Pleasured by a Duke by Carole Mortimer

Author:Carole Mortimer
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: 0
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

“William—the man I was betrothed to, died two years ago at the Battle of Waterloo.”

Sebastian’s eyes narrowed at Tia’s softly spoken comment. “And why did you not tell me that the first day when I asked why you were not already betrothed or married?”

Tia had chosen not to answer Sebastian’s question the day she arrived at Stowmont House, instead diverting the subject by repeating his own insulting words regarding herself back at him. “Perhaps because I did not consider my betrothal, or William, to be any of your business.”

“And now?”

Her chin rose. “They are still none of your business.”

“But he is the man who was your first lover?”

“Yes.”

“There has been no other man since?”

“No!” These questions really were too personal. So much so that Tia shied away from telling Sebastian she and William had only made love the once, on the eve before he rejoined his regiment.

“Did you love William?”

“We grew up together.”

“Did you love him?”

She frowned her irritation. “Are these really the questions you must ask before answering my own request?”

“Yes, damn it!” Sebastian rose restlessly to pace the small confines of the alcove. “Did you love William, yes or no?”

William had been just two years older than Tia, and they had grown up together in Portsmouth. William’s father was in the navy and a friend of her own father. It had seemed only natural, once they were both full grown, that Tia and William should marry.

To his father’s displeasure, William had broken with family tradition and joined the army. When Napoleon had escaped from Elba two years ago, making his way back to France and eventually to Paris itself, Tia and William had been making the plans for their wedding.

William had been one of the many soldiers recalled to join in the fighting that followed. He was also one of the many who had died during that last decisive battle at Waterloo.

Tia had been heartbroken when she received the news, filled with sadness as she packed away her wedding gown, as well as canceling the wedding arrangements they had made.

With time, she had come to realize her heartache and sadness were at the loss of her lifelong friend rather than the love of her life. She had loved William, would no doubt have spent many contented years with him as his wife, but she had not been in love with him.

In the way she was already half in love with Sebastian?

Perhaps.

The way she felt toward Sebastian, responded to him physically, was so totally different to how it had been with William. She and William had been comfortable and content to be in each other’s company. His lovemaking had been likewise, comfortable and pleasant. The same could not be said for Sebastian.

When Tia was with him, a tense excitement filled her. Her body tingled with awareness and a thrill of expectation, a waiting that was not in the least comfortable. She had never felt so alive as she did in Sebastian’s company. His lovemaking was masterly, intense, demanding her pleasure rather than asking for it.

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