Page 22 of A Bride for the Cruel Duke

Anthony could hardly believe what he was hearing. And seeing! In times like this, it would likely do best for him to ask her nicely, because that was what people did when they wanted something.Wasn’t it?Anthony, however, had never had to do such a thing before.

Once more, he found his eyes drifting. With her arms folded under her bosom, her breasts looked even larger than usual. Firm yet somehow supple. Full and heaving. Anthony prided himself on his self-control, and he hated how she wreaked havoc with it. They had an entire weekend ahead of them and if they were forced to spend more time together...I wish I could trust myself, but I am only so strong.

A new tactic was required. She was stronger willed than he had initially assumed, but she was not so stubborn that, if he demanded it of her, she would still refuse him. As a duke, a man who was used to getting his own way, it was time that Anthony stopped playing games and reminded her of the power dynamic which should exist between them.

I am in control here, not her. It is time that she remembers that.

None of that was to say that Anthony wanted to frighten her or scare her away. He just didn’t know what else to do. Thus, he fell back into old routines.

“You do not listen so well,” he said as he stalked across the room. “I knew you to be stubborn, but this has outdone even my wildest expectations.

“I am not stubborn,” she protested. “I am simply trying to do what is right.”

“What is right?” he scoffed. “What isrightis what I say it is.” He stepped closer to her body, expecting her to scurry back, but she stood her ground. “So, I am going to say it one more time. And this time, I suggest you listen and then heed my words because I do not take kindly to being ignored.”

He could see her chin wobbling as she worked to maintain her composure. “So, I do not get any say in this? I told you, this is not just about me but my family. How is it fair that you can simply dismiss me without?—”

“Fair” he cut her off. “Is that what you think this is? This is not about fair. Not is it an argument. It never has been. And it is time that you understand that.” Anthony did not mean to, but suddenly he found his hand moving to her waist, which he gripped.

She yelped and tried to push him away but he hung on tight so she would know that she had no power here. That he was in control, and she would do well to listen.

“You do not get to argue with me,” he said, his voice a dark whisper. “You do not get to tell me no. I asked—no—I told you that I do not want your help, which as far as I am concerned is the end of the conversation. Is that understood?”

“You…” She was shaking beneath his grip. “You are not my master, despite what you think.” She grabbed his hand and wrenched it free. “And you do not tellmewhat to do.”

This had Anthony moaning unexpectedly. “You are…” His other hand moved to her waist also and squeezed. She gasped and grabbed his arm with both her hands; they were tiny around his wrist. He could feel her trembling. He could feel her heavy breathing. “I will say this one more time, my pet. So, listen closely...” He pulled her toward him and leaned in close, his mouth going to her ear. “Do not argue with me. Do not think that you can win. I told you what I wish and the only thought that should take your mind is how quickly you might bow to my demand.”

“But—”

“No buts,” he breathed into her ear, his voice so low that he could barely hear it. “No arguments. I do not need your help. I do not want your help. What I want, the only thing you can give me, is peace and quiet. Is that understood?”

She said nothing. His hands were still around her waist. Her breathing was ragged. But her body... it was pulled into his bare chest so that he could feel her breasts against his skin. She was shuddering and shaking and dammit if it didn’t drive him to the brink.

“Answer me,” he breathed.

“I—I am sorry,” she stammered. “I did not mean it.”

“Yes, you did...” Anthony wanted to push her away. Perhaps drag her to the door and toss her outside and be done with it. But in the moment, holding her close as he was, his mouth right by her ear, he acted without thinking.

His lips found her earlobe and wrapped around them. His teeth then dug into her flesh and bit down gently. She gasped and he moaned, and he felt her melt into him. Sucking on her ear for a moment, his grip around her neck, still not too tight but still firm, his other hand was on her waist, moving toward her breasts, holding her into him in a way that he knew she wanted even if she would never say it.

She was his to do with as he pleased. Alone. Nobody to stop him. If he wanted her, he could have her...

Anthony groaned again and pulled his lips free. “Are you going to leave me be?” he asked, hoping she would say no.

“I will,” she said, her voice trembling. “I promise.”

“Good girl,” he breathed into her ear. “Who knew a stray like you could be so easily trained.”

A moment passed between them. Anthony holding her by the waist. Her body pressed against his bare chest. Lips by her neck now, her own lips dangerously close to his face. He was breathing heavily. Red hot blood surged through his veins. It took all his self-control not to act...more than I thought myself capable.

Anthony roared and let Lady Caroline go. Then he stepped around her, refusing to look back. His entire body trembled and he feared what he might do if he laid eyes upon her once more.

“Go,” he snarled.

“I—”

“Go!”

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