Page 9 of Not the Duke's Virgin

“Not just yet.” Simon trailed a finger slowly down her bare shoulder, making her shiver. “First, I want the truth.”

Victoria slapped his hand away, her eyes flashing. “I already told you the truth! I’m not after your fortune or your estate or anything else that is yours. Now, stand aside and let me pass.”

Instead of complying, Simon threw his head back and laughed. The rich sound made Victoria’s stomach flutter.

“You are a fiery one, aren’t you?” Simon said appreciatively. “I do enjoy a woman with spirit.”

Despite herself, Victoria felt her cheeks grow warm at the compliment. She lifted her chin higher, determined not to let him rattle her.

For a long moment, they stared at each other, the tension simmering. A muscle ticked in Simon’s jaw, and his nostrils flared. Then, abruptly, he stepped back with a dry chuckle.

“Such spirit,” he mused. “Almost enough to make me believe your act of innocence.”

Victoria folded her arms over her chest. “It is not an act. Despite what you may think, I am not after your precious dukedom.”

Simon smiled then, a mocking twist of his lips that made Victoria bristle. “We shall see. A cunning serpent often hides behind a fair face.”

Victoria clenched her fists, outraged at the insult. “How dare you! I am no deceitful serpent.”

“Aren’t you?” Simon reached out and trailed a finger slowly down her neck in a feather-light caress. Despite herself, Victoria shivered. “Then convince me of your sincerity,” he challenged silkily.

Her breaths came faster, and she knocked his hand aside. “I do not need to convince you of anything. If you refuse to believe the truth, that is your misfortune.”

Simon let out a low, dangerous chuckle that seemed to reverberate through her. “You are a fearless one. I admire that.”

Before she could react, he suddenly grasped her waist and pulled her flush against him. Victoria gasped, her palms landing flat on the solid wall of his chest. His clean, woodsy scent enveloped her.

“Unhand me at once!” she demanded, even as her treacherous heart started to race at their sudden proximity.

“Give me one good reason why I should.” Simon’s voice was low and silken as he tilted her chin up. His eyes dropped briefly to her lips, and Victoria felt herself tremble.

Surely he wasn’t going to…

At the last moment before their lips could meet, Simon paused, his eyes searching hers intently. Victoria sensed he was giving her the chance to pull away. But some reckless impulse kept her rooted to the spot, her pulse thundering in her ears.

Just as she was melting further into him, Simon wrenched himself back abruptly. Victoria stared at him, her lips tingling and her chest heaving as she struggled to catch her breath. His eyes had darkened with undisguised want. But his jaw was taut with restraint.

“Forgive me,” he bit out. “It was inappropriate to be so close to you.”

Raking a hand through his hair, he turned away, looking uncharacteristically flustered.

Victoria sagged back against the hedge, pressing her hands to her burning cheeks. What had come over her? She had almost allowed him to kiss her. She was betrothed, however falsely, to his brother!

At that reminder, she gathered her scattered wits. “I believe it would be best if you took your leave, Your Grace,” she managed crisply.

Simon glanced back at her, his expression shuttered once more. “Yes, of course.” His lips twisted sardonically.

Victoria lifted her chin. “Good night, Your Grace.”

With a mocking bow, Simon melted back into the shadows. As his footsteps faded, Victoria released a shuddering breath.

How dare he take such liberties and stir up such unwanted feelings inside her! Clenching her fists, she silently cursed the arrogant Duke. She could not allow him to unravel her so easily.

One reckless encounter was already more than she could afford. The stakes were too high to lose focus over some brooding Duke, no matter how perilously he made her pulse race.

CHAPTER3

“Victoria, my dear,” Lord Newton began, clearing his throat meaningfully. “I wished to speak with you about a matter of some importance.”

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