Page 37 of Three Nights with the Beastly Duke

He’d finally lifted his eyes back up to hers, and there was a look in his eyes that suddenly terrified her. Who was this man that used to be her friend?

“Let me take you away from here. You can get an annulment. Everyone knows his temper is as foul as his looks. No one will blame you for running away. I can keep you safe, hidden. Until it’s all over.”

“Timothy, let go of my hand,” Lavinia commanded, her tone low but firm.

“I’ll never let go of you,” he replied, shaking his head. “I will always protect you, Lavinia. Always.”

The soft hairs on the back of Lavinia’s neck suddenly tingled as another dose of uneasiness slid down her spine. She didn’t like this Timothy. She didn’t know him at all.

“I believe my wife has asked you to let go of her hand, Sir,” Arthur stated, suddenly making his presence known.

Lavinia finally took her first deep breath as she heard her husband’s voice, and she was filled with relief when she turned her head and saw him just behind her. It had been days since she’d seen him in full light, and as her eyes drank him in, her body instantly reacted. Thoughts of their nights together flooded her mind, and she felt her cheeks flush.

Arthur’s mouth was set in a straight, grim line, and his brows were furrowed in a most serious manner. But his eyes glittered with desire for her, and she could practically feel his lust emanating from him.

Timothy’s hand suddenly flew from hers as if she’d burned him and was so startled that he nearly knocked himself and the chair he was sitting in over.

“Husband,” Lavinia breathed, smiling at Arthur as she stood up. “I’m so happy you’ve joined us. Look who has joined my family on their visit.”

CHAPTERSIXTEEN

“Lord Stonehames,” Arthur uttered. His eyes stayed focused on Lavinia for a moment longer and then he turned to Timothy. As he did so, Lavinia watched the brightness in his eyes diminish into a dark look of intimidation. “I don’t normally like surprises, but for friends such as you, I will always make an exception.”

Timothy’s eyes grew wide with confusion as Arthur stuck his hand out to him in greeting. He looked cautiously from Arthur’s stony face, devoid of any emotion, to his hand.

“Thank you for the welcome, Your Grace,” Timothy finally responded, accepting Arthur’s handshake.

“However, you must understand the change of position you’ve inherited,” Arthur continued, speaking to him in a patronizing tone.

“I beg your pardon?” Timothy asked, their hands still locked.

Lavinia watched this all with fascination, not sure at all of what her husband could or would do next.

“Your friend, mywife.”Arthur paused, adding emphasis to the last word. “Is a duchess now. Her station far exceeds yours, therefore, when she gives you a command, youmustobey it. To not do so is to invoke legal punishment, and I must warn you, my laws are strict, and my punishment is fierce.”

“Y-your Grace, I—” Timothy sputtered, trying to pull his hand out of Arthur’s grip.

“Say you understand,” Arthur said calmly, his grip tightening.

“I understand,” Timothy stated quickly, his face turning red. “I beg your pardon, Your Graces, I was out of line.”

Arthur wanted to continue squeezing Timothy’s hand until he felt the bones inside snap. He’d first felt furious at both of them when he had seen them holding hands, but then, as he had approached and heard the tail end of their conversation, he’d realized Lavinia was trying to pull away, and that she was terrified. His fury had been immediately redirected solely toward the cocky Earl, and he had wanted so badly to unleash it.

He let go of Timothy’s hand now, freeing him so suddenly that the man stumbled back. Arthur took a deep breath, cracked his knuckles, and forced his anger down deep.

“Very good,” he stated, stepping away from Timothy and toward Lavinia.

He looked down at her and saw that her dark eyes were wide. Not with fear, but with gratitude, awe, andlust.Arthur couldn’t help the smirk he gave her as he held out his hand to her, which she quickly took. She stepped toward him.

“I have yet to greet our parents,” he informed her. “Shall we go together?”

“Of course,” Lavinia agreed, lacing her arm through his.

He turned his head back toward Timothy, who still looked frightened and confused, and gave him a curt nod. “We’ll be back shortly,” he informed him. “Then, perhaps we could all play a game of cards before dinner.”

“I am very happy to have you home, husband,” Lavinia said to him quietly as they walked up the hill toward the patio.

“I am home every night,” Arthur stated, feeling a sudden stir of lust as he smirked down at her. “Or have you forgotten?”

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