“Your grace.” She curtsied quickly and walked behind the sofa to put distance between them. Merciful heavens, why weren’t there any windows open?
“If I may be so bold, you look extravagant this morning, my lady.” Benedict gave her a stare that made her heart flutter in all the wrong places. Treacherous body! Perhaps she should have taken her luck with the fall out of the window.
“You may not be so bold,” Katherine clipped. “Especially when you freely give such compliments without as much as smiling.”
“Apologies.” He grimaced, though to be fair it was probably the closest to a smile she was going to get.
“Yes, well, as long as it doesn’t happen again.”
“Katherine!” her mother scolded. “After everything that has transpired, do you not think you should show a little more favor to the duke? After all, as of an hour ago, you are officially engaged.”
Suddenly glad she was leaning on the settee, Katherine sputtered, “S-surely not!”
Benedict’s eyes shimmered with merriment as he narrowed his gaze and approached her. “But, my dear, you seemed so much more keen on the idea last night.”
Fists planted firmly at her sides, it took every ounce of strength not to lash out at the man. He wanted this marriage less than she did. What the devil was he up to? What happened to the two weeks' time in which she had to court him, and he was going to cry off like the fool he was?
“Then perhaps you should refresh my memory, for I do not remember hearing any sort of proposal from your lips.”
“No,” he leaned in to whisper in her ear. Why weren’t her parents doing anything? She looked from left to right. Drat, they had abandoned her, and the door was closed. Well, there was no way out of this one. She would just have to fight.
She pushed against him; he grasped her clenched hands. “So you want me to refresh your memory, do you?” His breath tickled her ear.
“If you touch me, I’ll scream.”
“Not the first time a woman’s felt the need to do that in my presence, I assure you. Besides, with my certain skill set, your mother will simply blush profusely all the while fanning herself, and your father would be more likely to pat me on the back than shoot me.”
“How can you be so sure of yourself?”
“Because.” A smug look crossed his chiseled face. “I promised to fix everything.”
Interesting that he would do anything so noble. “Just what do you intend to fix?”
“First, I’m going to fix this business about ruining you. Second, I’m going to pretend to be infatuated, though it won’t be terribly hard considering you kiss like a courtesan. And third? Third, I’m going to get to the bottom of this business with my aunt trying to pair us up.”
Katherine burst out laughing. Oh, the poor deluded man. “Your aunt was doing nothing of the sort, you arrogant beast!”
“Clearly, you’ve hit your head.” Benedict stepped back and folded his arms across his chest. “She told me I was to be married, and mentioned you’d…”
Suddenly his face went very white.
“Mentioned what? Our names in the same sentence? Believe me, your aunt would never align us. She had much higher aspirations for me.”
Benedict grabbed her shoulders turning her ever so slightly closer to his body. “Explain.”
“She penned a note about the Winter's Festivities and mentioned to my parents how eager she was for me to meet the Duke of Paisley.”
“Paisley? But he’s to be with…”
While he was making calculations, she stepped back out of his reach. The man was too handsome by half, and it seemed near impossible to think in his presence. It was why she was always so clumsy around him. Paisley had always been kind to her as a child, and Benedict, well, he brooded and girls swooned.
At least now when he brooded, they guarded their virtue with fans.
“Look at it this way, your grace. It seems your aunt deemed Paisley good enough to have a choice between me and Lady Anastasia. I’m sorry all I have is the information given me, but I do not believe she was trying to trap you, at least not with me.”
“Why not with you?” he roared.
Why the devil was he allowed to be offended?
Why not, indeed. “Because I’m a Kerrington, and we do not associate with rakes.”
“You’re a spinster.”
“I’m a woman.”
“I think we’ve established that at least four times.”
“The same amount of times I’ve accosted you. Interesting.” Katherine moved to the door, but his hand slammed across the knob.
“Am I that blackened? Tell me you didn’t dream of my kiss, don’t want my hands on your body. Tell me you don’t desire me, and I’ll restore your reputation and cry off, forgetting this whole business.”
Her body screamed for her to give in to his touch, his masculine scent of soap and tobacco, the gleam in his eyes that promised wicked pleasure.
But as soon as she allowed herself the image of what it would be like to be in his arms, her mind conjured up Paisley. If there was a chance, however slight, that she could be with him…
She cleared her throat. “The only thing I feel for you is revulsion, and that is the truth.”
He blinked at her before stepping back, and looked again at her face as if confused. Without another word, he opened the door and took a deep breath, giving her one final glance. It didn’t seem possible, but his eyes held pain.
Perhaps the man had feelings after all.
Chapter Nine
Impossible Suddenly Quite Possible
Benedict walked to his carriage in silence.
He couldn’t find the words to say anything, not even “Whites,” which was exactly where he wanted to go, but truthfully if his footman suddenly had an inkling to go to the moon, Benedict would have been more than willing.
Anything to get rid of this ridiculous itch on his chest.
Well, perhaps it wasn’t on his chest.
