Page 28 of Seduced By the Rakish Duke

“And courting a woman is something that cansort itself out?” Jenny’s expression was one of mockery and disbelief.

David shrugged. “Most of the time, yes.” He finished his drink and poured himself another. “I wasn’t exaggerating when I said most men approach courting like going to war, but it’s also worth noting that men are simple creatures.”

He took a long sip of his whisky before setting down the glass. Then he walked over to the fireplace, placed his elbow on the mantel, and leaned against it, letting his eyes roam over her body.

“When we see something we like, we tend to go after it.”

Jenny walked towards the drink cart. “Is it really that simple for you lot?”

He watched her pick up her glass only to set it back down.

She’s nervous.

David straightened up. “Mostly. We’ve resigned ourselves to knowing that a game will be played, but more often than not, we’d rather enjoy an honest conversation with a woman who is confident and knowledgeable.”

Jenny snorted. “But not too confident, right?”

“How do you mean?” David started moving towards her.

“At the last ball, I was dancing with Lord Banefield.” David couldn’t hold in a snort. “And he led me to believe that a woman shouldn’t be too forward with her conversations.”

“Banefield is a pompous arse who is afraid of his own shadow.”

Jenny’s throaty laugh had him adjusting his trousers as he stopped in front of her. For a woman who claimed she needed lessons in getting a man’s attention, she definitely had a natural talent for getting his.

“Regardless, I was brought up to believe that women are to be demure, quiet, and non-aggressive.”

David considered her words. “Simply put, Miss Bennett, you were lied to. Unless you want a weak man who would inevitably bore you, I would consider my lessons as your only guide on the matter.”

Jenny chuckled. “So far, all you told me was to control an uncontrollable bodily reaction and be confident.” She clapped slowly. “Gentlemen, guard your loins—here I come!”

His heart flipped a her uncontrollable laughter. Her ability to be herself no matter the situation was refreshing.

David shook the undesirable feeling away. “I see your point. Let’s get back to flirting.”

Jenny squared her shoulders and brought her hands up in front of her as if she just stepped into a boxing ring. She bounced on her toes.

“You look like you’re gearing up for a fight, Miss Bennett.”

Jenny smirked. “You did say most men approach courting as if they’re going off to war.”

David acknowledged her quip. “Correct” He reached out and lowered her hands to her sides. “So, first things first, getting a man’s attention.”

Jenny chewed on her bottom lip. She was hanging on his every word, and it stroked his ego. He enjoyed having her focus solely on him.

“This is where confidence comes into play. When you walk into a room, make sure your eyes are up, looking straight ahead. Walk into a room like you own it, like you belong there.”

Jenny rolled her lips between her teeth. “Hmm. What if I don’t feel like I do?”

David was surprised by her admission. “What do you mean? I thought this would be the easy part for you.”

She blushed slightly as she looked anywhere but at him. “Maybe it’s because Thomas and I joined Society later than everyone else, but I sometimes feel like we are forever playing catch up.”

He was genuinely confused. “How can that be? You have no problems when you and I are together. You seem quite confident around me.”

Jenny laughed him off. “You’reyou. You make it easy to be myself.” She rolled her eyes. “I don’t know, maybe it’s because I’m not afraid of you.”

David leaned in to crowd her space. “I thought I told you that youshouldbe afraid of me?”

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