Deena exhaled slowly, her green eyes narrowing as she held his gaze.
“Very well,” she said cautiously. “I will meet you in your room. Butonlyto talk.”
Austin’s brow creased in genuine confusion. “Of course. Only to talk.” He tilted his head, and a faint, teasing smile tugged at his mouth. “Did you imagine I had something else in mind?”
Heat flared in her cheeks, but she lifted her chin defiantly. “With your reputation? It’s not unthinkable.”
“Ah.” He stepped closer beside her until their elbows touched. “I am known for doing the unthinkable.”
“Those crepes look perfect!” the dowager’s voice rang loud and clear.
Austin stepped away from Deena and smiled at her grandmother, who was inspecting their creation.
“Thank you, Your Grace. I live to please even when it comes to cooking.” He gave the dowager his trademark smile, and she smirked at him.
“He is handsome, and he can cook.” She shook her head and winked at Deena. “The table is set, do enjoy your lovely breakfast, you two.”
“I have to eat with him, Grandmother?” Deena looked appalled, and Austin smirked at her.
He would not have minded spending more time with her.
Deena’s grandmother frowned, leaned in and whispered conspiringly, “Be grateful, Deena. Most of the Lords and Ladies here could not even cut their butter, looks like they are eating mortar for breakfast.” She tutted.
“How very disappointing for them. Thank God I got your darling granddaughter beside me,” Austin whispered back, and they both chuckled.
“Well, I best get to it.” The dowager stood up straight, looked around, and made her way cautiously to the next couple.
Austin turned to find Deena’s arms folded across her chest, and annoyance flashing in her eyes. “Yes, now I understand why they call you the Velvet Duke.”
“Enlighten me?” He smirked.
“You’re far toosmoothfor your own good.”
Austin executed an elaborate bow; one hand flourished dramatically over his heart. “I do strive to live up to the title, my lady.”
She gave a soft huff and turned away, but not before he could see the smile she could not suppress.
“Be careful, Your Grace,” she called over her shoulder as she searched for more strawberries.
Austin snorted. “I am always careful, Dee.”
Deena faced him, holding the strawberries gently in her hands. They exchanged knowing looks before bursting out in laughter.
Five
What am I doing?
Deena paused outside the door to Austin’s guest chamber; her hand hovered over the polished wood, and her heart pounded far too loudly for something as simple as a conversation. She did not understand the fluttering feeling and the heat that pooled low in her stomach at the thought of being alone with him again. He was Dominic’s friend. A notorious rake. And now, somehow, her reluctant ally.
She knocked once firmly.
“Come in.” The sound of his deep voice made her shudder.
She entered, closing the door softly behind her. The room was spacious and masculine. Dark woods, a fire crackling in the grate, and the faint scent of sandalwood and bergamot lingered in the air. Austin stood by the window, hands clasped behind his back, coat discarded, and his waistcoat was unbuttoned justenough to reveal the white linen of his shirt stretched across his broad chest. Deena gulped.
He turned, and his hazel eyes met hers with an intensity that unsettled her.
“Deena,” he said her name softly in the gentlest of tones. “I wasn’t sure you’d come.”
