Olivia moaned against him, sending a shiver of raw need straight to his groin. For having such a tart mouth, she was proving quite sweet. Perhaps the most delectable woman he’d ever kissed. Another minute of this divine torture and he feared he’d lose control entirely. Not wanting to take his kiss too far, he pulled back.
William stared down at her, breathless. The copper flecks of her amber eyes sparkled, and her lips were red and swollen. He brushed the hair back from her cheek as he studied her.Mine.The single word echoed through his mind.
Somehow, someway, he would win her heart.
Chapter 9
Olivia stared up at the duke, her pulse thrumming. She should not have allowed him to kiss her, but when their lips met, she found herself reluctant to pull away. She’d not meant to sway into him, to pull him close, to give so freely of herself. Good Heavens, she’d completely surrendered.
More than anything, she’d not meant to enjoy the softness of his mouth against hers—not intended to crave more. What the devil was wrong with her? They could not continue on like this. She would soon find herself lost if they did.
A gentle breeze stirred the hem of her skirt as she stared up at him, knowing she should say something, do something…but what? The intimacy they had shared could not be undone. The tingling of her lips could not be wished away, and she most certainly could not forget the way her body reacted to his touch. The memory would be forever scorched into her brain. Of that, she had no doubt.
“I shall kiss you often once we’re married.” The duke smoothed one long finger down her cheek in a feather-light motion.
“Like hell you will!” Olivia seethed, angrier at herself than him.
Cursing came easy this time. So naturally that Olivia found herself shocked at the ease with which the words had rolled from her tongue. Likely because she was so shaken by the kiss they’d shared. Regardless, she could not allow him any more liberties.
Olivia took a step back, peering at him as she did. “We are not going to be married.”
“No.” He arched one eyebrow, the corner of his mouth tilting up. “The bans are all but read. Our ceremony has been scheduled, and your dress is ready. My aunt and siblings will be arriving soon. The papers have been signed.” He drew nearer. “Madam, I will be taking you to wife.”
Her mouth opened then closed, she was unable to settle on what to say as her mind raced. The duke remained as determined as ever despite her shenanigans. “Surely you do not think me a proper guide for your sisters. Why not return to London and court a proper lady? The ton is full of eligible women who’d be more than happy to wed a duke.”
“You are a proper lady.”
“I ride astride, cuss, and show my ankles.” She stared at him in disbelief. “My behavior is anything but proper.”
He reached for her hand, but she pulled it back. Returning his arm to his side, he said, “Do you think I haven’t noticed that your ill manors are reserved only for me?”
Her eyes rounded as she studied him. The cad had her all figured out. What was she to do now? Argue? Prove him wrong and throw her reputation out the nearest window? Mother would have an episode, and Father would have Olivia’s hide. She simply could not disgrace her family or herself in such a way. Then what?
“In truth, I rather enjoy your behavior. My own secret version of the wallflower.” He gave a rakish smile. “My sister could stand to learn a great deal from you. They would benefit from learning to control their own actions in such a way.”
“You wish for them to be hoydens?” Olivia stared at him, her back stiff and chin notched defiantly.
He laughed. “They already are. What I wish for, is them to learn how to hide that side of their nature,” he placed the back of his fingers beneath her chin and met her gaze, “You, my dear, are an expert. Perfectly suited to teaching them.”
Olivia shook her head, desperation driving her while impending doom churned in her gut. “No, you’re wrong. You must call off. We cannot marry.”
His blue eyes darkened as the look he gave her turned hard. The duke pressed his lips together, the muscle in his jaw ticking.
A shiver of foreboding raced through Olivia. Even before he spoke, she knew he would not honor her request.
The duke took her chin between his thumb and forefinger, then said in a confident tone, “You will marry me.”
Olivia’s throat tightened, and she pulled free of his grasp as tears welled in her eyes. “Why?”
“Because you have been promised to me.”
She averted her gaze to a nearby bush and blinked back the tears. “What of love?” Her voice shook, but she had to ask.
“Perhaps it will come in time.” He stepped up behind her but did not touch her. Only leaned close enough for his breath to fan her ear as he added, “We have passion.”
Olivia pressed her eyes together and released a breath. What use was passion without love? What kind of life would she have with him? Would he come to her at night then ignore her by day?
She could not go through with the wedding. Could not allow herself to be used and discarded.
