Page 58 of Bound to the Heartless Duke
Lily didn’t bother to look up.
If she did, she would no doubt tell Nathan she didn’t care ifRonaldwas affronted.But right now, she didn’t care. She was tired of pretending to be all right with getting married to someone she didn’t love.
“You’re being ungrateful, you know.”
At those words, her jaded self embraced anger.
Her gaze snapped to her brother’s. “Ungrateful?” she echoed, her voice low. “Ungrateful for what? For being paraded around like a prize mare at some merchant’s stall?”
Nathan’s jaw tightened. “It’s a good match. You should be grateful I secured it, instead of sulking all day like a spoiled child.”
Her blood boiled at his words. For once, she couldn’t believe his audacity. It seemed like he had forgotten he was the one who had dragged them into this mess.
“Is that all I am to you? A prize to be won? Just like you traded the house in a gaming hell?!”
Nathan bristled, before stepping closer. “Don’t talk to me like that,” he warned, and she glared hard at him.
But before the tension could rise further, the door slammed open.
Lily twisted around to see Magnus standing in the doorway looking elegant in a crisp linen shirt tucked properly into dark trousers. His boots shone froma good polishing and his hair was artfully styled. He had forgone a cravat yet she couldn’t bring herself to disapprove. He stepped into the room, his eyes flashing with cold authority.
“Nathan,” he said, his voice low but firm, “Summer has a letter for you.”
Nathan’s gaze flicked to him, and for a tense beat, none of them moved. But then he gave a disgruntled grunt, turned on his heel, and stalked out, making sure to slam the door shut behind him.
Once her brother was out, Lily let out a breath she hadn’t realized she had been holding, relief washing over her in slow waves.
Magnus turned to her, his expression unreadable.
“Are you well?” His tone was softer now, cautious.
She looked away, sinking back into her seat. “Do you think I can be after that?”
He stepped closer. “Tell me something, Lily. Do you truly want this marriage? This arrangement with Bailey?”
Her eyes snapped back to his, wide and fierce.
He ought to know better. He wasn’t supposed to ask, for he already knew the answer.
“No,” she forced out.
“Then don’t accept it.” His gaze sharpened.
Lily laughed, the sound sharp and humorless. “Don’t accept it?” she scoffed. “Easy for you to say. You don’t have to live with the consequences.”
Magnus took another step forward. “Don’t act like we didn’t discuss this. Don’t act like staying here with you is not a consequence of my gambling. I put you in this mess.”
She looked up at him, her expression almost softening at his words. But then she frowned.
“Don’t act like you are any different. You also see me as a prize. You asked me to marry you instead so you can seize the manor and me all at once.”
His eyes flickered with something. Was it hurt? Surprise? She couldn’t tell. But for once, that indifference that used to irk her vanished.
“You think so lowly of me?” he asked.
“Well, you make it sound so simple.” Her eyes flashed with frustration. “Now, I don’t know who is offering advice without an ulterior motive.”
He stepped closer, closing the gap between them. “I’m sure you do. You just insist on taking the wrong advice from Nathan.”
