Page 61 of The Untamed Duke
Allowing Grace entry into the stables ahead of him, he saw her shoulders stiffen. He meant something completely different in the parlor, but she misunderstood him now. Nicholas almost grinned, knowing the path of her thoughts.
He still couldn’t explain why he’d antagonized Sebastian so ruthlessly. The man should be commended for defending Grace’s reputation, even if she cared not a whit for it herself. And there was no understanding his visceral reaction when Sebastian unintentionally insulted her. His own anger surprised him. Frightened him. He'd wanted to snatch Grace up, tuck her safely under his arm, and shield her from the wretched ugliness commonplace between men.
Nicholas clarified his statement now. “Horse breeding, pet. I believe we would both gain from such an arrangement. And I fully intend on buying a colt, or even a filly. Perhaps two of each, provided you have no other buyers.”
Grace slanted golden eyes at him. “I suppose you would rather keep them all within your grasp.”
Nicholas somberly took her elbow. “Actually, I am within my rights if I demand all sales cease until this is over. You are selling something you do not fully own.”
“Are you sure of this?” Her cheeks flushed with temper. “Have your barristers provided any answers?”
“No,” he admitted. “Although they are digging deep into the matter. My father’s death, welcomed though it was, left behind quite a tangle. Many others are indebted to the estate, and naturally, my father’s own team was reluctant in handing over documents when I discharged them of their services. I’ve been assured the encumbrance does exist. It is mentioned in the duke’s will as a separate provision. But a provision no one can locate. The lead man on the matter is certain it's buried in the mountain of other debts owed. It’s only a matter of time before it is uncovered.”
Grace tugged her arm from his grasp, turning down the aisle where his stallion was stalled. “On her deathbed, Mother assured me Bellmar and the stables were mine. I made this bargain as a means of being certain...covering all scenarios.”
“Whether it’s found or not, I will still dissolve it at the end of our arrangement. In the meantime, I’ll take a look at your herd, select a few yearlings and arrange a breeding between Skye and any mares of your choosing. Llyr is a magnificent animal, but diversification with a new stud will be advantageous to your stables.”
“You are very kind, Your Grace,” she grit between pursed lips, her tone shouting distrust.
“Ulterior motives, pet,” Nicholas nodded. “I always have them. And this provides a convenient excuse for our contact. I’ll have my remaining nights with you. You at my mercy has consumed my thoughts.”
Grace did not respond, and Nicholas frowned.Is she remembering our last night together?That night should not count against the talley, but it was he who chose spending it that way.
“Sebastian will object. He won’t believe you're merely interested in buying horses,” she said glumly. “He’s suspicious and will watch me like a hawk from here out.”
Nicholas was amused by the way she bit at her bottom lip in her worry.
Brushing a loose tendril of hair behind her ear, Nicholas was gratified when she sucked in a quick breath, her eyes heated when they clashed with his. Grace was definitely intrigued by the thought of completing their contract. He couldn’t disappoint her, even if he lacked the necessary items for taking her as he wished. Those things waited at Oakmont—and he would use them there. Dear God, not here, where Sebastian might be lying in wait, ready to burst through her bedroom door, eager for a reason to destroy him.
“Do not fret, little bee. There are ways around Sebastian’s scrutiny. Trust me.”
Chapter 24
“Stop pacing, Sebastian.” Ivy refilled her cup, watching her husband stalk in front of the windows facing the stables.
“I can’t help it. Why the devil are they taking so long?” he growled back. “I’m going out there. You can’t trust that man around someone as sweet and innocent as Grace. I know him. I know how he thinks, what he’s capable of—”
“You’ll do no such thing.” Ivy calmly bit into a biscuit and did not flinch when the earl spun around.
“Someone must be concerned for her safety. I don’t understand why you aren’t.”
“She likes him.” Ivy’s shoulders lifted in a shrug. “You were so busy barking threats, you did not see what I did.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Grace does not find the duke’s attention objectionable. You know him well. Has he ever chased a woman? I’d say probably not.”
“There was Marilee,” Sebastian said in a low voice. “Although I admit, she most likely pursued him, knowing he would be Richeforte one day.”
“I had the opportunity of viewing the man over the past three seasons. He is hunted by women. He ignores them, remaining aloof, detached. Society’s expectations do not concern him. Now, Grace has captured his attention. Entranced him, I think.”
Sebastian scowled. “If that is true, all the more reason we should be concerned. And diligent in safeguarding Grace.”
Ivy’s head tilted when he finally plopped into the chair beside her. She pushed a teacup his way; however, he was too agitated to drink. “He rode here from Oakmont. Just to see her, Sebastian. Not to discuss breeding mares or buying horses. He helped her up from the floor, cleaned up scones, for goodness sake. Most telling though was his anger over a perceived insult. He is not pursuing to conquer. In fact, he seems perplexed by the attraction between them. Did you honestly not notice? The sparks?”
“He’s dangerous, Ivy. Dangerous.”
“Grace does not seem alarmed. She’s not shown the slightest interest in any of her suitors, not even Longleigh, and she is so very fond of him, although in a platonic sense. She could not take her eyes off His Grace just now.”
