Page 563 of From Rakes to Riches

It wasn’t.

He didn’t like that.

He found he very much wanted it to be his concern.

But he couldn’t force her.

He would get nowhere that way.

Andnowherewasn’t an option.

He sensed she needed protection.

And he was the man to provide it.

Gemma had refusedto answer a duke…thisduke.

She couldn’t imagine he was refused often, but he left her no other option.

Besides, it was only the truth. Her life was none of his concern, and he needed the reminder.

As did she.

A pivot was necessary. “Something has been bothering me,” she said.

“Oh?”

“For a man called Rake, you aren’t much of one, are you?”

He blinked.

Good.

“What isyourname?”

“Rake.”

She wasn’t having it. “The name your mother gave you.”

Gemma found herself being distracted by the smile now tipping about his mouth.

A rather rakish smile, actually.

“That’s rather complicated.”

Gemma canted her head, curious. “How is that possible?”

“It was my mother who gave me the nickname Rake.”

Gemma nearly gasped. “That cannot be.”

The laugh that escaped him didn’t contain much amusement. “You haven’t met my mother.”

“I’m not sure I would want to.” Since they were being—mostly—truthful. “She sounds…formidable.”

“That’s one way of putting it,” he said. “My father named me Edward, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“Itwas,” she said, emphasizing the past tense. “But now, I’m more curious about the name Rake. I’d assumed it was,erm,earned.”

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