Page 10 of Seduced By the Rakish Duke

She sighed—she might as well answer him. “Because you asked.”

A dark eyebrow rose at her response. “So, if I were to ask you to return to the library with me, you would have said yes?”

Jenny’s mouth fell open, and she pulled away from him, quickly taking note of those around her. “Hush before someone hears you!”

Once she was satisfied no one heard his remark, she stepped back into his arms to resume the dance.

“What makes you think I amthatkind of woman?” she asked incredulously.

She thought back to their time in the library.

Was there anything I specifically said that would make him believe that?

Her throat went dry, and she could feel sweat begin to bead on her forehead.

“The fact that you accepted the dance only because I asked.”

Horrified, Jenny tried to pull away, but his arm was like a vice around her waist.

“I assure you I wouldnotgo back into that room with you…ever.”

How dare he think her a light skirt because she happened upon him in a library. By accident, mind you.

“So, it is not because you are at the mercy of men and just do as you are told? That’s good.”

Jenny gave him a quizzical look. “What do you mean by that?”

The man lifted a shoulder in one of his annoying shrugs. “Just that in my experience, when a handsome man asks a woman to do something, they usually do it with little to no question.”

Jenny snorted. “I see you’re humble as well as a great conversationist. The list of your qualities grows by the minute.”

The man brushed off her insult. “It’s prudent to know one’s worth. Never let someone else decide your worth, kitten. I know I am handsome, as I know you are beautiful. I’m just stating facts.”

He was making her dizzy. She no longer knew if she wanted to slap him or kiss him.

“And, for the record, I didn’t take you asthatkind of woman. A naive woman, yes. But not a trollop.”

Jenny’s eyes widened. While she appreciated not being compared to a trollop, being called naive was as much an insult to her. Why? Heavens knew, but it rankled her.

“Naive? I am not naive, Sir.” She pouted.

Once again, that dark blonde eyebrow rose, causing her to groan.

“I’m sorry, kitten, but naïveté is written all over your fair skin. Your complexion, although quite fair, is not known for hiding secrets.”

Jenny felt the warmth of his words wash over her, no doubt leaving her cheeks pink under his gaze.

“Must you talk like that?” The words were no louder than a whisper.

“Like what?” he teased.

“Say those things about my skin, my… um, my?—”

“Beauty,” he supplied.

Jenny rolled her eyes. “Yes, that. You talk so openly about these things. I was just told that it is not appropriate for men and women to have these conversations on the dance floor.”

The man considered her warning. “Were you toldyoucould not have these conversations, or if men and women—regardless of their station—could not have these conversations?” When she didn’t answer, he continued. “Chances are, your forwardness was intimidating and therefore needed to be stopped before youunknowingly embarrassed the man. I’m assuming it was a man who told you this?”

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