Page 68 of A Bluestocking for the Wicked Duke
Joane did not answer. She wanted him to give himself pleasure by taking her. She wanted to offer herself as a gift to him. She wanted to do this because her heart was already taken over by him. Joane admitted to herself.
I love you William. I love you.
He raised her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze.
“Are you yet to be taken Joane?” he asked.
Joane nodded slowly.
“Yes.” Her response was a tiny whisper.
She looked to his eyes.
What was he thinking?
A shadow passed across them, almost imperceptible but Joane saw it flicker past.
Was he disappointed that she was still untouched, unsophisticated, that she lacked exposure? Was he disappointed at all?
“Please do not be angry,” she said.
William raised her chin up again.
“Angry, why would you think that?” he asked.
She just thought it. He had not looked excited to hear her confirm that she was.
“You can still take me,” she said. “I want you to take me.”
She saw his mouth quiver.
He wanted to say something. What did he want to say?
He shook his head.
“I am sorry. I am sorry,” Joane said.
Tears dropped down her eyes. She couldn’t control them. She had disappointed him. His hands brushed across her cheeks, wiping the tears away as rapidly as they fell.
“No, no, no,” he said.
“You are perfect this way, just perfect,” he continued.
“No, I’m not. But you can still have me,” she said.
She looked into pleadingly into his eyes but she saw the resoluteness in them. He would not do it.
“I thought you were a rake. You should delight in meeting ladies like me, shouldn’t it be like another completed conquest to you?” she told him.
William cupped her buttocks and lifted her up, showing immense strength she didn’t know he had. His eyes stared straight into hers.
“You are no conquest Miss Joane Hardwater.”
Joane felt her heart leap.
What was he saying?
“Why do you refuse to take me?” she asked him.
