One Fateful May Day by Mariel Amanda

Author:Mariel, Amanda
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Brook Ridge Press
Published: 2021-05-03T16:00:00+00:00

* * *

Emma stared dumbfounded at the man, her mind racing to process his words. It did not help that she was more than a bit shaken by the kiss she and Lord Linley had just shared.

Her belly fluttered, and her knees still quaked. She’d never imagined a kiss could be so all-consuming. So… marvelous.

Emma inhaled slowly as she tried to focus on the man’s words. Bet… Duke and Duchess… What the devil was he on about, and who was he?

She narrowed her gaze on him and asked, “Where are they? The duke and duchess?”

The man’s jaw went slack. “You’re the Earl of Haywood’s chit. What the devil.” He turned to Lord Linley and shook his head. “Did you know you were kissing a lady?”

Archer’s face took on a decidedly red shade as he stared at Hiltoncroft. He stalked toward the other man, his brow furrowed. “Be quiet. You’ll have everyone looking at us.”

“Too late,” another deep voice added.

Emma’s heart lurched as the duke grabbed Lord Linley by the coat and peered at him, his expression full of rage.

“No!” She cried as she raced toward them. “He didn’t know.”

Lord Linley grinned. The fool didn’t seem the least bit afraid. Was he daft? Emma stared at him. Her mind catching up at last.

Lord Linley had kissed her on a bet. Her cheeks burned as she met his gaze. She should be outraged. Why wasn’t she? She’d ponder that later. For now, she needed to protect him. Emma drew closer and said, “Please, release Lord Linley.”

The duke ignored her plea and leaned closer to the still grinning Lord Linley. “I have a mind to beat you senseless.”

“No need for violence.” Lord Linley said, his voice smooth, confident even. He chanced a smile in Emma’s direction before looking back at the duke. “I have every intention of marrying Lady Emma.”

Her heart somersaulted. “You what?” She could not have heard him right.

Lord Linley’s smile broadened as he stared at her. “I said, I intend to marry you.”

“See that you do,” the duke scowled, then gave Lord Linley a shake before he released him.

Lord Linley stumbled back a few feet before catching his balance and turning to Emma.

She shook her head. “You cannot be serious. We just met. You don’t know me.” She averted her gaze. “I do not know you.”

“I know all I need to.” Lord Linley came to her side, then captured her hand in his. Warmth spread through her, her hand tingling at the intimate contact. “I know you will be ruined if I do not wed you, and I know I would do anything to protect you,” he said, sincerity shining in his gaze.

Emma pulled her hand free and stepped back, putting space between them. “No. I cannot. I will not.” She did not know what to think or do, but she was confident she had no wish to trap him in marriage. He did not deserve it—neither of them did.

The duke strode closer as Olivia wrapped her arm around Emma.

“He has a duty to you,” the duke said, his tone firm.

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