Page 12 of Taming a Beastly Duke
“Because I am me, Mother,” she said, responding to her imagination’s rendition of the viscountess. “Because I am not my sisters.”
The thunder of hooves pulled her from her nonexistent disagreement with her mother. Unfortunately, it did so too late. She turned to see a runaway carriage bearing down on her too quickly for her to have time to move. Time seemed to slow as terror froze her in place. She could do nothing as she anticipated the impact from the horses and wheels of the coach.
Strong arms wrapped around her, spinning her to safety as she and her rescuer tumbled to the sidewalk. She blinked, clearing her stunned vision to see the Duke holding her tightly, his body covering hers and pressing her firmly into the cobblestones beneath them. Their faces were inches apart as they both breathed with the same rapid harshness.
Her body felt flushed with flames as she became aware of his thigh pressed tightly between hers and his hands gripping her waist. The sensations below her navel were more intense than they had ever been, and she wondered if he could feel her pulse in his leg where it made contact with her most delicate parts. She just barely resisted the urge to lift her hips and press her lower body harder into the duke’s.
As the aroma of his spice-scented shaving soap enveloped her senses and she felt the steady beating of his heart against her bosom, the world around them diminished until it was but the two of them, ensconced in a moment of exquisite intimacy. All sounds apart from their breathing and all sights besides the duke’s darkening eyes and the way they dropped to her parted lips disappeared. All that existed was the duke and her, the hardness of his chest pressed against her soft curves, the awareness of every part of her body thattouched his, and a sudden, wild and raw desire to press her lips against his and beg him to take her in the most intimate way. It was the first time she had ever had such improper thoughts. But suddenly, it was all she wanted.
Chapter Six
Adelaide was not initially aware of the crowd that began to gather around the duke and her. Not until she heard a woman utter a loud, sharp gasp as she spoke.
“That is the Duke of Lochville,” she said, her words filled with accusation.
Adelaide looked up, horrified, just as an elderly gentleman with a brown cane cleared his throat.
“A rather compromising situation for them both, I dare say,” he said, sneering with disdain.
Adelaide looked at the Duke, searching for any reaction or guidance. But he was still looking at her, as though he had not yet been pulled from the spell which had enthralled them both. For a brief second, she almost forgot about the whispering crowd surrounding them. The passion returned with such ferocity that for a second, she did not mind that she was once more compromised. In fact, with the duke’s thigh where it was placed, she longed for him to ensure that she was permanently ruined, no matter how many people were watching.
A well-known voice interrupted the reverie yet again, as if summoned from the very ether.
“Oh, heavens,” Lord Edwin said, kneeling beside the scandalized couple. “Are either of you hurt?”
The duke also reacted to his cousin’s voice. He shook his head, glancing first at Lord Edwin, then at the growing crowd of whispering onlookers. His eyes settled again on his cousin, and Adelaide saw him frown. She looked at the gentleman, expecting to see the concern she heard in his voice mirrored in his eyes. But instead, she saw something almost predatory and calculating in them. He blinked and it was gone, but not before it ignited an odd dread within her.
“I am fine,” the duke said, pushing himself off of Adelaide. Lord Edwin offered his hand, which the Duke reluctantly accepted as he heaved himself to his feet. Before the duke could turn back to Adelaide, his cousin reached down and gently pulled Adelaide upright, as well.
“Are you injured?” Lord Edwin asked, looking down at her skirts.
Adelaide followed his gaze, noticing how torn the hem of her dress was. She flushed, trying vainly to brush away dirt and the rips in the fabric.
“No,” she said, wincing as sharp pains invaded her elbows and lower back.
The duke’s eyes widened, and he went to reach for her. But Lord Edwin put his hands on her shoulders first, looking at her with what could only be genuine concern.
“Where is the pain?” he asked, looking around at the people who were still gawking as if watching a theater performance. “All is well here. Please, move along. You have witnessed all there is to see here.”
Adelaide was not surprised when no one moved, and they all continued sporadically whispering. But Lord Edwin did not get the chance to repeat himself. The dowager duchess, Helena and Edith came running from the shops, nudging their way through the crowd.
“Adelaide, darling, are you all right?” Helena asked, rushing to her niece and surveying her.
Edith noticed her ripped skirts, gasping softly.
“Are you hurt?” she asked, putting her hands to her cheeks.
Augusta Lockhart put her hands on her grandson’s shoulders, her eyes filled with tears.
“Let us get the two of you to Mr. Morrison, the physician” she said.
The duke shook his head, pulling away from his grandmother.
“I am perfectly fine, Grandmother,” he said. “Miss Barrett on the other hand seems to be in some pain.”
Adelaide shook her head, offering a smile. But she shifted her weight from one foot to the other, causing more pain in her legs, which made her flinch again.
“I am well,” she said, trying to prevent her jaw from tightening with the pain.
