Page 85 of Every Rake Has A Silver Lining

“There is in the ducal bedchambers, but Old Burwood had never added them to the guest bedchambers. From what we’ve heard, he rarely entertained in his later years. Drake plans to make those changes, but with the baby . . .” He shrugged.

She frowned. “And you didn’t think to use the available one?”

“I don’t invade others’ privacy, even when they’re not present.” Blood thrummed against his temples. How easily she could exasperate him. “And if you recall, I wasn’t at my most clear-headed.” Yet, even as his temper rose, the lure of her made his pounding blood sing.

He softened his tone. “Let’s not argue over what can’t be undone. As I said, I want to make this work, but to do so means we must be honest with each other.”

Like a soldier in line for inspection, she straightened before him. “Are you accusing me of something?”

He flicked a glance toward the tub. “Let’s not discuss this in a room where all I can do is picture you naked—or worse, both of us.”

Her cheeks flushed pink, and she flounced from the room.

Following her, he closed the door to the bathing room behind him, shutting out the vision. “Aha! See. How long are we going to dance around the fact that we’re attracted to each other?”

“You’re mad!”

He grinned. “Not incorrigible?”

Arrows formed in her narrowed eyes, aimed directly for his heart.

“Be honest, Charlotte. I’m not talking about love or tender feelings. I’m talking about physical attraction.”

“I’m not attracted to you.” She snapped the words a little too forcefully.

With lazy indifference, he plopped into the chair by the window, receiving yet another angry glare.

“A gentleman remains standing until the lady is seated.”

He motioned to the chair opposite him. “Then, by all means. Sit.”

Huffing, she took the seat, arms folded over her stomach.

He raised a brow at her. “How long are we going to do this, Charlotte? Because frankly, I grow tired of it.”

She glowered, her face a mask of stubbornness and pride.

“Deny it to yourself all you wish, but I know when a woman is attracted to me.”

“Hmph!” She mumbled something that sounded likeinflated head.

He continued on. “There are signs. The way you respond to my touch. My kiss.”

With agonizing slowness, she turned toward him. “You vex me!” The vitriol in her voice surpassed the words.

“Ah. But doIvex you, or is it the fact that you want me that vexes you?”

“I . . .” Her mouth snapped shut.

“I say that because we are of like minds in that regard. You are everything I shouldn’t want. Stubborn. Opinionated. Aloof. Controlling. Rigid.”

“Because I know how to conduct myself with decorum? Unlike you, who acts like a buffoon. You think because you are handsome and charming people will fall at your feet?! That you can wiggle out of any difficult situation with a smile and joke? There is not one serious bone in your body!”

“You are wound so tight, the slightest breeze might snap you in half. Sadness and pain emanate from you. And I detest pain.”

Barely noticeable, she flinched, as if the mere mention of it reflected it back on her. Her chin trembled slightly.

“And yet, you haunt my thoughts day and night. The silky softness of your skin. The sweetness of your lips. How your pulse raced when I kissed the inside of your wrist. That dimple in your cheek when you allow yourself a genuine smile.”

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