More like inside his chest, not truthfully an itch, more like a feeling, cursed word that that was.
And if he was being honest with himself, it felt quite a lot like the day his nanny chose to give Paisley a new toy and scolded Benedict for being naughty.
Then again, this feeling was much worse. It was hard to breathe, as if each time he opened his mouth he was only able to suck in so much air before his lungs collapsed altogether.
His footman waited patiently.
“Whites,” he finally croaked, thankful he was able to at least get that much out.
When had that chit gained the upper hand?
His mind was fuzzy as to how a person could outsmart him, and a woman no less. Had she any idea who he was? What he could do to her if he so chose?
Perhaps he felt positively ill because he knew exactly what Agatha was up to. Never would he consider her mad again, for she had played her cards well.
She had set up a trap, and he had fallen quite perfectly for the bait. Whatever she was up to, he would find out.
The rub, it seemed, was that he truthfully could do nothing to salvage Katherine’s reputation. It was good and ruined, which really was a pity. Reputations should be ruined for good reason, not stolen kisses or happy accidents, or in his case, assault.
No, it seemed only fair that she be well and truly ruined, the way a woman with lush curves and pouty lips should be.
In bed.
He laughed.
Most likely his footman now thought him mad, but he didn’t care.
His conscience nagged at him, stupid thing that it was. He had tried to dispel it years ago to no avail.
How was he to ruin a girl already ruined, who despised him and to whom he was also engaged?
Well, he was always one for puzzles.
Now all he needed was some very strong tea and a few hours to come up with a plan. Yes, she would rue the day she told the Devil Duke she had no feelings for him. She would rue the day she told him "no".
Tha
t night, as Katherine sat opposite her parents in the carriage, she could not shake the feeling of dread in her belly.
Benedict would be attending this night’s opera.
She was still ruined.
The ton would be waiting for a scandal, and worst of all, Paisley would be given a front row seat.
“Here we are.” Her mother beamed when their carriage pulled up to King's Theatre.
Katherine bit her lip, trying to keep the fluttering of her stomach at bay, and slowly made her way into the opera house.
It was too loud for her to be noticed, with too many people fluttering about.
“…and he has been ever so gracious to let us use his box!” Her mother clapped her hands together.
“Who?” Katherine loudly asked, for she could barely hear herself think.
“Why, the duke, of course.”
“Which one?”
Her mother paused. “Have you so quickly forgotten the name of your fiancé?”
Oh, him. “No, apologies. It seems I’ve become quite… flushed.”
Her mother scowled. “I knew I should not have left you alone this morning with that dreadful man. His reputation is black as sin, but surely you know there is no other choice?”
Katherine nodded.
“Did he… make advances toward you?”
Eyes wide, she could only shake her head no and pray her blush wasn’t as bright as it felt. It would do no good for her mother to know the specifics. Besides, it wasn’t as if she wanted her mother to die of an apoplexy.
No, she’d leave the dying to Benedict.
But then again…
Why wouldn’t her heart stop fluttering?
“This way.” Her father directed them to the box. At least there were only six seats. Enough for her parents, herself, Banbury and…
“The Dowager Duchess of Durbin,” the lady introduced herself to her mother and father, then quickly darted her beady eyes in Katherine’s direction.
“My dear, you look ever so lovely.”
Katherine blushed again, and reached out to grasp the dowager’s outstretched hands, leaning in to kiss both of her rouged cheeks.
“Your grace, it has been an age. I’ve missed you dreadfully.”
A cough emanated from near the front of the balcony.
All heads turned in the direction of the interruption.
“Apologies, seems I’ve come down with a cold.” Benedict shrugged and winked at his aunt, whose icy glare caused the group to take a step back.
Benedict didn’t seem the least bit affected. “We are so pleased to have you with us this evening.” His voice dripped with sarcasm. The man was a conundrum, from his black attire, to the way his eyes scanned each person before him as if studying them.
Katherine cleared her throat and moved to take a seat on the opposite side of the box, but a hand stopped her.
“Katherine,” her mother whispered harshly in her ear. “It will look dreadful if you do not sit next to your fiancé. Do not make this worse than it already is.”
It could get worse. It could get much worse. For one thing, Benedict could have her skirts lifted merely by crooking his pinky finger.
She was a wanton hussy.
The man had no shame, and no right to be as attractive as he was. Why was it that men who had impossible personalities were gifted with good looks? Should it not be the other way around?
Then again, Paisley was quite handsome and kind and…
You’re not marrying Paisley, you nitwit!
“Your grace.” Katherine curtsied before taking a seat next to Benedict. The lights soon dimmed, and she found herself in quite an interesting position.
For the close proximity seemed to cause a sensual current between the two of them. His thigh barely brushed hers, but he didn’t seem the least bit affected. He crossed his arms and leaned back as if bored. While she, well, she was near trembling.
And then the odious man stretched, just grazing her shoulder as his arm flew above his head. When his hands came down, a finger brushed hers.
