Page 12 of The Duke's Treasure
“Fine,” she said. “You may search. But I decide what happens to the treasure.”
“With my advice.”
“I will take it into consideration. That is the best I can promise.”
He reached out, taking her bare palm in his, and this time she welcomed the sizzle that it brought.
“We must come up with a story as to why you are here.”
“I could be your lover,” he said, his lips curling seductively, and she laughed.
“Hardly. My cousin.”
“A steward.”
“A relation.”
“Trust me, my lady, I would not be believable as your relation,” he said in a low voice, causing a delicious swirl of warmth in her belly.
“Very well,” she said, sitting up straight, ignoring her traitorous body. “You are here to do business.”
“The truth then,” he said, a look in his eyes telling her that he wanted to do much more than business, but she had no time for an English duke. She might be a widow who no longer had to worry about her reputation for propriety’s sake, but she had no wish to endanger herself with ties to a man again.
“When shall we begin?”
She paused, considering the options. The sooner he realized that what he was looking for was not here, the better.
“Whenever you like. You have free rein to search the grounds.”
He held her gaze. “Are you concerned what people may think of my coming and going?”
“I am no young lady waiting for marriage any longer,” she said. “All that matters to me is that I am able to live the life that I choose – and at the moment that means being done with you and this ridiculous tale that you have spun.”
“That may be true,” he said, shifting forward, his lips curling upward ever so slightly. “But part of you believes me.”
“I do not.”
“You do,” he said confidently. “Or you never would give me an invitation at all.”
“I believe that you have some alternate motive for being here, but I have not yet determined just what that might be.”
“Think what you will,” he said with a shrug. “I will go get my things.”
“Your things?”
“Would it not be best if I take a bedroom here? I am a visiting English duke. I do not think I can stay at that inn another day.”
Mariana rose from her chair, enjoying the stature she had over him as he remained seated.
“You made your choice when you decided to come to Spain,” she said. “You haven’t proven that I can trust you yet. Until then, you will have to remain at the inn. As for your search, well, I suppose you can start today if you’d like.”
“Splendid,” he said, standing himself and holding out his elbow. “Will you join me?”
She looked down at his proffered arm. She didn’t want to give him any inkling that she had an interest in this, but at the same time, she truly had nothing else to do. Then there was the fact that he was one of the most charming, attractive men she hadever laid eyes on – although that should be reason to avoid him altogether.
“Very well,” she said, giving in. “Let us begin our tour.”
CHAPTER 5
