drawing her attention. “And you know the terms of the wager with my friends.”

His thumbs brushed across the backs of her hands, sending tingling sensations buzzing up her arms.

“You’re in quite a complicated position.” She forced the words through gummy lips, struggling to keep her mind from straying to memories of the Duke of Roxburghe’s tongue entwined with hers.

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