Page 6 of Her Wicked Duke
“Heartless,” she countered, her voice cracking before she cleared her throat. “A man who ruins anyone he dislikes. A spoiled man who is so used to getting what he wants that he tramples over anyone who stands in his way.”
“I am merely an opportunist.”
She felt the vibrations of his chest against the shell of her ear and shivered. His body tightened as he pushed away, his lips pressed together into a firm line.
“As am I, Alexander.” She mustered every ounce of confidence that she had. “But while I know what I seek, I do not ruin the chances of others for nonsensical gains.”
“As I mentioned, I gain nothing from warning you of the Earl’s behavior. I’m only doing my duty to your brother.”
“Ah, so I am a duty now. I am sure you said you cared about me earlier.”
“You were not so outspoken when you were younger.” Alexander cocked his head as if seeing her in a new light. “I rather like this new version you have grown into.”
“Do not patronize me. You might have a title and are best friends with my brother and think you have a right to control me, but I am not a little girl anymore. I can make my own decisions, Alexander.”
“Oh, no doubt. However, I fear your heart might be broken if you seek out the man your heart desires.”
Stubbornly, Anne inched toward the door. There had never been any gossip around the ton to suggest that the Earl had a poor reputation. She had talked with the man himself several times at previous parties and danced with him once already, and even her father agreed that it was an advantageous match. The Earl of Satton was rich, handsome, and an upstanding peer of the realm. Nobody called him cruel or heartless.
He was the man ladies hoped to meet at balls.
Alexander, she concluded, was merely jealous. He was still a bachelor at his age. No doubt he was envious of the Earl’s popularity, thinking himself worthy of the attention of every lady of the ton.
She cocked her head. “Oh, Alexander, you would not happen to be jealous now, would you? After all, you’re still single. Perhaps you wish to spread fickle lies about the Earl of Satton, and perhaps some other men, to have the ladies’ attention turned away from them so you can win their affections.”
“Jealous?” Alexander echoed, incredulous. “Anne, you misunderstand me. I do not want the fawning ladies who fallover themselves for these men in their twentieth years. I am honorable. As I said, I am simply doing my duty to your brother. Believe me or not, I am looking out for you.”
But Anne was not swayed. She looked past the handsome, dark Duke and focused on the books that were stacked on the shelves instead. She had often snuck into her brother’s study when she was a little girl, and then a curious teenager. She had learned a lot in this room. Alexander himself had caught her hiding under Christian’s desk one Christmas and simply smiled at her before walking away. He had kept her secret.
Was it possible he was telling her the truth?
“What are you thinking about?” Alexander asked, drawing her out of her thoughts.
“Nothing,” she said.
“I have known you for many years, and I can see when the wheels in your mind are turning.”
Anne did not quite know how to respond to that. She blinked up at him.
He cleared his throat. “It is similar to your brother’s expression when he is deep in thought.” He tilted his head at her inquisitively. His eyes flicked to her mouth so quickly that she thought she may have imagined it. He swallowed, and his eyesflicked back to her own. “You are considering that I might be telling you the truth. That perhaps I am right about the Earl.”
“I am not,” she snapped. “I do not believe your words have any truth to them.”
His eyes searched her face. “Last chance, Anne.”
“Stop playing games with me, Alexander.” Her voice came out in a whisper, and he swallowed. She watched the movement.
Her face flushed. This was her brother’s arrogant best friend, she should not notice how handsome he was up close.
“I can prove what I said about your precious, perfect Earl of Satton.”
With that, he opened the study door, and she was ready to curse him for risking their reputations should anyone see them.
Chapter Three
“Come, this way.”
Anne tried not to notice how firm Alexander’s grip was on her wrist as he led her out of her brother’s study, down the long hallway, and up a narrow, seldom-used staircase. They avoided any wandering guests as he pulled her to the landing of the floor above. They walked down the hallway until they approached a window, his finger pressed to his lips.
