Page 35 of A Duke Changes Everything
Never mind that the house she managed was his. Even the library that had become her haven on lonely days. None of that gave him the right to be so ridiculously unnerving.
Breath by slower breath, the frantic pace of her pulse settled. Her skin stopped tingling. Her mind stopped spinning with scandalous possibilities.
She rescued herself from the brink.
“You needn’t know me any better than you do, Your Grace.” She wielded the honorific as a shield, feeling a little thrill of satisfaction when he flinched every time she said the words. “Especially since you only intend to remain for a fortnight.”
“Three weeks. I’ve changed my mind.”
Her pulse kicked up again, hesitation tangling with the thrill of victory.
This was what she wanted. They needed him to stay. She was supposed to be convincing him of Enderley’s merits. Getting him to see the estate as she saw it—the romance of its long history, the way the house reflected the work of every servant who kept it going.
Instead, he saw her too clearly, sussing out truths she rarely even admitted to herself. Suddenly, keeping him at Enderley seemed as dangerous as allowing him to depart and never return again.
“Three weeks is a short time for what you wish to accomplish.” Mina tried for an even, businesslike manner. “I’ve left the inventories in your study. Should we get started going over them?” Turning away from him was easy enough. Walking toward the door was harder. The toe of her boot caught in her skirt, and she yanked to set herself free.
She heard the thud of footsteps, and then a large hand settled at her elbow.
His skin was warm, his touch surprisingly gentle. And tantalizing. That one point of heat made her want to lean closer. Instead, he stepped near. His boots brushed the hem of her skirt. A single step, a handful of inches, separated his body from hers.
Mina leaned away from the duke’s touch. She couldn’t let herself give in to what he made her feel and want, or waste time entertaining the fanciful view he had of her.
The only thing she needed from him was that he do his duty. Then she would continue doing her duty, and everyone at Enderley would benefit.
She’d put away her fairy tales and daydreams.
Nick knew he shouldn’t enjoy sparking a reaction in Mina Thorne quite so much. But he loved discovering that the lady wasn’t quite what she seemed.
Of course, she was right. He needed to focus on why he’d come.
But something in him couldn’t let the fragile truce between them break. He didn’t like the fresh wariness in her gaze.
“Have I upset you, Miss Thorne?” Nick worked his jaw, trying to find the words one used when making amends. “I was a bit of an arse. I often am.” He wasn’t a man used to curbing his urges. When one ruled a gambling empire, there was rarely a need to admit one’s faults. He sure as hell never asked for forgiveness.
“You are very confident in your assessment of others.”
“I am.”
“Though smug and insensitive.”
“I did acknowledge being an arse. That should encompass everything.”
She leaned an inch closer, eyes flashing, one hand settled on the curve of her hip. “You’re actually proud of being boorish.”
“Boorishseems harsh.”
“Do others find you charming?”
Nick grinned. Miss Not What She Seems had a waspish sting. If he didn’t admire her for it, his ego might have mustered an ounce of indignation.
“Many do. Or at least, they say they do. When you’re wealthy, it’s difficult to know if anything others say to you is true.”
“That implies you’re a man who can be swayed if people appeal to your vanity.”
“No. It only means that they try.”
“I won’t.” She squared her shoulders, stiffened her spine, and nudged up her chin. A terribly pretty chin. Smooth and softly curved and notched by an enticing cleft in the center. He wanted to touch the spot. Press his mouth to it.
