Page 36 of Not the Duke's Virgin

As they feasted alfresco, Victoria felt some of the morning’s tension leave her body. It was hard to dwell on troubles, with such idyllic scenery surrounding her. She chatted lightly with Madeline about inconsequential things, enjoying her cousin’s animated responses.

On Madeline’s other side, Oliver lounged against the tree trunk, moodily picking at a chicken leg and swigging wine directly from the bottle. He seemed determined to avoid socializing with them.

Across from them, Simon reclined on one elbow, observing more than participating. Though his expression was inscrutable, Victoria sensed his gaze linger on her frequently. Each time his dark eyes flicked her way, it sent a subtle thrill through her veins.

When the last crumb had been devoured, Simon rose decisively. “As there is still ample daylight left, shall we play a game of croquet before continuing our ride?”

The suggestion was met with general enthusiasm.

Victoria was no expert at croquet, but Madeline looked delighted. “Oh, yes, please! I should enjoy that above all things.”

Soon mallets and hoops were fetched from the manor and positioned on the flat, well-trimmed lawn near the lake’s edge. Victoria found herself paired against Simon, while Madeline and Oliver reluctantly teamed together.

As the game commenced under the warming midday sun, Victoria quickly forgot any restraint. Something about matching wits and skill against the Duke brought out her competitive side.

They traded good-natured barbs back and forth as the colored balls ricocheted through hoops. Victoria took particular pleasure in thwarting Simon’s carefully aimed shots, sending his ball bouncing far afield with a few well-placed strikes of her mallet.

“Come now, Your Grace,” she teased after spoiling one of his attempts. “Surely croquet cannot be so difficult for a man of your abilities?”

Simon’s eyes glinted dangerously, though his lips quirked upward. “Careful, Lady Victoria, or I shall be forced to demonstrate my full talents.”

“Please do, I should welcome the challenge.” She flashed him a bold smile even as her heart beat faster.

Their heated exchange was not lost on Oliver, whose mood blackened visibly with each playful taunt. When Victoria managed to hit Simon’s ball into a tricky out-of-bounds spot, Oliver slammed his mallet down.

“Enough! This pointless game wearies me.” His eyes flashed with fury.

Victoria stepped back warily. Even Madeline looked askance at her partner’s sudden temper.

“Come, Brother,” Simon soothed. “One more round only. Though I vow revenge for Lady Victoria’s last clever play.” He winked at Victoria, defusing the tension.

With poor grace, Oliver snatched up his mallet and stalked to the starting point. As Simon bent to line up his shot, Oliver drew his arm back and then swung with excessive force. His mallet struck Simon’s ball, sending it rocketing forward wildly. Victoria gasped as it flew straight into the lake with a tremendous splash.

For a stunned moment, no one spoke or moved. Then Simon straightened slowly and pinned his brother with a murderous glare. “How dare you, Oliver,” he bit out in a lethally soft voice. “Was that your idea of sportsmanship?”

Oliver shrugged carelessly, though his eyes still flashed with fury. “Merely an errant stroke. Do lighten up, Brother.”

Victoria realized her hands were clenched into tight fists. She forced herself to relax and plastered a smile on her face. “Do not trouble yourself, Your Grace. It was merely an accident, I am sure.” She dared not provoke Oliver further by accusing him openly. “Please, let us simply enjoy this fine weather and scenery.” With effort, she kept her tone airy and face pleasantly composed.

After a taut moment, Simon’s posture loosened slightly. “Yes… you are quite right, Lady Victoria. It is only a trivial game.” He turned his back to Oliver and moved to the lakeshore. “I shall retrieve the ball, and then I believe we have all had sufficient exercise for one afternoon.”

Seeing his moment, Oliver stepped up behind Simon and forcefully shoved him between the shoulder blades. Victoria cried out in shock as Simon completely lost his balance and toppled forward into the lake with a tremendous splash.

Victoria stood frozen, her heart in her throat as Simon struggled to regain his footing knee-deep in the murky lake. His soaked clothing clung to every inch of his muscular frame, the fabric rendered nearly transparent.

Further response was forestalled as Simon strode back up the bank. Victoria’s ire turned into something far warmer as she took in his disheveled state. His wet shirt clung appealingly to the muscular planes of his chest and broad shoulders. Rivulets of water ran down his handsome, stubbled face.

Something about seeing the normally reserved Duke in such rugged disarray sent Victoria’s senses reeling. When his eyes lifted to meet hers again, he slowly dragged his tongue across his bottom lip. Heat flooded Victoria’s body in a dizzying rush.

With effort, she wrenched her gaze away from his mesmerizing form. What power did this man hold over her, to rattle her so easily? She trembled, but not from any chill.

Victoria released a pent-up breath as he walked out, the worst of the tension defused. Her relief was short-lived, however.

Oliver gripped her elbow and yanked her several paces away from Madeline, his breath hot against her ear. “Think you are so clever, don’t you? Wrapping my brother around your finger as you smile and swoon.” His grip tightened cruelly. “Need I remind you that you are bound to me in this charade? Play your part convincingly, or else you shall sorely regret it.”

Victoria twisted out of his grasp, her cheeks burning with anger and humiliation. “Do not take that tone with me,” she hissed. “I am no wilting flower to be pulled about against my will.”

Oliver’s lip curled derisively. “Aren’t you, though? Seems you’ve forgotten just who holds the reins in our little arrangement.” His smirk made her blood boil with impotent fury.

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