This was why they called him the devil. This very reason, for he was able to conjure up nonsensical feelings with a mere touch.
“Tell me.” She jumped as his lips barely touched her ear. “What is it you’re thinking of? We both know you haven’t even glanced at the performance.”
“If you must know,” she hissed, “I was just wondering where Paisley was located. Your aunt expressed her desire for us to continue our acquaintance.”
“Paisley?” he all but spat. “He’s engaged, as are you.”
“According to you, all I had to do was deny my attraction, and you would cry off.”
He shrugged. “I lied. Besides, you’re already ruined. The way I see it, I’m doing you a favor merely by sitting with you.”
She hated that he was right.
“Does he make you feel… things?”
“Who?”
“Paisley.”
“Of course. I feel quite happy when I am near him, which is more than I can say about you.”
Benedict chuckled, his finger drawing a slow circle on her arm. “I do not want you to feel happy when you are near me.”
“What a dreadful thing to say—”
“I merely want you to feel…” He paused. “…alive.”
Any more alive and she would be quite dead from want.
“You cannot force a person to desire you, as you well know,” she said haughtily, her voice jumping a few octaves to prove her offense. She refused to look at him and kept her gaze on the performance.
“My dear, who said anything about forcing?” His teeth nipped her ear just as she gasped and the crowd broke out in applause.
The first act was done.
She wasn’t so sure she would make it through the rest.
Benedict couldn’t see straight, and it had nothing to do with whiskey, but everything to do with the minx sitting next to him.
Had a courtesan dressed her?
By Jove, she looked like… like… His mind was having trouble processing large words, and he struggled to remember to breathe at the same time, And considering he wanted to go on living, thank you very much, he chose not to think of an appropriate word.
“Beautiful,” he muttered aloud without thought.
Her head snapped in his direction, which then made his snap back to the stage where the second act would be starting soon.
Well, now he looked like an overeager lad. Splendid.
A commotion ensued to his left a few boxes down.
Paisley.
Katherine flinched at his side. Was he imagining things or was the girl actually trying to slouch further into her seat?
Ridiculous.
“Hiding?” He jerked her upright with one fluid movement.
She glared. “Perhaps.”
“It would never work, you know.”
“What wouldn’t?” The flicker of emotion in her eyes told him she knew exactly what he meant.
“You and Paisley. Unlike myself, he’s a man of honor. Aunt has already announced his betrothal. You’d have to kill the girl in order to gain his hand in marriage, and even then I’d wager against you.”
“Do you always offer such pretty compliments?” Her lower lip trembled. Blast it, was the chit going to cry now?
“I’m merely telling you the truth. He is the honorable one.”
“What does that make you?” Surprisingly her lip stopped trembling, her glassy eyes pierced him with such longing, he nearly forgot to breathe.
He swallowed, gaining time to gather himself. “It makes me the defiant one, I suppose.”
She continued looking straight through him, making it deuced uncomfortable to do anything but stare back.
“Besides…” He leaned in and prayed Agatha wasn’t watching. “Do you truly believe he could bring you pleasure after you’ve experienced it with me?”
The minx smiled tightly. “Do you believe yourself to be the expert in that certain area,
your grace?”
“I don’t believe. I know.”
She snorted.
Did she doubt him?
Of all the hair-brained notions. Had she any idea what type of man she was frivolously playing with?
“Come on.” He jerked her to her feet and made apologies to the rest of their company. “The lady wants to take some air… absolutely stuffy in here.”
Heads nodded emphatically, and then she was out into the hall with the duke, utterly pinned by his predatory stare.
He stretched out his arm, giving her no choice in the matter but to take it and hope they would return soon.
Dread filled her with each step away from the box. Swallowing her fear, and if she were being honest, her excitement of being alone with the man, she continued on until he stopped in a darkened corner and pulled her in with him.
“Watch.” He turned her toward the wall. Oh no, why hadn’t she tried harder to fight him, or at least pulled away when he jerked her to her feet.
Trembling, she had only the option of hitting him in hopes to escape. Of course she had known him since he was a child, but obviously the man was different than the boy, and she always had a sort of fear of him.
“You’ve proven your point, now let me go.” She moved to elbow him, but he slithered away.
“Point? What point?” He sounded quite confused.
“That you’re not above terrifying innocent maidens into submission in order to gain what you want.”
At that, he laughed, throwing his head back and then finally meeting her gaze, an actual smile of amusement on his face.
Katherine didn’t mean to gasp, nor did she mean to lean forward to study the beautiful lines that made up this remarkable change in his demeanor, his deep set dimples, his wide smile.
Slowly, she lifted her hand and delicately touched his jaw.
Breath hissed between his teeth as he pushed her back against the wall she had just been just facing. “Am I terrifying now?”
“Dreadfully.”
He needn’t know that she was more astonished at his smile than truly terrified.
“Good, though that wasn’t why I went to all the trouble to bring you here. Now turn around like a good girl.”
A Renwick House Christmas Boxed Set Page 17