Page 81 of The Untamed Duke
She shook his shoulder, a bit more forcefully than a dream should.
She was here. Standing beside him. Grace had come back to him. Well, not back to him since he left her. But she washere!
“There you are,” she said with a grin as he peered at her in dazed wonderment.
“What are you doing here?” He was groggy, mentally shaking the stupor of alcohol away.God, how much did I drink?A glance at the bottle, full the last time he recalled, shouted he’d drank nearly all of it.
“I’m bringing you those things you left behind.” Grace chewed her bottom lip, and Nicholas wanted his own teeth raking across that plump bit of flesh. “Your horse, your books, and my heart.”
Now fully awake, he snorted in derision at her declaration, sitting upright in his chair. She retreated at his abrupt movement, a hand still resting on his shoulder, and it seemed her fingers were burning a hole straight through him. He rifled around his desk for Skye’s papers.
“All of those items are yours,” he said, handing her the sheaf of paper. He held on to the encumbrance release, however. Purely selfish reasons.
Scanning the document, her head tilted. “Why would you give Skye to me? I don’t want him. I only want you.”
The wounded bewilderment evident in her features made Nicholas’s heart twist painfully.
“Gluttony is surely among your vices, little bee. Do you enjoy it that much? Being used by me?” He brusquely pushed her hand away, raking his fingers through his hair. God, he needed another drink. “Go home, Grace. Rebuild your stables. Breed Skye with your remaining mares and build your fortune. Unless you are here in the spirit of finishing things between us. Will you give me my last two nights all at once? Complete this damnable contract?”
He must make her see this was impossible. Make her understand there was no hope for them. Sebastian would never allow it.Hecould never allow it. His darkness would destroy her, and Nicholas realized he adored her too much to see that happen at his hands. Tearing into tiny pieces whatever emotion they felt for each other must be done. Before he catapulted any deeper in love.
Love. Yes, I love her. And I will save her from me. From us. Whatever it takes. Even if it means destroying the light I see in her eyes. I will kill that love so she can be free of me.
“It’s one night. Not two.” Grace’s breath hitched.
Nicholas gave her a sharp glance. Would she weep? Jesus, he hoped not. He was doomed if she did.
“I’ve come for you.” Her eyes were soft as she regarded him. “Don’t you understand, Nicholas? I love you. I’ve always loved you. And I’ve decided I will be yours forever.”
“How unfortunate. Did I not tell you to avoid falling in love with me? Now, remove that riding habit and make yourself comfortable on the settee. Or my desk. I’d prefer that, actually. Bent over it, waiting for me to take you.” He wouldn’t see her eyes that way. Those accusing golden sparks swirling in a sea of topaz. Love eventually mingling with hate.... overtaking everything until only contempt existed between them. When she despised him, it would make it easier to see her married to another man. “Great sport, taking a woman in that manner. Pinning her down with my body so I can feel every wiggle and squirm she makes. You will enjoy it as much as I.”
"You are being unnecessarily cruel." Grace's chin lifted in that stubborn way he adored. "Intentionally debasing what we share."
"We share nothing other than a common lust, Grace. And a bloody contract. You’ve obviously come to further its end. Now, I told you...remove your clothes. Or I’ll do it for you.”
* * *
His demand was spoken calmly enough,but beneath the smoothness ran a current of such iciness, Grace was chilled. His demons prowled, and it wasn't safe, standing so close.
“I don't believe I shall do that,” Grace said quietly. She would not let him bully her into submission.
Silence hung heavy with all the threatening violence of a lightning storm. Nicholas's gaze, bright green with frustrated desire, pinned her in place. With his hair tousled from sleep and glowing, hypnotic eyes, he truly deserved the Winter Wolf moniker society labeled him. Her eyes lifted to the shield above the fireplace, the wolf there snarling at her, mocking her trembling determination. Grace’s spine stiffened. A wolf, yes. But her wolf.
"Are you denying me?"
“I'm saying I won't remove my clothes, nor will I bend over your desk."
His expression darkened, containing such ferocity, Grace nearly lost her resolve. She stood poised to obligingly scamper over to the imposingly wide desk and spread herself across it exactly as he commanded.
“I hardly require your willing participation.” One eyebrow lifted slightly, his gaze raking her. "Need I remind you of our bargain?"
Grace's laugh was slightly bitter. "Oh, Nicholas. How can I possibly forget this devil's arrangement we’ve made?"
"Then get your ass over here, if you’ll pardon my eagerness. This moment has been a long time coming.” Nicholas gave his cravat a vicious jerk, and the ivory silk fluttered to the floor. Shrugging off his coat, he gave her a questioning glare when she remained motionless.
Grace stared at the cravat, remembering the first night of their bargain. Her eyes, hard and bright as chips of fossilized amber, lifted to his. A bubble of resentment rose in her chest, but she forced it down. His friends believed him capable of betrayal. She would not do the same. Even lashing out as he did now, he would not be so cruel as to take her innocence without admitting his feelings.
I believe in him. That he loves me. He won’t betray me.
