*
Augustus sat inthe Den, worrying over his choice to spend an evening with Rose. His concern was not about himself but how it would impact her. They risked her ruination if they were discovered. That thought alone should have stopped him from going any further, but he knew deep down it wouldn’t.
Tomorrow evening, their relationship would be forever changed. Walking away or denying his need for her was no longer an option. Something about Rose beckoned him in a way that he’d never felt with another lady, even Catherine. Rose had satisfied or righted something in him that had been empty until now. It enthralled and terrified him.
Rose was leaving and had no intention of returning. He took a sip of his brandy—she certainly had no plans to be a duchess. Perhaps he could join her abroad. He frowned at his absurd thought. He was a duke and had responsibilities. Why did they feel like a heavyweight holding him down right now? He knew why—Augustus wanted more from Rose than a few moments—he wanted the lady who traveled and took the antiquities world by storm long-term.
But he could never have her. For that to happen, she would have to change for him and become something she wanted no part of. Augustus would never allow that. Common sense told him that he risked losing his heart by taking her to bed. Still, he wanted his fucking night with her. Augustus wanted to revel in her witty comments, body, and passion.
“Is something amiss? You’re scowling fiercely,” Devons remarked, dropping into a wingback chair across from him.
The club owner jerked him away from his thoughts. He sighed. “I’m fine. Just thinking about my estate.”
Devons snickered. “I didn’t realize a dukedom could make someone so unhappy.”
“Continuing the title is a great honor, but sometimes I feel smothered by it.”
Their conversation was interrupted by a grinning Lord Jude. Augustus forced himself not to roll his eyes. The man dropped down into the other empty chair. “You will never believe what I have heard.”
Augustus sighed. “What is it?”
“I was just informed that the Seely House, operated by the Historical Society for Female Curators, has been broken into twice. I knew those ladies shouldn’t be mucking about with artifacts.”
He and Devons instantly became alert because no one should know that information. Devons glared at him, “Who told you that?”
Jude’s eyes swung to him, widening, likely because he remembered that Devons partnered with the all-women’s club. “I have an associate acquainted with the constable who took the report.”
“Do not repeat what you said to anyone else,” Devons bit out.
Jude pursed his lips, clearly not liking being told what to do by a gentlemen’s club owner. Augustus leaned forward. “If I discover you repeated that story, there will be problems.”
Augustus’s title had power in moments like this, and he was aware of it. Jude may ignore Devons, but he wouldn’t ignore the request of a duke. The gossiper frowned at both of them, unhappy. Finally, he stood. “Consider it forgotten, but mark my words—those ladies are headed towards trouble. No one should be encouraging them.”
Augustus said, “Do not forget what I said. If I hear one word, you will not see the inside of a social event for the rest of the Season.”
The man blanched, likely horrified that he wouldn’t be able to find anything to gossip about if that happened.
Jude nodded and rushed from the room. Devons chuckled. “You are a good man, Sinclair. Word will eventually get out.”
Augustus nodded. “I just want it to be after their grand opening.”
They were both silent, but finally, Devons said, “You are probably one of the few peers I hold in high regard. You work hard to ensure that your estate and the people who rely on you never have to go without. Not all lords are so decent.”
“What is the point you are trying to make?”
His friend chuckled. “My point is there is nothing wrong with doing something for yourself.”
Augustus lifted a haughty brow. “What do you mean?”
“You like her.”
Augustus knew precisely who he was talking about, but still asked, “Who?”
Devons took a sip of his drink. “Rose Calvert.”
He didn’t say anything for a moment, unsure he could lie to his friend. Finally, he shrugged. “We have absolutely nothing in common and are not compatible.”
“Some would say the same thing about Diana and me.”
