Page 61 of Not the Duke's Virgin

At last, Mr. Robinson stepped back. “I did not come here to trade insults and threats. I came seeking a reasonable path forward, for both our families’ sakes.” He drew a long breath, visibly composing himself. “Come, let us discuss this matter rationally, without all this heat.”

Lord Newton’s face remained flushed an ugly puce, but Victoria saw common sense pierce through his fury. His broad shoulders slumped slightly as he gave a terse nod.

“Very well. It does neither of us good to succumb to fury.” He waved the other man impatiently toward the study. “Come, we shall try to resolve this mess discreetly.”

The door closed firmly behind them, leaving Victoria staring at it in dismay. She had hoped eavesdropping might reveal some way out of their predicament. Instead, she now realized just how precariously they teetered on the brink of ruin. Slowly, she turned and made her way to her room.

CHAPTER16

Victoria took a deep breath as she approached the imposing front door of Hayward Manor. She had managed to sneak past the few servants still awake at this late hour and make her way to the Duke’s private study undetected. Now came the truly risky part.

She raised her hand and quickly knocked three times on the heavy wooden door. For a moment, all was silent, and then she heard footsteps approach from within. The door swung open to reveal Simon, dressed down to just his white shirt and trousers, a glass of whiskey in hand. He looked at her with evident surprise.

“Lady Victoria?” he said, clearly not expecting to find her on his doorstep at this hour. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Though his words were polite, his tone held a note of wariness.

Victoria clasped her hands together nervously. “Your Grace, I apologize for the intrusion, but I was hoping I might have a word with you.”

Simon eyed her curiously for a moment before stepping aside. “By all means, do come in.”

Victoria murmured her thanks and brushed past him into the study. Her heart pounded as she heard the door click shut behind her. She was truly alone with him now.

“Can I offer you a drink?” Simon asked, moving to the crystal decanter of whiskey on his desk.

“No, thank you.”

He poured himself another glass before settling into the leather armchair by the fireplace. “Please, have a seat,” he said, gesturing to the matching chair opposite him.

Victoria perched on the edge of the chair, back ramrod straight with tension. Simon took a slow sip of his drink as he regarded her over his glass.

“Forgive me for being blunt, but might I ask what has brought you here at such an hour, unchaperoned?”

Though his expression remained impassive, there was an intensity to his gaze that made Victoria flush.

She twisted her fingers in her lap, unsure how to begin. “I… I’ve come to ask a favor of you, Your Grace.”

Simon’s eyes narrowed slightly. “A favor? What sort of favor?”

Victoria took a shaky breath. This was it. “One that is rather… intimate in nature.”

“Intimate,” Simon repeated slowly. He set down his glass and leaned forward, forearms braced on his knees. “I’m afraid you’ll have to be more specific.”

Her cheeks flushed crimson, but she forced herself to maintain eye contact. “I want you to… ruin me. Completely.”

There was a loaded silence.

Simon’s expression was unreadable as he searched her face. “Ruin you,” he said finally. “Are you asking me to compromise your virtue, Lady Victoria?”

Victoria gave a small, jerky nod, unable to find her voice.

Something flashed in Simon’s eyes then, something hot and dangerous that made her pulse quicken. He unfolded from his chair and moved toward her with languid grace. Her breath caught in her chest as he extended a hand to tip her chin up, forcing her to meet his penetrating stare.

“Tell me plainly,” he commanded, his voice low. “Are you asking me to take your innocence? To make you mine?”

Victoria’s lips trembled. “Yes,” she whispered.

For a long moment, Simon simply looked at her, his eyes smoldering. Then his mouth came crashing down on hers in a blistering kiss. Victoria gasped against his lips, hands coming up to grasp at his shirt. Simon’s arm shot out to wrap around her back, pulling her flush against him.

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