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She shot him a scolding look, which only had him grinning wider. Theo quickly signed her signature with a flourish next to the Duke’s. “Lord Sebastian. I will be with you in but a moment.” She turned toward the Duke. “I believe our business has concluded. Am I correct, Your Grace?”

His grey irises burned into her. “Yes. I have everything I need now.”

Oh God. Heat burned to life in her veins. She willed the lust away—which was completely ineffective.

His Grace stood, then with one last hungry glance, turned and made for the door.

Bash cleared his throat, and the Duke froze. He slowly spun to face Bash. Arched a brow.

It was almost indiscernible, but Bash shifted on his feet the slightest amount. The muscles in his face tightened, and his fingers flexed. If Theo didn’t know him better, she wouldn’t have caught it for what it was. Bash was nervous.

“The Duchess and I dine at six. Would you care to join us?”

Theo’s jaw went slack, and a sharp ache pinged in her heart. Oh, Bash. He was extending an olive branch, one his nerves made clear he hoped the Duke would accept.

And then something even more unexpected happened. His Grace’s attention slid to hers. Like he wanted her guidance on this, just as he did his estate affairs. She dipped her chin in a subtle nod. Accept. She prayed he did. She had a feeling it would be beneficial for all three of them.

His fists balled. But he met Bash’s gaze and gave him a jerky nod. Then he disappeared down the hall.

Sebastian turned toward her, a slight quiver in his hands that he immediately corrected. He compensated with an overwide smile. “Miss Theodora Dawson.” His tone was full of mischief.

She ignored his subtle prying. “Lord Sebastian.”

Bash plopped down in the seat the Duke had just vacated.

“That was interesting,” she said softly. “Why the sudden desire to dine with the Duke?”

He shrugged a shoulder. “I supposed I should learn a bit more about the man spending time with someone I care deeply for. Make certain he is up to snuff. She is quite the woman after all.”

“Mmm?” She didn’t quite believe that. At least not in full. She rested her chin in her palm and waited.

A huff fell from him. “Fine. I’m curious. I…want to get to know him.” His gaze darted away. “I mean, he can’t be all bad, can he? I know you wouldn’t have anything to do with him otherwise. So, perhaps…”

“Perhaps, you could start forming a relationship with your brother.”

He didn’t meet her gaze. “I’m sure nothing will come of it.”

Oh, her poor, lonely friend. In that moment he looked so young. It was like he was the nine-year-old lad who’d started padding after her when she’d come to the castle with her father. He’d thought he’d been so discreet—as any young lad would—but he’d been so obvious. Big green eyes staring after her with so much curiosity, with so much longing. How desperately Bash wanted a family. He and his mother were exceptionally close, but it wasn’t the same as having siblings. As having someone who understood your position in life.

Theo and Bash were as close to sister and brother as two could get, despite having no blood tie between them. But the minute someone else was present, the divide rose between them. Bash would always be her employer, and as unconventional as Ironcrest had become, the outside world had to view them as that.

Friends weren’t easy to come by for a Duke’s heir, especially not when he’d been isolated here at Ironcrest. His closest chum was a blacksmith’s brother. The gulf between them was so vast it might as well have been a canyon.

“Sometimes people surprise you,” she said softly.

He finally met her gaze again, his smile firmly back in place. “You certainly have. Dallying with a duke. How scandalous.”

“Hush, Bash.”

“I take it it's going well.” His smile was genuine now. And knowing.

Theo shook her head at him. “Why are you here? Besides to pester me, of course.”

“I came to warn you.” He reclined in his seat. “Any moment now, Perry is going to come rushing through that door. He is quite curious. He was making his way back here when I ran into him, and he was definitely casting about for clues. I think he’s worried over you.” Bash’s teeth flashed. “You know you will receive a lecture when he finds out. Your father would be scandalized! Scandalized, I tell you!

“I managed to convince him it would be the greatest faux pas to return with refreshments and no biscuits. I suspected you might appreciate a few extra minutes.” Then he leaned forward, blond brows lifting meaningfully. “And good thing I did, considering what I walked in on.”

Theo managed to keep her expression impassive. “You’re referring to my business meeting with the Duke?”