The Rigid Duke by Darcy Burke

Author:Darcy Burke [Burke, Darcy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781637260661
Publisher: Zealous Quill Press

Dare leaned against the wall just down from the room Juno shared with Lady Marina and crossed his arms. Perhaps he should stand here all night so that he could catch Juno in the morning before she left. He couldn’t let her leave without seeing her again.

And what did he expect would happen?

His former potential bride, Lady Marina, could very well come out first, and then what would he say? “Pardon me, but I must speak with your companion.”

He dropped his arms to his sides and squirmed, feeling awkward just at the thought. If it actually happened, he’d probably leap out of his skin.

Then what was he doing here?

He couldn’t seem to make himself leave. He’d likely never see Juno again if he did.

Just what will you do if you happen to see her?

He had no bloody idea. Exhaling, he pushed away from the wall. But before he could turn and leave, he caught sight of her. She was coming right toward him.

Garbed in a simple but elegant gown of dark pink and pale green, with her blonde hair styled exquisitely atop her head, she looked like a sugary confection. Certainly good enough to eat.

She walked past her door, slowing as she neared him. “Good evening, Your Grace. Have you come to tell Lady Marina that you’ve changed your mind? That you’re a blockhead?” She smiled sweetly—definitely good enough to eat, even when she was insulting him.

She wasn’t wrong.

“I am a blockhead. However, I have not changed my mind about Lady Marina. I came to see you.”

That silenced her for a moment. “Oh. Why?”

“I didn’t want you to leave before I said goodbye.”

“You’re loitering outside my room to say goodbye?” She snorted, and he found the sound absurdly attractive. A lady had never done that in his presence. But she was no ordinary woman.

“Is that so strange?”

“For you? Yes.”

“You think you know me so well.”

“Don’t you start with that half smile again.” She took a step back. “You’ve said goodbye. Now you should go to bed.”

How he wished that was an invitation. Bed sounded very inviting, especially if she were in it. “Actually, I didn’t.” He couldn’t bring himself to do it. Saying goodbye would make it real. Final.

She exhaled and put a hand on her hip. “It doesn’t matter, because I’m not leaving with Lady Wetherby and Lady Marina.”

A giddy thrill tripped through him. “You’re not?”

“My goodness, you actually look and sound quite relieved.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “What’s gotten into you? In fact, why aren’t you leaving tomorrow?”

“I’d planned to be here for the duration of the party. I don’t like to change plans.”

She blinked at him. “Even if it means staying at a house party when you loathe house parties?”

“I don’t loathe this one.”

“Why?” She sounded incredibly skeptical.

“Because I met you. Now that I know you aren’t leaving, I’m particularly keen to stay so that I may get to know you better.”

She stared at him and repeated, “Why?”

“I should think it was obvious. We kissed earlier.

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