Page 12 of A Duke for Stealing
“Harriett was the diamond of her season. Her beauty outshines everyone, including my own. How could you not have any interest in her?”
To her surprise, Everett let out a chuckle as he leaned forward and, in a rather intimate gesture, swept an escaped tendril away from her brow. The touch was gentle, yet it sent a wave of heat seeping into her skin where his fingers had grazed.
“Oh, Rose, you are not that naive, are you?” He asked.
She drew away from his touch, picking up on his condescending tone.
“How am I naive?” She asked.
“To believe that this was more than a marriage of convenience for either of us,” Everett explained. “It was a match of popularity. Nothing more. She wanted a Duke, and with my new title, I was expected to take a wife. She saw nothing but my money and status, and I saw nothing but her pretty face that would represent us at parties.”
Rose scowled, wondering once again why she had stuck her neck out for such a man as Everett.
“Well, I am sorry that it is my face that will be representing your new title now, Your Grace,” she said icily, “I do hope that in time you can forgive me.”
“I would rather have a woman like you by my side than her, Rose,” he said with sudden seriousness. “Was she lovely? Yes? But obviously, she had some very ugly parts lying beneath that pretty facade. At least I know I will have your loyalty.”
“How lovely for you,” she said bitterly, crossing her arms. “I am aware of your …preoccupations, and I am sure such loyalty will not extend both ways.
“Perhaps not,” Everett mused as he lounged back in his seat. “But I am not an entirely selfish man, you know.”
His smile was slow as his eyes raked hungrily over.
“In fact, I can be quite generous.”
Rose ignored the tremor of excitement that moved down her spine. It was notherhe was attracted to. It was the simple fact that she was a woman.
“I am not interested in the generosity you speak of, Everett,” she retorted, “So put that lustful look away. It will not work on me.”
To her surprise, Everett let out a loud laugh.
“You are a darling, Rose,” he chuckled.
“And you are addled,” she flung back.
Everett shrugged as he grinned.
“I have been told I ‘addle’ quite well. Would you like some references?”
Rose threw him a dirty look as she bit her lips together and positively sizzled with rage.
“Now, now,” Everett chuckled, holding up his hands in surrender. “You are not one to fall for my tricks. I understand that. But I was serious when I spoke of generosity, Rose. You paid me a service by intervening with Harriett. I am willing to reward that. So I ask you now, what do you want?”
Rose spared him another quick glance, feeling some of her annoyance wane as his expression transformed from flirtatious to sincere.
“You are quite serious?” She asked, her tone flat.
“What do you want?” Everett repeated calmly. “My new inheritance does not come with just a title. It also came withan extensive increase in funds. I have more than enough to purchase anything you desire. All you have to do is ask.”
Rose had to admit her interest piqued. She knew she could not ask for her own house yet. To protect their reputations, it would be best to live with one another for at least a year. However…
“I want my own library,” she stated matter-of-factly, “Filled with any book I want.”
“Done,” Everett said with a shrug.
Rose felt a thrill move up her spine at how easily he agreed. Perhaps being married to him would not be so bad after all.
“And if your estate does not already have one, I want a solarium. A room filled with sun and plants and books and plush furniture.”
