Even so, she decided that the best guide in this situation would be logic. She had entangled herself in this exact spot by following her rage and other irrational emotions, so she learned from her mistake.
“It is remarkable, Your Grace,” she delivered flatly, “how one can make such demands in a manner best fit for discussing financial issues. It must be a gift that you have cultivated through the years.”
“Finally, someone acknowledges my gift,” the Duke countered without flinching. “Although I might say that in this situation, we are in somewhat of a financial discussion. After all, you yourself said that you owe me a debt, and I am merely applying the terms of repaying said debt.”
“And do you often make financial plans that include your bedroom?” Arabella asked with a straight face.
“If I intended to discuss my bedroom, Miss Arabella,” he said evenly, “you would not be uncertain of it. I asked for three nights. Nothing more. Nothing less.”
Arabella decided that perhaps logic was wasted on this man, and rage was indeed the best counselor in this situation. The conceited look that he had on his face was enough to make her reconsider the idea that she could have a rational, civil conversation with this man.
She was ready to give him a piece of her mind when he leaned a little closer in that way that he did, as if trying to remind her of their height difference on purpose. That smug smile was still in place, and Arabella felt very close to resorting to violence when he used that deep, rough voice of his.
“Unless, of course, Miss Arabella,” he said, almost whispering, “you would like to add more to this agreement.”
It was quite clear what he was hinting at. And if her mind refused to acknowledge it, her body had no problem responding intensely. The blush became even deeper, her breath stuttered, and her mind emptied for one brief second.
As if knowing exactly what his words did to her, he pulled back, straightened his body, and made his way to the decanter of whiskey that he had there.
“I will require of you,” he said coldly, “that you appear by my side as my wife on three separate occasions.”
Arabella was ambushed. This was something that she did not anticipate. And most of all, it was his tone, that swift change from seduction to negotiation, that threw her completely off.
“I see,” Arabella said, although she did not quite understand what the Duke was asking for. “And what are these occasions?”
“First of all, you will accompany me to an outing with the Earl and Countess of Pembleton.”
On her way to his estate, Arabella had replayed a lot of scenarios on how this conversation would evolve. And she would like to think of herself as quite an imaginative person. But of all the possibilities that she examined, the involvement of the Earl and Countess of Pembleton was not in any of her lists.
“I must ask, Your Grace,” Arabella said sincerely, “why would it be that important to appear with a wife on this outing?”
The Duke turned and looked at her, drinking his whiskey, his green eyes finding her over the rim.
“Ordinarily, it would not concern you,” he said coolly. “However, as this is now a negotiation, I must have you know that the Earl considers himself a family man.”
“Which you are clearly not,” Arabella surmised.
The Duke’s brow lifted, as though mildly impressed she had assembled the pieces so quickly.
“I want to have a deal with him in a very lucrative business, but he would not even talk to me, a bachelor.”
“But appearing with your wife hanging from your arm, let alone one who is not universally despised, would change the narrative.”
“I am glad I do not have to explain anything more.”
“On the contrary, you would have to explain how marrying someone over a business deal is calculative and merciless, though I suspect that is merely a customary Tuesday.”
“You would like my friend Morgan,” the Duke scoffed cruelly and simply drank from his whiskey.
“I am shocked that you have friends. What about the second occasion?” Arabella pressed.
At the mention, the Duke’s body went still for one brief second, but Arabella noticed it. Yet she decided not to comment. The Duke sloshed his whiskey around in the glass before answering.
“You will escort me to my sister‘s engagement party.”
The way the Duke went from a business deal to a family occasion made her dizzy, but she recovered.
“Let me guess,” Arabella said. “Another group of people that does not want to see you as a bachelor, considering your station and your wealth.”
