“You are making me regret our agreement. I specifically laid out my proposition.” Her voice was firm, yet he sensed a bit of intrigue.
Alexander could not help himself. He smirked when she said “proposition.” She noticed his smile and clearly did not appreciate it because her lips turned down into a scowl.
“Stay on task,Your Grace,” she threatened.
Alexander fought his widening smile.
So, she knows me after all.
Miss Dowell was quite the sight when she was riled up. But he was enjoying this conversation too much and, if he pushed her too far, she might end it. He raised his hands in apology.
Two can play this game.
“My apologies, sorcer- uh,Miss Dowell. Please, continue.”
At the mention of her name her eyes blanked and her mouth made the most perfectly round ‘o.’
“You know my name?”
Alexander nodded. “Of course, and I am sure that Anna told you mine. I make it my mission to know the women who I am interested in pursuing.”
Her eyes dilated and she crossed her arms over her heaving chest. “You are not interested in me.”
Alexander looked around the room. “I am here, am I not?”
Theodora continued to stare at him angrily. Her mouth opened and closed. He could see her mind being overwhelmed with information it did not know where to store.
“You are here, but you…” Confusion clouded her eyes.
Alexander stood straighter. “I am what?”
There was something about how her dark green eyes trailed up his body that made it feel as if there was a line of fire along their path. She looked at him as if she were dissecting everything about him at that moment. That was a rather unsettling notion to Alexander, but one that fascinated him, nonetheless. When her eyes finally connected with his, she sucked in a small gasp that went straight to his groin. His fingers flexed. He itched to touch her again, but would need to control himself, so he rested them at his side.
Normally, at this point with a woman of interest, he’d have her underneath him. But Miss Dowell was different. His instinct wasn’t to dominate her, not yet anyway. No, this time, instinct was telling him to play along, to tease her.
“You are… you are…” Suddenly her eyes cleared and the fogginess was replaced with clinical scrutiny.
“You are a scandalous rake, is what you are!” She pointed a delicate finger in his direction.
Alexander laughed. “Need I remind you that it wasyouwho beggedmefor a kiss.”
“Thank you for your help with the kissing stage,” she said as she ran her hands down her dress, brushing away the wrinkles. “I consider that stage done and checked off my list. It was not a big deal; therefore, I will not ask about it from anyone again. Good night!” With that she turned, opened the door, and slammed it shut behind herself.
Alexander allowed the smile he’d been holding back to break free. Meeting this sorceress was rather refreshing. She was certainly not like most of the women he chose. Those women were coy for the sake of the game and quickly give into his charm.
But this woman is determined not to fall in love.
Miss Theodora Dowell presented a challenge and there was nothing Alexander Kendall, the Duke of Hawthorne, appreciated more.
* * *
“Bloody hell, where have you been, man?” Spencer reached out and shoved Alex’s shoulder.
“Careful, Wutherton, you know I’m always up for a good spar but considering this is your anniversary party I do not think your beautiful bride would appreciate it,” Alexander said with grin.
Spencer rolled his eyes. “That is just it. It has been constant congratulations about the anniversary and the baby; I am positively itching for a normal conversation. Where have you been?”
Alexander reached down and picked up a glass to pour himself some punch. He usually didn’t drink this drivel, his palate rested in more of the scotch variety, but when in Rome and all.
