A Duke Like No Other

by Valerie Bowman

  The moment he reached her, he grabbed her and swept her off her feet into his arms. He was out of breath, his hat had fallen off, his dark hair was mussed, and he’d never looked better.

  “I’m damned glad I caught you in time,” he breathed, pressing his forehead to hers.

  “I’ll just wait on the dock, me lady.” Susanna bobbed a curtsy before rushing down the gangplank and through the other travelers staring up at the couple.

  “What are you doing here?” Nicole was breathless too. She pressed a hand to Mark’s cheek, unable to stop herself from touching him to see if he was real.

  “I don’t want you to go, sweetheart.” He pulled her closer. “Stay, please.” His voice was hoarse with emotion.

  “What? Why?” Her heart hammered in her chest so hard it hurt.

  “Don’t you know, Nicole? You’re perfect for me. You always have been. You don’t back down to me. You don’t let me off the hook and you would never even consider kowtowing to me.”

  “You’re right about all those things,” she agreed, laughing even as tears clung to her lashes.

  He pressed his lips to her cheek. “You see me for who I am. I’ve never asked for a thing from anyone and never taken a handout or used my family’s name or wealth to further my ambitions. And you understood why.”

  Tears dripped down her cheeks. “Because you’re proud and strong and self-made and self-reliant.”

  “Yes, but I was an idiot. I was so hell-bent on pushing away my family that I let it cost me my happiness. I let it cost me you. All for the sake of my damned pride.” He pressed his forehead to hers again, and his voice dropped and grew shaky. “You told me once that sometimes life calls upon us to be the things we never thought we were meant to be. You were right. I’m sorry I didn’t recognize that until now. I’m sorry for everything, Nicole. I can’t live without you. I don’t want to, at least.”

  Tears still clinging to her lashes, she clasped his hands and squeezed them, then brought them to her lips and kissed them reverently. “Oh, Mark, you’re perfect for me too. You don’t let me run roughshod over you. You see me for who I am, not awkward and different and sticking out like a sore thumb. You understand why I like to do what I do. You’re my match both mentally and physically.”

  “You’re a diamond in a sea of rocks,” he breathed, his mouth so close the accolade touched her lips like a kiss.

  She swallowed and studied his face. “Remember when we traveled to London? I had one more question I never asked you.”

  “Yes, and the fact is that I was never with any other women. In ten years. I only ever wanted you,” he declared fiercely.

  “That is not what I was going to ask,” she said with a laugh, swiping the tears from her cheeks with the back of one gloved hand. “But I must admit I’m glad to hear that.”

  He searched her face. “What were you going to ask?”

  “Do you love me?” She looked into his eyes, knowing the answer would determine their future forever. Even as her heart recognized the instant softening of his features, the answering smile creeping over his lips, she had to hear the words. “Do you, Mark?”

  He cupped her cheek in his large, warm hand, his gaze more tender than she’d ever seen. “Nicole. My Nicole. I love you more than anything else in this world.”

  “Even your work?” she countered, past the lump lodged in her throat.

  He pulled her against his hard frame and hugged her fiercely. “Even my work, my darling, especially my work.”

  * * *

  An hour later, they’d secured the trunks and Nicole and Mark had settled into the duke’s coach as it rode away from the docks. Susanna had agreed to ride back alone in Mark’s coach. They promised her another trip to France soon.

  “Before we go any farther,” Nicole said, clutching Mark’s hands and facing him. “I have to tell you something. Something important.”

  “What is it?” Mark watched her carefully.

  “It’s something that may greatly influence your feelings for me.”

  Alarm bells sounded in his head. “What?”

  “I lied to you,” she said in a rush, her face flushed.

  He closed his eyes and clenched his jaw. “About what?”

  Her gloveless hands were squeezed together in her lap so tightly they were colorless. “I’m not actually with child. At least, I don’t think I am.”

  Relief filled his brain. He heaved a sigh and slumped against the coach seat. “I thought you were going to say you lied about loving me.”

  The hint of a smile touched her lips. “Never. I love you. I just had to get away from you to protect myself … because I didn’t think you loved me back.”

  He tilted his head to consider her. “What were you planning to tell me when no baby arrived?”

  She cringed and bit her lip. “I’m ashamed to admit it, but I intended to write and tell you I’d been mistaken, or that I lost the baby.”

  He pulled her into his arms. “I want you to stay, Nicole. I want you to stay because I love you. I want you to stay because you’re my wife. I want you to stay so we can create a family together. But no more lies. Agreed?”

  “Agreed,” she said, her cheeks still flushed. “And you’re not angry … about this one?”

  “I’m disappointed, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say I guessed you may not have been telling the truth. We’d only been together a few days. I didn’t see how you’d know in such a short time.” He allowed a slow smile to curve his lips. “Besides, the way I see it, this means that we must try again.”

  She returned his smile. “Yes, we should try and try.”

  “Oh, what I must do for the sake of my demanding wife.” He muttered into the curve of her neck, breathing in her lavender perfume. “Such a chore.”

  She slapped at him playfully.

  “Can I ask you another question?” Nicole asked minutes later after she’d been thoroughly kissed.

