Page 41 of A Bride for the Cruel Duke

The offer too, it was too good to be true. A way out, it felt like. A life raft thrown to her in the middle of the storm. It gave her control of this relationship, an excuse not to give into her amorous desires like she was so desperate to. Like she would right now, if not for…

No! She shook her head, deciding in the moment that this was the best offer she could hope for. On top of which, it would give her a chance to better know the man to whom she was now married. And maybe, however remote the chance was, it might lead to…No, no, Caroline. Do not go there. Do not even dream it.

“I agree,” she said quickly. “To your proposal. At the end of which, if I still do not wish to give you an heir?—”

“We will cross that bridge when it comes,” the duke cut her off, then he smirked. “Although somehow, I do not think it will be a problem.”

She scoffed. “You are not standing where I am.”

To that, he laughed. “Sleep well, Caroline…” Slowly, he stepped around her, his dark eyes holding her in his stare as he started across the room. “And try not to toss and turn at the thought of me just a few rooms away.”

She snorted. “Is that what I will be doing?”

“Based on how you were kissing me just now….” He winked and she felt her chest flush red. “I have given myself five chances, but I doubt it will come to that.”

“Y—you wish,” she stammered, feeling that flush in her chest grow.

“No, no…” He reached the door and popped it open. “I thinkyoudo.”

She opened her mouth to argue but he stepped outside and closed the door behind him, leaving her standing there with her mouth hanging open and confusion crashing down on her.

This entire situation… Caroline had no idea what to think of it. On the one hand, it felt like a smart move, because once he was finished trying to win her over, she would be able to simply deny him and be done with it. Once that time came, she could perhaps elect to move out, live her own life, do whatever she wished—the duke had told her as much.

On the other hand, is that what she wanted? Now that she really considered where this might lead and what the consequences might be. She did not want this marriage in the first place because she feared that she would be forced to live with a man who wanted nothing to do with her, who would use her and then discard her without thought. But if they could learn to like one another, develop a companionship, then perhaps this marriage stood a chance?

A chance at what? That was where she became stuck. Love and happiness… Caroline had never dreamed that she might be treated to such a thing. She did not even know the meaning of the concept! And with the Cruel Duke of all people.Somehow, it feels unlikely.

In the end, Caroline decided on perseverance. She would humor the duke. She would let him go through with this farce. As she did, she would endeavor not to give in because she still suspected deep down that he was not being truly honest. Then, once it was done, she would finally have what was promised. A marriage of convenience. As far as she was concerned, it was the best she could hope for.

ChapterFourteen

Anthony sat patiently as he waited for Caroline to arrive so the two might break their fast together. This was not discussed as a prerequisite of their marriage, but Anthony felt that it was important.I was at pains last night to establish that there were certain expectations to be upheld in this marriage, the most important being the bearing of an heir. And where breakfast is not quite so traditional, hopefully she will see what I am trying to do.

Further to that point, although he hated to admit it, Anthony suspected that his wife would appreciate seeing that he waited for her before beginning.

While waiting, Anthony was sure to have a plate set for her with a standard array of breakfast stuffs. There was toast with butter and marmalade to spread. A pot of tea and hot coffee. As well as fried eggs and cold pork chops, both of which happened to be favorites of Anthony’s.

By the time she arrived, Anthony was famished.

“Good morning,” he said when she appeared in the doorway. She was dressed in a simple cream-colored muslin gown, paired with gloves, while her hair was worn up in a bun. Her cheeks were flushed pink, and he wondered if she had rushed to be here.

“Oh...” She started in surprise to see him. “You are here.”

“Should I be anywhere else?” Anthony asked with a coy smile.

“I… I just did not expect you to join me.” She looked away sheepishly. “Based on my experiences so far, the less time we spend together the better.”

Anthony chuckled at that. “I am sure we can make it through at least one meal without wishing to attack one another. I mean, if we can’t do that…” He exhaled sharply, but there was a smile on his lips. “Then I don’t much like my chances.”

“Chances?”

“Five chances,” he corrected, his smirk coy. “And just to confirm, this isn’t one of them.”

“Oh, yes…” She rolled her eyes. “Thank you for letting me know. I will not have to be on my guard that way. Very kind of you.”

“A rare instance,” he said jokingly. “Do not get used to it.”

It was subtle, but already Anthony could sense the slightest of changes occurring between himself and Caroline. There was still some hostility there, a sense of distrust, but it was waning. That told him that she was at least open to the idea of him getting to know her. Maybe even that she was looking forward to it.Although I won’t get ahead of myself just yet.

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