Page 18 of Raising the Duke’s Unexpected Twins

She scoffed at that. “Managing that sort of business is already disgraceful.”

“And what would you have me do, Cordelia?” he asked, this time, an edge to his voice. “Stay in my study while others run my errands and handle my affairs? I have learned to work in my life. It gives me meaning and purpose, and I did not think that you to be so unprogressive that you would disapprove of a gentleman having a true occupation instead of idleness.”

She lifted her chin in defiance.

“Perhaps you have a point, Your Grace, but still, I do not know why you attempt to fight me on this matter. You are trying to do an honorable thing. Otherwise, you would not marry me for the children or take care of my family.”

Nicholas felt his world narrow to that one moment. He was angry, certainly, but heat was rising in his blood, and all he saw was Cordelia standing there, her eyes on him, fighting him. That annoying image came back to his mind with a vengeance.

Do not give in to it. It is far too dangerous.

“You really think that you have me all figured out, Cordelia, don’t you?” To his own surprise, he stepped closer and reached out, his fingers tucking a stray lock of her dark hair behind her ear that had come loose in the spring breeze. Their eyes locked, and she felt far softer than he’d expected. A tingle spread through his skin at the touch, and he couldn’t help but glance down at her lips. “But I think I will surprise you at every turn.”

His hand moved to her waist, pressed her gently against the stone wall behind her, and he kissed her.

CHAPTER 7

Cordelia froze, wondering if she was in a dream. This couldn’t be real. The Duke of Meinster could not be kissing her, his hand firm on her waist, the scent of him intoxicating, his lips so very soft. But he was, and when he stepped even closer, his whole body pressed against her, she surprised herself by fluttering her eyes closed and wrapping her arms around his neck. He made a slight groan against her mouth, and with heat moving through her at lightning speed, she opened her mouth to him in response.

Another groan came from deep inside him, and Cordelia’s skin flushed with the delight of it. His lips were so very soft but also very expert. They moved across her mouth with ease and practice, the tip of his tongue tentatively seeking out her own. This time, it was her moan that filled her ears as she allowed him in. Cordelia had never been kissed before.

And this was no chaste kiss. Her every fiber was sparking into life, and her muscles softened as she leaned against him for support. She wanted more, so much more, and her arms tightened about his neck, drawing him ever closer. No one had ever evoked such pleasure from her before; she thought she might die without it being brought forth to its fullest. She was breathless when his kiss moved from her mouth to the edge of her jaw and down her neck.

She shivered when she felt his warm breath against her ear, and he whispered, “Do you still think me an honorable man, love?”

It was as if a bucket of cold water had been thrown over her. With an indignant gasp, she pushed against him, and she found him to be smirking at her, while she covered her mouth in horror of what she’d done.

Had it all been a trick? Simply to make a point?

Embarrassment flooded her. She had played right into his hands.

“So, this was all to prove that you are as dastardly as I thought?”

“You do not think it, for you are trying to make me out as if I am some great savior. So let this be a warning to you that I am no white knight. You must know what sort of man you are marrying. I am a man who takes what he wants and when he wants it. That is how I built my gambling empire. I could not have done so by being honorable.”

He wanted me?

Her silly, girlish thoughts annoyed her, when she was attempting to be stern and solemn. But that kiss had thrown all good sense right out of her head, and she felt she needed just a few moments to collect herself.

“I see. Well, you certainly did not need to go so far as that in order to prove your point.”

His eyes moved to her mouth again, and Cordelia wanted to scream for how her body suddenly reacted to him, as if it forgot the embarrassment right then and there.

“I most certainly did. For I may have been proving a point, but why not enjoy oneself while you do it?”

Cordelia could feel her face reddening, but she chalked it up to the pure rage filling her.

“You are loathsome!” she cried.

“Good to hear you say it, love. And now that I am taking you as my wife and I will be helping your family, that means you belong to me. I will provide for them, of course, but you mustn’t take it as kindness. Simply because I will not allow my dead best friend’s children to starve does not make me a good man.”

Cordelia frowned at him. The man was infuriating and simply determined to refuse a compliment as well as have anyone believe anything beyond his brutishness. Well, she was happy to accommodate him. She was only surprised at his sudden change in behavior to take care of her family, to marry her to help the children. But apparently, no honor was to be found.

“Do not worry, Your Grace. I will not make that same mistake again.”

She crossed her arms, and he clapped his hands together and grinned widely. “Excellent! Then we are in accord. Our first agreement as a couple.”

She groaned aloud and stalked away from him, eager to be as far away as possible.