Taming a Defiant Duke by Tammy Andresen

Author:Tammy Andresen
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2019-06-17T21:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TEN

BAR RELEASED HER HAND. The color was draining from her face and he realized he’d pushed too hard.

How had it not occurred to him that she suffered at the hands of a man who should have cared about her? She’d need time to regain that trust. And he’d wait.

After the kiss they’d shared the night before, he’d made a decision. They’d marry.

He’d been so focused on being the perfect duke, on having the perfect duchess, he’d gone blind to what was directly in front of him. Perhaps Elizabeth would be perfect to the rest of the world but for him…Emily was the perfect choice. Always had been.

What a fool he was for pushing her away before. She’d been right under his nose all along. The woman who stood at his side and helped him complete the tasks of the dukedom. She’d make him laugh while she’d heat his blood. Not only would he take care of his duty, but he’d enjoy the job. He’d enjoy the life they’d build together.

“I don’t think he’s a suitable choice.” Her voice cracked on the last word and she raised a shaking hand to her own face.

“What?” he asked. Who for feck’s sake where they talking about?

“Who?” she replied, her hands covering her mouth.

“Which he are you talking about?” He only now realized she’d been about to reveal something earlier in the conversation. By he, I mean…she’d started to say. Was there another man in this picture?

“Which he are you talking about?” she replied, her eyes roving everywhere but his gaze.

Bar wanted to growl in frustration. She looked like a caged animal sitting across from him and she only grew more restless the harder he pushed. He wanted answers and he wanted them now. But he also knew she’d been suffering and if he pushed too hard, he might push her away. Perhaps they should finish this discussion another time.

He reached for her hand again. “It doesn’t matter. You look distressed. Come here.” Then he reached his other hand up in invitation.

“What?” She plucked at her skirt.

“Emily.” He sighed. “I only meant to comfort you with a hug. You seem upset. But perhaps physical contact between is no longer wel—”

He couldn’t finish. She’d launched herself across the carriage and into his arms.

Bar wrapped her up and settled her in his lap. This is what she needed. Comfort that would help her to see he meant to give her the best of life. She’d been wounded and she needed a gentle hand to help her trust again. “There now, that’s better.”

“Thank you,” she whispered. “If only there were more men like you, I might feel differently.”

“You don’t need more men or other men. You can have me.” His heart constricted in his chest. Had he just said that out loud? No wonder he never gambled. He was terrible at playing his hand close to the cuff.

She sat up, pulling back so that her face was just inches from his. “What did you say?”

He started to answer but as he opened his mouth, rain began to fall on the top of the carriage.

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