Page 60 of The Untamed Duke
Nicholas released Sebastian with a tiny shove, turning his back so he could right the table. Picking up various items, he glanced at Grace. She stared back, and damned if there wasn’t the faintest glimmer of sympathy in the honey-colored depths of her eyes.
Sympathy, of all things.
For him.
“I want you out of this house,” Sebastian demanded as Ivy glided up beside him. It wasn’t lost on either man that more words were being exchanged between them in this cozy parlor than during the entire six years since the duel.
“Darling?” Ivy interjected softly, patting his shoulder in assurance he was unharmed. “Isn’t that Grace’s decision? After all, this is her house. And we are guests.”
Nicholas stood quickly, teapot in hand. He could scarcely believe the countess was on his side of things. There must be a reason for it, one unknown unless you were a woman yourself and understood the machinations of the female brain. He didn't miss how Ivy’s gaze darted back and forth between himself and Grace, as though the two of them were a puzzle in need of solving.
Grace knelt at Nicholas’s feet, and he nearly snatched her back up before realizing she was retrieving the sausage links that had rolled beneath the settee.
“His Grace can stay as long as he wishes. I have several yearlings he may be interested in purchasing.” Grace’s manner was quietly determined. She wouldn't be commanded by Sebastian, nor would she back away from the secret contract. The realization made every ounce of blood in Nicholas’s body pound with arousal. He felt euphoric, ready to burst from his own skin.She wants me to stay.
“My mount pulled up lame on the ride over, so I rely on your goodwill, Lady Grace.” Nicholas ignored Sebastian’s snort of disbelief. He picked up a couple of scones that had escaped being smashed into the floral rug by their bootheels.
“Of course. If you will follow me to the stables, Hugh, our stable master can take a look at your horse. He concocts a rather magical poultice. It does wonders.” The eagerness of her response suggested Grace was ready to escape the charged atmosphere of the parlor. Nicholas extended a hand, helping her up from the floor. She pinkened, embarrassed by his assistance, then briskly brushed her palms on her breeches.
“Sebastian, Ivy, if you haven’t eaten this morning, Miss Nancy will prepare something and serve it in the breakfast room.”
Her cousin glared at her, a look of furious disbelief crossing his features. “Do you think I trusthimanywhere alone with you? I’ll accompany you…”
“My lord, shouldn’t we have breakfast before you undertake the role of guardian?” Ivy asked Sebastian with a small smile. “Grace is perfectly fine in her own stables. There are plenty who will aid her if needed. Besides, I’m sure His Grace will be on his best behavior.”
Nicholas raised an eyebrow at Sebastian, gratified he was so handily managed by his spitfire of a countess. Once again, an unwelcome wave of nostalgia rose inside his gut, a tide of happiness for his former friend that could not be stemmed. He covered it with a gruff clearing of his throat while Sebastian shot daggers at him, grey eyes blazing with anger and distrust.
“Have no fear,” Nicholas said, addressing Ivy. Shockingly enough, the countess gave him a tiny, encouraging grin. “I’ve witnessed the damage Lady Grace can wield with a mere book on an unwanted suitor. That she’ll be surrounded by pitchforks and various sharp objects all but guarantees her safety.”
* * *
“Is your horse really injured?”Grace questioned as they took the path to the stables.
“I would not invent such a thing,” Nicholas replied. “He began limping about a mile from Bellmar Abbey, and I walked the rest of the way on foot.”
“I saw him. They placed him at the opposite end of the stables, far from Llyr’s stall. He’s beautiful. What is his name?”
“Skye. He’s Scottish bred, named for one of the islands.”
Grace nodded. “He’s a bit bigger than Llyr. And his coloring does look like the sky, maybe during a spring storm. Bluish grey and dark, all mixed together. Have you had him very long?”
“I won him in a card game shortly after returning to England. That was almost three years ago.”
“I did not realize you were abroad the same time as my cousin. Did your paths ever cross?”
“Fortunately, no.” A hint of a smile lifted his lips. “It would have been a scene straight out of your parlor if we had.”
“I’m sorry you quarreled. If I’d known you were coming, I could have warned you to stay away.” Grace cast him a glance. “Or had I known Ravenswood intended a visit, I would have requested he delay his trip by a few days.”
“It’s a matter we shall discuss later. I’m still vexed over your actions.”
Grace tilted her head. “Are you angry I took the books from your library without your permission? I thought…”
“I have been forced to chase you,” Nicholas interrupted, eyes heavy-lidded, mouth tightening into a hard line with the reminder of her flight from his bed. “The books are inconsequential. I did not even notice their absence. But you, my dear little bee. You, I missed a great deal.” A pink flush spread across her exposed throat at his choice of words.
He remembered, as she likely did, the last time he was ‘vexed’. Something in his groin tightened at the memory of Grace prone across his lap. His hands smoothing over those perfectly round, golden-hued buttocks hidden beneath a flouncy layer of lace.
He abruptly changed the subject. “Your suggestion of breeding is an excellent idea.”
