Page 54 of Bound to the Heartless Duke
“Lily?”
It was Nathan.
They both froze right there, with her back pressed against the wall, her legs wrapped around his waist, her hands stroking his naked chest.
But then Magnus’s grip tightened on her, as though he didn’t want to care if Nathan saw them in such a position. But Lily was already slipping down, her skirts falling back into place.
“Lily, are you upstairs?” Nathan’s voice called again, getting closer.
Lily pressed a finger to Magnus’s lips. “Don’t.”
Magnus took a moment to look down at her, and for a second, she saw the flicker of hurt in his eyes. However, he silently grabbed his shirt and coat before stepping away.
When Nathan appeared seconds later, Lily stood near the window, pretending to fuss with the drapes.
“There you are,” her brother said, frowning. “You weren’t in your room.”
“I needed air,” she explained, not turning.
Magnus, now fully dressed, offered a tight nod. “Just passing by.”
Nathan glanced between them, suspicion flickering in his eyes, but he didn’t comment.
“Come, Lily,” he said, eventually. “Bailey sent a letter. He’s calling tomorrow.”
Lily gave a faint smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Lovely.”
Nathan nodded stiffly and left.
The moment the door shut behind him, Lily turned to Magnus. “Don’t make this worse.”
He smiled faintly. “It’s already too late for that.”
CHAPTER 13
The sun had sunk low, casting a warm, golden glow over the gardens of Medlin Manor. The sweet scent of roses and freshly cut grass mingled in the gentle breeze as Lily walked alongside Ronald Bailey, the pompous merchant her brother had been pushing at her relentlessly.
She kept her gaze fixed ahead, careful to hide her skepticism and disinterest. However, Mr. Bailey didn’t notice her wariness, simply puffing up his chest with the kind of confidence only a man convinced of his grandeur could muster.
“I say, Lady Lily,” he began, adjusting the lace cuffs of his shirt. “It truly is a pleasure to spend more time with you. I trust my previous visits were satisfactory?”
Lily blinked, caught off guard by his formal tone, and forced a polite smile. “They have, Mr. Bailey. Thank you.”
His grin widened, his teeth gleaming like polished ivory. “Excellent, excellent. I find that one must always strive to make a good impression. One never knows when the tides of fortune will turn.”
Lily glanced sideways at him, curious despite herself. “And you think the tides have turned in your favor?”
“Indeed! With your family’s esteemed name, and your undeniable grace…” Mr. Bailey paused, his eyes narrowing just a fraction. “It is a partnership destined for prosperity.”
Lily bit back a sigh and looked away. “Prosperity is a fine thing. But I confess, I am not sure what kind of partnership you’re seeking.”
Her words made him straighten up, before he puffed up his chest again.
“Ah, but that’s precisely the point, dear Lily. I seek to marry into the aristocracy. Your family’s standing, your connections, would elevate me.”
Suddenly, he stopped walking and turned to face her, his expression serious but hopeful.
She studied him for a moment. “And do you truly think I would make a willing participant in such an arrangement?”