  “If I can ask you one in return,” he replied, grinning.

  That made her hesitate, but she soldiered on. “Very well, I’ll go first. Did you have my bedchamber in London decorated specifically for me? Did you know I’d be back one day even before all of this began?”

  His breath caught in his throat and he held it for a few moments. “Yes,” he said quietly. “I dared to hope.”

  She sighed and pressed her mouth to his. “I feel as if I’ll never get enough of the taste of you, the feel of you, the beating of your heart.” She kissed him again and when at last she drew back, she asked, “What’s your question for me?”

  Mark rubbed a hand over her shoulder, tracing the delicate vein in her neck with his fingertip. “When I was at the Duc de Frontenac’s soiree that night, the duchesse told me your heart belongs to only one. At the time I assumed it was the comte.”

  “You want to know if it was you?” Nicole, leaned her head against his arm.

  He’d never felt more vulnerable. “Well … yes.”

  She squeezed his upper arm with both hands. “Yes, it was you. It was always you.”

  He kissed the top of her head. “The feeling is entirely mutual, my love.”

  CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

  Three months later, the Marquess of Coleford and his marchioness entered the Baxters’ ballroom together. As soon as they were announced, all the guests’ heads swiveled to stare at them as they slowly descended their hosts’ enormous staircase.

  Mark squeezed Nicole’s hand. “Would you look at that? Who would’ve thought one year ago that we’d be here like this now?”

  “Certainly not I,” Nicole responded with a slight shake of her head. “I intend to enjoy myself tonight. I won’t be able to attend many more public events until after the baby comes in the spring.” She patted her belly surreptitiously and smiled up at her husband.

  “I want my child born here in England, of course, but after that we can travel back to France if you like.” They’d already decided having one home in France and one in England would be
the best way to manage their respective households. The servants were free to travel back and forth.

  “I do want to bring the babe to see my friends in France, but for now I think we should remain in England. I doubt Mother would let me leave even if I wanted to. She is beside herself with glee that we’re back together and that her first grandchild is on the way.”

  “Your mother and I are in complete agreement. No more investigations for you until after the baby arrives,” Mark replied, smiling back at Nicole.

  They reached the bottom of the staircase and strolled through the crowd, nodding at acquaintances as they went. Nicole twined her arm through his. “That’s fine because I believe Regina has taken up the family interest in investigations.”

  “Has she?” Mark arched a brow.

  “She told me last week that she intends to pay Daffin a visit on Bow Street.”

  Mark shook his head and chuckled. “I sincerely hope she realizes nothing can come of a mésalliance between her and Oakleaf. He’s a bounty hunter for heaven’s sake, and she’s the niece of a duke.”

  Nicole lightly elbowed her husband in the side. “Fancy you being the one to be such an advocate for propriety between the classes.”

  Mark groaned. “Damn. You’re right. I suppose my three months as a marquess have gone to my head.”

  “Besides,” Nicole continued, a sly grin on her face. “I’m not entirely convinced that Regina’s looking for, ahem, marriage, dear.”

  Mark winced and rubbed his forehead. “Surely you don’t mean … an affair?”

  Nicole shrugged one shoulder. “Why not? She’s given up looking for a husband in the ton and Daffin is a fine-looking man.”

  Mark watched her from the corners of his narrowed eyes. “If you tell me Oakleaf is a fine-looking man one more time—”

  Nicole laughed. “I’m simply saying if I were Regina, I might consider paying a visit to Daffin Oakleaf as well.”

  “For work you mean?” Mark grinned at her.

  “Among other things.” She winked at him.

  Mark looked across the throng of people and shook his head. “Thank God Uncle Edward’s health has improved, but I cannot believe I’m going to be a bloody duke one day.”

  “Oh, my darling, you may be a duke one day, but rest assured.” She leaned her cheek against his strong shoulder and smiled. “You shall be a duke like no other.”

  Thank you for reading A Duke Like No Other.

  I hope you enjoyed Mark and Nicole’s tale. This has been a particularly fun book to write because I personally really love to read stories about feuding couples who are reunited, so it’s already become one of my favorites.

  I’d love to keep in touch.

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  Happy Reading!

  Coming soon…

  “Sparkling romance.”

  —Publishers Weekly

  Don’t miss the next novel in

  Valerie Bowman’s

  Playful Brides series

  Kiss Me

  At Christmas

  Available in November 2018

  from St. Martin’s Paperbacks

  ALSO BY VALERIE BOWMAN

  THE PLAYFUL BRIDES

  The Right Kind of Rogue

  Never Trust a Pirate

  The Legendary Lord

  The Untamed Earl

  The Irresistible Rogue

  The Unlikely Lady

  The Accidental Countess

  The Unexpected Duchess

  THE SECRET BRIDES

  Secrets of a Scandalous Marriage

  Secrets of a Runaway Bride

  Secrets of a Wedding Night

  E-NOVELLAS

  The Unforgettable Hero

  A Secret Affair

  A Secret Proposal

  It Happened Under the Mistletoe

  (Also featured in the Christmas Brides anthology)

  Praise for the spectacular Playful Brides series by VALERIE BOWMAN

  THE RIGHT KIND OF ROGUE

  “Anyone who adores engaging, meddlesome characters, a dashing hero, and an undaunted heroine will find that Bowman fulfills their dreams of the perfect romance.”

