Page 83 of Dukes Are Forever
"You like his attentions."
How much had he seen of that moment in the garden?
"I don't... dislike them," she admitted carefully.
"And yet you're here."
The dazzling smile he shot her seemed charming, but dark edges of distrust glinted in his eyes. Pushing off the wall, he stalked toward her.
Adele didn't dare take a step back. He was already suspicious. "You invited me."
"I didn't think you'd actually come," he said, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "Why did you come, cherub?"
"Because I was curious. I was home. Alone. Once more. What do you want me to say? He ignores me all the time. I hate it. The only time he's ever paid me any attention has been of late. After you kissed me."
Devoncourt stilled. "Ah, so that's your game. You think if you encourage me, then you'll bring him to heel."
Adele gave a careless shrug. It seemed everyone thought her a heartless flirt who flitted from one man to the other. She might as well use the reputation. "I want a child. Malloryn's indifference concerns me. I find myself in a somewhat precarious position. You wouldn't understand. You're a man. I have a role to fulfill and my husband makes that role rather difficult. I cannot risk him setting me aside just because he won't…."
She bit her lip.
Devoncourt's suspicion softened. "I could give you a child. He'd never know."
"Unfortunately, he would," she replied, with a wry smile. "He's never touched me. I need him to believe the child is his."
"Ah." Devoncourt brushed his knuckles against her lips. "So you use my attentions to prick at his jealousy. You are a clever girl."
"It's not like that." Leaning into his touch, she closed her eyes and let him stroke her cheek. "I do enjoy your flirtation. It's just…, one step too far and I cross a dangerous line. You were the one who said he might lock me away. You understand?"
"Perfectly."
Adele turned her face into his palm and pressed a kiss there, her heart beating rapidly. "If I can seduce my husband, then perhaps…. Perhaps I could enjoy your flirtations more."
"Only then?"
"I couldn't risk it."
Someone cleared their throat.
"Ah." Devoncourt backed away from her. "I'd like you to meet a friend of mine."
Adele turned in a swirl of skirts, determined to do her part. This was where she would be approached and asked to do something by one of the other members of the Rising Sons. Hopefully, the mastermind behind them.
The woman who stepped out of the greenery wore a long black velvet frock coat, with a cravat tied at her throat. Her silvery hair had been bound back into an elegant chignon, and she carried a gold-handled cane.
Adele's heart started beating faster.
Whoever she was, she was a blue blood.
No human woman had skin as pale as that, or hair without a hint of color to it.
To recover her shock, she fell back on the manners that had been drilled into her as a young woman. "How do you do?"
"As of right now? Excellent." The woman smiled, capturing Adele's gloved hand and lifting it to her lips, her voice dropping into a purr. "I have been waiting to meet you for a very long time, Your Grace."
"This is the Lady Dido," Devoncourt said, gesturing to the stranger. "You did say you wanted to meet the Horsemen. Well, she is Death, and she rules here in Angel's Fall. She rules us all."
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