They started down one of the paths towards the fountain. As Bennett’s steps plodded close behind, Tessa’s mind worked furiously. Could it be that Bennettdidfeel something for her? She thought back to their embrace: he might think her a trollop, but she hadn’t been the only one doing the kissing. It hadn’t beenhertongue taking the plunge into his mouth. And, thinking on it more, there’d been unmistakable proof of his arousal: she hadn’t imagined the poker-like object prodding her thigh.
As her mood lifted, she was able to analyze the situation more clearly. Therewasevidence to support that Bennett wasn’t indifferent to her. So why had he been so angry?
The next time you wish to use me as the means to an end,give me some goddamned warning,he’d growled at her.
Was it because he’d felt used by her…manipulated? Didn’t he realize that she was attracted to him? That what had begun as subterfuge had quickly given way to true desire?
Would he care?
“Penny for your thoughts, Miss Smith?” the duke drawled.
She was determined to discover the answers to her questions. To do so, she would have to get through Bennett’s armor of indifference. And she had an inkling how to go about it.
Seizing the opportunity, she said sweetly, “We both know that’s not my name. Why don’t you call me Tessa instead?”
“If you’ll return the favor and call me Ransom.” He paused. “You surprise me.”
She tipped her head to one side. “How so?”
“You seem different. From the rest of your family.”
“You insult me, sir,” she said hotly.
“I don’t mean to.” He studied her with those curious eyes of his, which had a slight upward tilt to them, like a cat’s. “You really don’t want to marry me, do you?”
I’d rather take a hot poker in the eye.Aware of their audience, however, she traded her retort for a more diplomatic reply. “I don’t know you. How could I know if we’d suit?”
“The prospect of being a duchess suits most women.”
“I’m not like most women.”
“I’m beginning to see that,” he murmured.
Her cheeks warmed at his blatant male appreciation. In the past, she’d never had reason to flirt. No man had been worth the effort, and she had little patience for the subtleties of fan twirling, eyelash fluttering, and meaningless flummery.
She snuck a glance backward. The muscle ticking in Bennett’s square jaw buoyed her hope. Perhaps flirtation had its uses after all. If the simpering simpletons at Mrs. Southbridge’s could master flirting, then, by God, so could she.
Deliberately, she turned back to the duke. Put on her most charming smile. “And I’m beginning to see that you’re not as bad a fellow as I assumed.”
Ransom stared at her a moment. Then he laughed; it was a surprisingly hearty sound.
I wonder what Bennett’s laugh sounds like,she thought wistfully.He’d never laughed in her presence. He was too busy brooding or giving her a lecture.
“What are my presumed faults, pray tell?” Ransom led her past the fountain.
“You’re a rake,” she said baldly.
“I find that bachelorhood is a state that requires the occasional relief from tedium.”
“More than occasional from what I’ve heard.”
Instead of denying it, Ransom smiled. “I don’t like tedium. I have a feeling we have that in common…Tessa.”
Although she’d given leave for him to call her by her first name, the way his voice caressed those syllables made her cheeks heat. The intimacy felt indecent, as if she’d been caught without her unmentionables.
“You’ll address her as Miss Todd.” Suddenly, Bennett was by her side. He no longer looked calm. In the moonlight, his face was hard, menacing, his body taut with leashed power. “She is a lady, and you’ll pay her the proper respect.”
A thrill coursed through her.
