Evie’s voice broke through Cecilia’s daze, still she couldn’t tear her gaze away from the approaching figures.
“I—what?” Cecilia stammered, her heart skipping several beats as she watched the noblemen return from their hunt. The sound of hooves echoed against the cobblestones, a rhythmic beat that quickened her pulse.
Evie chuckled softly, nudging her. “I said I’m glad the men are back from their hunt. Look at them, all rugged and wild. I hope it went well. Do you think they bonded as intended…”
Evangeline’s words faded away as Cecilia’s breath hitched; Alistair coming into full view, his tall frame silhouetted against the fading sun. She could barely even notice her brothers beside him as her eyes drowned in this moment.
The duke wore a dark, fitted riding coat that clung to his broad shoulders, accentuating his muscular build. His hair, in contrast to last night’s perfect styling , was tousled and wind-swept, giving him a raw, untamed allure.
As he dismounted, the remnants of the hunt clung to him—stains of blood marking his shirt and trousers, a testament to the day’s exertions. He looked worn but striking, his chiseled jawline shadowed with stubble, enhancing the ruggedness that made her pulse quicken.
What is happening to me?
“—charming, don’t you think?” Evie’s voice faded back in, but Cecilia barely heard her. All she could focus on was the way Alistair’s piercing blue eyes scanned the area, a hint of exhaustion dancing within them.
“He’s… annoyingly captivating,” Cecilia finally managed to murmur, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Who?”
Cecilia froze.
Oh no.
For a moment, she could not bring her eyes to turn to Evie. Millions of excuses swirled through her mind, none of them sensible enough.
“The… spoils look captivating. I’m surprised they managed to land animals that large,” she forced a chuckle as words finally tumbled out her mouth. “It seems they took the hunt very seriously , given their appearances.”
She still couldn’t look Evie in the eye and she felt the lady staring at her oddly, but thankfully, did not say anything else.
Tristan and Nathaniel rode past at this moment, their laughter ringing in the air as Tristan instantly began teasing Nathaniel and his soon-to-be bride, but all Cecilia could focus on was Alistair.
He hung back, a hint of apprehension in his posture, as if he were weighing joining in the conversation. The way his broad shoulders tensed and relaxed with each breath was mesmerizing.
“Evie, come on! You have to admit he looks rather dashing, even if he is a bit worse for wear,” Tristan nudged her, finally off his horse, a playful grin on his face. Evangeline’s cheeks were flushed, and she could hardly muster a response.
Alistair stepped forward at last, his gaze locking onto his sister. “What are we discussing here?” he asked, his voice low and smooth, sending shivers down Cecilia’s spine. The way he leaned slightly closer, the warmth radiating from him, made her feel dizzy.
“Just admiring the view,” Tristan teased, glancing between Nate and Evie once again. “You know, the rugged noblemen returning from the hunt.”
Cecilia winced, recalling Alistair’s lack of humor. She awaited the odd silence. However, as the seconds ticked by, she looked up to find what seemed like amusement in the duke’s eyes.
Alistair clucked his tongue. “Rugged, you say? I suppose I’ll take that as a compliment. After all, I exerted myself the most in our little bet.”
Tristan’s laughter echoed the field as he slung a hand easily over the duke’s shoulders, “Indeed, you are right, Your Grace. I believe I still owe you a round of drinks?”
Cecilia’s jaw tilted slightly at the sight before her. She turned to Evie to be certain someone else was seeing what she was. She found confirmation in the shocked expression mirroring hers.
Evie’s expression shifted from surprise to glee and she smiled triumphantly at Cecilia, who turned back to the men with a small smile before exchanging another look with her. It appeared the hunt had been successful after all.
“Have you two become as close as sisters at last, having had the whole day to converse?” Alistair’s sudden question was surprising, pulling Cecilia’s eyes back to him.
Evie was quick to answer, but she found herself momentarily speechless. He was staring… right at her.
The way he looked at her, with a mix of curiosity and something deeper, made her feel tingly all over. She subconsciously caught a whiff of him, being so close—earthy and intoxicating, with a hint of leather that made her heart flutter.
“Cecilia, are you even listening?” Evie’s voice broke through the spell that had been cast over her. Reluctantly, she shifted her gaze from the men as they began heading inside.
“Sorry, what?” she stammered, her cheeks flushing a deep crimson. She had been utterly captivated by Alistair’s striking features—the way his dark hair fell just above his brow, flattened with sweat.
