Page 36 of A Duke's Scandalous Obsession
“I see,” he rolled his eyes playfully at her, which made her burst into a chuckle.
“You really don’t like to lose, do you?” Catherine teased.
“That is because I so rarely do so,” he replied playfully. “Now, it is my turn.”
Finally, Dominic started reading. From the onset, it was obvious that his was a heroic story of bravery, loyalty and the struggle between good and evil, which kept the listeners on the edge of their seat as they devoured each word that was being read. Catherine and Aunt Penelope exchanged excited whispers, their minds racing to unravel the enigmatic clues hidden within the pages.
“So, we have a monster,” Catherine mused.
“And a hero,” Aunt Penelope added.
Eventually, the clues revealed the title and Catherine was correct. “It’sBeowulf!”
“You are very good at this, my dear,” Aunt Penelope pointed out, then she turned to Dominic. “It would seem we have quite the competition here.”
“I should think so,” Dominic chuckled, addressing Catherine. “Contrary to what you might think, I am able to admit when I have been bested.”
“You are?” Catherine teased. “Does that happen more or less often than you losing?”
“Well, now you are just being mean,” Dominic chuckled, and Catherine couldn’t help but join in. This playful competition had awakened the best in them all, and for a brief moment, she could see something more in him, something she actually liked.
“Well, I think we should all retire for the evening,” Aunt Penelope announced, rising from her armchair.
Dominic rushed over to take the book from her hands. “You go ahead, aunt. I’ll put all the books back.”
Aunt Penelope caressed his cheek, gazing at him. “You’ve always been such a sweet, kind boy, Dominic. I am so happy to see that you found a woman who has seen you for who you really are.”
Aunt Penelope bid them both goodnight, then retired from the library. Catherine was left speechless. She watched Dominic put the books back, then he faced her.
“You can go to the guestroom if you wish,” he urged her gently. “I will spend the night here.”
“On the couch?” she asked, slightly surprised. “Won’t it be uncomfortable?”
He shrugged. “Like I said, it won’t be the first time. I’ll be all right. Go and rest, Catherine. It’s been a long day.”
She smiled. “All right. Good night.”
She walked out of the library and headed to her guestroom. Dominic was right. It was indeed a long day, a day that revealed so much more than Catherine ever thought would be possible. She nestled in the bed, covering herself with the blankets, wondering if she should just tell him to come back.
No. No.
It was safer for her to have him away. She couldn’t be trusted in his presence. If he were to kiss her again, she wouldn’t be able to control herself. That much was more than obvious. With those thoughts, she fell asleep, wondering what revelations the new day would bring.
Chapter 18
Dominic did not spend a particularly comfortable night on the couch in the library, but he knew why he was doing it. During breakfast, he would occasionally rub the back of his neck, easing the stiffness. Perhaps he could sleep in one of the other guestrooms, without his aunt noticing. That might raise questions he wasn’t ready to answer.
As the morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the breakfast table, Aunt Penelope turned to Catherine with a gentle smile.
“My dear, would you care to join me for a walk through the garden after breakfast?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Catherine’s face lit up with delight at the invitation. “I would love to,” she replied.
Dominic raised an eyebrow in mock indignation. “And what about me?” he interjected playfully. “I am not worthy of accompanying you ladies on your morning stroll?”
Aunt Penelope chuckled softly at Dominic’s jest. “Oh, darling, don’t be so dramatic,” she teased with a dismissive wave of the hand. “I simply thought it would be nice to have some alone timewith Catherine to get to know her better. But don’t worry, there will be plenty of opportunities for us all to spend some time together.”
Dominic’s expression softened at his aunt’s reassurance, a playful grin still tugging at the corner of his lips. “Very well, then,” he conceded with a chuckle. “But don’t think I won’t be keeping an eye on you two from afar. Who knows what mischief you might get up to without my supervision?”
