Page 37 of A Duke's Sinful Bargain
“It could have,” he echoed.
“It did,” she corrected him. “My foot makes me inadequate in so many respects, I know that.”
“No,” he shook his head, “it makes you resilient. It makes you appreciate life more. These lasting marks change us, Anna. I don’t know who you might have been if you hadn’t suffered that accident, but I assure you that you would not be the same Anna you are now. And I must say, I quite like this Anna.”
“You do?”
He liked her? She had to admit that she liked him as well. A little more than she was willing to admit.
“Good.” She smiled mischievously in the dark, so he could not see. “Otherwise, you might not have agreed to my proposal.”
He chuckled loudly but did not reply to her comment. They remained like that, embracing for a while longer, then she felt him stir.
“It is getting late, Anna,” he whispered tenderly. “Or should I say early. Perhaps you ought to go home.”
“Yes,” she agreed, although reluctantly. She didn’t want to go, but she knew very well the risks that they were already taking. Staying here longer than necessary was downright placing her hand into the fire itself, hoping not to get burned.
She got dressed quickly, and within minutes, she was back in her carriage. She wanted a parting kiss, an embrace, anything to hold onto for the next couple of days. But it was too dangerous for any such public displays of affection, even though they might be enshrouded by the darkness of the night.
She glanced quickly out of the carriage to find him standing there, watching her leave. With a heavy heart, she realized that something had changed. That evening had altered the course of events, and she wondered what the following encounter would bring.
Chapter 20
Alexander managed to wait only twenty-four hours before he sent his next urgent note to Anna. Only this time, he did not ask.
Tonight.
Eight o’clock.
A.
Much to his delight, she replied with that flowery cursive he had grown so fond of already. She was as brief and succinct as he was, with all the anticipation bubbling underneath the surface of the flowery script.
I’ll be there.
A.
All the preparations were the same as the previous two times, but the anticipation was even greater. He wondered how that was so. If anything, he should have gotten his fill of her. Twice already he had felt her in his arms, felt the warmth of her touch. Yet instead of being satiated, he needed more of her. So much more. He could not explain that sensation with any reason or logic.
Finally, he admitted that he didn’t want to. Whatever this was, he wanted to lose himself in the unexpected sensations that had arisen without warning. And he still had almost three months of this to look forward to.
He wasn’t certain whether even that time would be enough. Three months was approximately two thousand, one hundred and ninety two hours. So far, he had spent perhaps twenty with her.Less,he thought to himself. He wanted more.
That evening, he welcomed her once again into his home. They continued the tour, only several more rooms, but she did not seem to find anything of much interest. At least, nothing as captivating as the grand piano. But the night was still young. Strangely enough, he wanted to titillate her with more than just his body. He wanted her to open up her mind to him.
As usual, they ended up in the dining room, the air filled with the aroma of a sumptuous dinner. Their banter was light, but playful, when the conversation somehow took a turn in the direction of cards. Alexander saw it as his chance for mischief, choosing to make a bold claim, knowing she would retaliate.
“You know, my card skills are legendary,” he declared importantly. “I am quite unbeatable in cards. A skill honed over years of strategic play.”
Anna tilted her head as if in an effort to take a closer, more introspective look at him. “Is that so?” she wondered playfully. It was obvious that she was more than eager to take him up on that challenge. “It would seem we have a delightful opportunity here to test that claim.”
“You dare play against me?” he teased. “Well, since you are a lady, I might go easy on you.”
“You will do no such thing if you value your life,” she retorted with equal zeal. “You will play me as the worthy opponent that I am, because I do hope you are prepared to defend your title. A defeat would surely be a dent in the invincible armor you’ve so boldly presented.”
“Ah, finally!” he exclaimed loudly and theatrically. “A challenge worth my time! I shall take you up on it in the parlor, my lady. That is, if you dare.”
“I most certainly dare.” She eyed him with a rebellious glint, and Alexander realized he was beginning to see her in a different light. This confused him. But he had no time for confusion at that moment. There was a card game to be won.
