Miss Leyton… Isobel.
Perhaps she did not yet realize how fortunate she was…
A wicked warmth pooled low in his chest. How thoroughly he could save her—from her father, from her fears… from herself. He imagined guiding her, teaching her what it meant to yield, to surrender… just enough to feel the rush of freedom in his arms.
He allowed himself a brief, private smile.
Nine
Isobel stared after the Duke of Foxdrey, a foul taste in the back of her mouth. Her mind felt like it was spinning. She couldn’t allow him to leave after what he said to her.
Calling himself my savior? Who does he think he is?
With that thought stewing, she stormed after him, not bothering to acknowledge Father as he kept drinking, and ignoring the other emotions that did not suit her—her curiosity, her frustration, and most of all, the thrill of wanting to be closer tohima moment longer.
Isobel hurried through the hall, meeting him in the foyer. “Your Grace.”
“Ah.” The Duke turned around with a smile, hands tucked deep into his pockets, dark hair slightly tousled like he had run his hand through it. “I was wondering when you might turn up.”
She sucked in a breath, stopping in her tracks. It wasn’t the first time that she noticed he was a handsome man. But seeing him like this, relaxed and standing in her home gave her a glimpse of what their future could be.
“Are you going to throw a pillow at me, or are you going to yell at me?” he asked, tone teasing. “I prefer the yelling, but if you want to grab a pillow, I’ll be happy to wait.”
Isobel thought about it for just a moment, but that would be giving into the baiting he was so obviously trying to do. If they were to be married, she would have to learn not to rise to all of the irritating things he said.
“You should know that this marriage is not you saving me. I am accepting you as my husband for the sake of paying my father’s debts and for no other reasons.”
The Duke chuckled, pacing closer to her. “Youdidchoose me though. You picked between me and the brothel.”
“I didn’t know you heard that last part of our private conversation.” Isobel’s cheeks burned as she glanced over her shoulder at the other end of the hall, waiting for the moment when Father would come looking for her to brag about his success in finding her a good husband.
“Your father’s voice carried down the hall.” He paused. “And, I didn’t see a purpose in humiliating you.” The Duke stood a little taller, the loose posture disappearing. “But whether you want to admit it or not, you’re going to benefit from our union.”
“I wouldn’t hold your breath.” She turned, prepared to go back to Father and try to convince him to put down the bottle and perhaps go take care of settling some accounts now that his debt was forgiven. But then, on an impulse, she turned back around, eyeing the Duke one more time. “Actually, hold your breath. It will spare us both a long marriage.”
He laughed and shook his head, eyes shining bright as they roamed up and down her body before landing on her eyes. “You’ll come around to the union eventually.”
“Your confidence is astounding.” She shook her head, putting her hands on her hips. “It is truly amazing.”
“I’m glad to hear you find me so spectacular, wife-to-be. I should think that in time your admiration of me will only grow.”
“I don’t admire you at all and I doubt I ever will.” It was a lie. She admired the way he saved Joan, the way he kept Father in line.
For that, he had all of her admiration, even though she wished more than anything that she didn’t need him in her life.
“To be honest with you, I expected this reaction, Miss Leyton.” The Duke smiled, hands coming out of his pockets, arms crossing over his chest. He shrugged one shoulder. “I didn’t expect anything else from a woman who believes her only choices in life are between a cruel father and a cruel husband. Tell me, if you believe me to be vicious, then why did you allow me to kiss you that night? Why did you agree to the marriage?”
“You’ve played your hand well, Your Grace, and if you want to see my cards, then allow me to show them.” She moved closer to him, and once again, she felt like she had the power between them.
He watched her every move, his gaze molten. When his hands dropped to his side, she thought that for just a moment he was going to reach for her.
And she didn’t know if she had the strength to push him away.
Isobel tipped her chin higher, looking up to meet his gaze. “I did not make this choice out of my own free will, just as I did not choose to walk down the aisle toward an abhorrent Scottish lord. I am a woman, and therefore my decisions are not my own.”
“And yet, you chose to chase me out here and give me a piece of your mind. Surely that must indicate some level of freedom.”
“I will not thank you for allowing me to speak my mind. People should be allowed to say what they wish within reason.” Isobel’s hands drifted to her hips once more. “Right now, ruin looms over me like a storm, and my sister’s happiness and a better future for her are in your hands.”