  —RT Book Reviews

  “Poignant, entertaining … this was a fun book to read.”

  —Romance Reviews Today

  NEVER TRUST A PIRATE

  “Thrilling, delicious, and suspenseful.”

  —Kirkus Reviews

  “Wonderful, sprightly repartee, a fast pace, and delightful characters blend together in another enthralling Bowman romance. Always smart and sassy, Bowman’s heroines delight in piquing the hero; taunting and tempting. Together they heat up the pages and turn readers’ thoughts to what original storyline she’ll come up with next for their ‘keeper’ shelf.”

  —RT Book Reviews (Top Pick!)

  “An engaging literary treat for all romance readers who don’t take their historicals (or themselves) too seriously.”

  —Booklist

  “Bowman blends a lighthearted romp through Regency London with a secret spy mission and, yes, action aboard a pirate ship for a perfectly lovely novel.”

  —USA Today bestselling author Maya Rodale

  “A delicious mix of intrigue and red-hot romance. Bowman pens a fun, fast page-turner of a romance, filled with characters that communicate even as they struggle to trust each other. For readers who like a soupçon of suspense with their romance, this is a book to keep you guessing.”

  —BookPage

  THE LEGENDARY LORD

  “A sweet and fulfilling romance.”

  —Publishers Weekly

  “Graceful writing enlivened with plenty of dry wit, a charming cast of secondary characters, and a breathtakingly sexy romance between a perfectly matched couple make Bowman’s latest addition to her Regency-set Playful Brides series another winner.”

  —Booklist

  “The words funny, smart, sensual, and joyous come to mind when readers pick up Bowman’s romance.”

  —RT Book Reviews

  “A deliciously witty, sexy historical romance that will keep readers turning the pages.”

  —Romance Junkies

  THE UNTAMED EARL

  “Bowman delights with a humorous tale that could come straight out of a Shakespearean play. The charming characters are well developed, their cock-eyed motivations are clear, and the plot moves quickly, wrapping readers in an enchanting romance.”

  —RT Book Reviews

  “Valerie Bowman’s stories sparkle with humor and her characters are absolutely adorable. The Untamed Earl is an engaging and romantic love story.”

  —Fresh Fiction

  THE IRRESISTIBLE ROGUE

  “Bowman’s novel is the complete package, filled with fascinating characters, sparkling romance, and a touch of espionage.”

  —Publishers Weekly

  “With its lively plot, heated sexual tension, surprising twists, engaging characters, and laugh-out-loud humor, Bowman’s latest is another winner.”

  —RT Book Reviews (Top Pick!)

  “A complicated and sensual romance as well as a thrilling spy-filled adventure!”

  —Fresh Fiction

  “A lively tale, with interesting and fun characters and a couple who are well matched in their thirst for adventure and love.”

  —Harlequin Junkies

  “You will find no greater romantic escapade.”

  —Night Owl Reviews (Top Pick)

  “The story is filled with humor, a twisting plot, and vibrant characters that have become Bowman’s
hallmark. The chemistry is near-perfect, and the will-they-won’t-they back-and-forth is exactly what romance readers want; the simultaneous tale of deceit, revenge, and espionage makes it all the more rewarding.”

  —Sarah MacLean, The Washington Post

  THE UNLIKELY LADY

  “Bowman keeps her prose and characters fresh and interesting; her book is an entertaining renewal of a classic plotline and well worth reading.”

  —Kirkus Reviews

  “Rich with fully developed characters and a plethora of witty banter.”

  —Publishers Weekly

  “A definite must-read!”

  —San Francisco Book Review

  “Quick, lively entertainment at its best.”

  —RT Book Reviews

  “A joyous romp in Regency England, filled with bright characters, scintillating conversations, and just plain fun.”

  —Romance Reviews Today

  THE ACCIDENTAL COUNTESS

  “The references to Oscar Wilde’s play are more of a tribute than a straight retelling, which keeps this hilarious and lively story from becoming too predictable. Bowman is one to watch.”

  —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

  “Readers will take the well-drawn, likable characters into their hearts, enjoying every moment of their charming love story as it unfolds in unexpected ways. Simply enjoy the humor and tenderness.”

  —RT Book Reviews (4½ stars)

  “Merry, intelligent, and wholly satisfying. The plot is elaborate, and Bowman handles it with grace to spare.”

  —USA Today

  THE UNEXPECTED DUCHESS

  “Smart, witty, sassy, and utterly delightful!”

  —RT Book Reviews (4½ stars, Top Pick!)

  “Engaging characters, snappy banter, and judicious infusion of smoldering sensuality will have readers clamoring for the next installment in this smart and sexy series.”

  —Booklist (starred review)

  “A fun, smart comedy of errors and a sexy, satisfying romance.”

  —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

  Valerie Bowman grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of historical romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her two mini-schnauzers. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS. Valerie loves to hear from readers. Find her on Facebook, Twitter, and at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com, or sign up for email updates here.