The Duke's Love

by Stephanie Maddux

  Jake was a little confused about Ana’s behavior during the two months they had been home. In the country, she wanted nothing to do with marrying him. Ever since they came back to the city, she was a different person. She threw herself in the wedding preparations and the redecorating of his townhome. Of course, he was not about to complain. He just wished he knew how Ana felt about him. He wanted to think she was marrying for him, but since he blackmailed her into it, he wasn’t so sure.

  It was ridiculously easy to sneak into her house during the night, as he had been doing since they returned. He didn’t even have to take a carriage. He walked the two blocks and to her town house. Generally, the servants were asleep. One more month until he made her his wife, it was not soon enough.

  Three months had put his mother in a frenzy, saying it wasn't enough time. Jake thought he was being more than considerate, since this had been in the making for two years. Ana was thriving in all the attention she was receiving. She was glowing and Jake was sincerely hoping she was pregnant, although it was too soon to tell. He wanted a little girl with Ana’s blond hair and eyes, and a little boy with his own looks and temperament. He was especially looking forward to making those children with her.

  He thought back to Sarah. He was sure she had something to do with Ana’s illness and her fall. Jake was in the process of having a runner trail her. So far, he had not seen her around, which made him want to back off a little. The runner had no news, a good sign.

  Jake opened the servant's door on the side of the house. He passed two of her servants, so much for sneaking around. They looked away, pretending he had not been seen. He bounded up the staircase and made his way to his fiancée. They were to spend the day shopping and strolling in the park. They had a soirée to attend tomorrow night and he wanted to give Ana her engagement ring. He wanted everyone to know she was taken and had been for years.

  Years ago, he had spent hours finding the right one and he was extremely confident she would love her surprise. He was immensely glad he had kept it all this time. Jake also had the box that she had found under his desk. He planned to give it to her and together they could go through it.

  She was wearing a lilac silk gown that showed off her alluring figure. He met her in the dressing room, off from the main bedroom. He leaned in and kissed her with a smile on his lips.

  “Hello, Ana, my love. You’re looking very beautiful,” he said smiling at her. She leaned in and whispered,

  “Keep it up, sweetheart, and we won’t make it to the door,” she said daringly. Jake’s eyes had widened and she gave him a cheeky grin.

  “I have made you a wanton. You asked for it, princess,” he said as he closed the dressing room door. He had left her happy and sated this morning, he mused. With painstaking slowness, he eased the lilac fabric from her shoulders. He dipped his head and nuzzled her neck. Ana's breath had changed to fast pants and her hands were roaming over his back. His hands moved up the sides of her waist to underneath her breasts. He paused, teasing her for a second, before he squeezed her breasts in light motions. "Is this what you want?" He asked. Ana moaned and shifted closer to him.

  "Help me get this off," she moaned impatiently.

  Silently laughing, he undressed her. "Turn around and put your hands here on the wall and lean back some," he ordered. She turned around and did as he commanded. Jake looked her up and down, and placed his hands on her back, rubbing it soothingly. He eased her dress up over her thighs. He did not even bother getting undressed himself. He eased his trousers down to his knees. He found the slit in her undergarments. Before placing his cock at her entrance, he made sure she was ready for him.

  His fingers entered her from behind. Ana's hand came down to cover his. "Try to keep them on the wall," he said. Ana was rocking back on him. He stopped the motion with his hand. He bent slightly and entered her with a quick thrust.

  Jake relentlessly thrust into her repeatedly. Ana was matching him, rocking back against him. He widen her stance to allow himself to go deeper. His hands moved up from her hips to fondle her breasts. Jake nipped the back of her neck, whispering incoherently in her ear. Ana released with an orgasm, and he followed swiftly behind her. Breathing deep ragged breaths, he gently pulled out of her. He picked up her slumping form and went to the bed in the other room. He undressed them completely this time.

  "Are you ready to go again?" He asked, not giving her a chance to answer. Over an hour later, Jake was more than content lazing away with Ana naked in his arms.

  “Well that was a good shopping trip,” Ana said impishly.

  “It was very rewarding, if you ask me,” Jake grinned, leaning up on his elbow. “I have something for you.” He got up and strode across the room, not the least bit shy by his nakedness, and dug in his coat pocket withdrawing a small black box. He climbed back in bed and handed it to her. He watched her open it and hers eyes lit up in appreciation. Her hands shook as Ana took out the elegant ring and watched in fascination as Jake slowly put it on her ring finger.

  Jake watched her silently as he did this and saw her eyes misting with tears.

  “I love you,” she whispered brokenly. It was the same ring he had given her two years ago. Jake pulled her close, his chest swelling with pride with her confession of love.

  “I kept it because it reminded me of you and I couldn’t bring myself to part with it,” he said, gently wiping the tears from her eyes. Jake got back up and retrieved his keepsake box and together they went through it piece by piece, recounting all the happy memories that were in there.

  When they were done, Ana smiled and jumped out of bed. She hurriedly dressed.

  “Get dressed, we have shopping to do,” she said. He lifted a brow.

  “I thought we just did that,” Jake said with a gleam in his eyes.

  “I want to look perfect tomorrow night when I’m by your side,” she said.

  Jake’s chest swelled with even more pride. He got up and did as she had asked. Jake generally hated shopping, but with Ana, he did not seem to mind too much. He realized he had not told Ana how he felt about her after her declaration of love. He would need to rectify that before the day was up.

  Ana loved shopping, especially when it was for a good cause. She knew there was an announcement in the papers, but the soirée would be the first party as an engaged woman. She was looking forward to it. They went from shop to shop getting her slippers and a brooch that would match the gown she had picked out. Jake bought some new shirt cuffs.

  “Come home with me tonight,” Jake leaned down and whispered in her ear. Ana pretended to think about this, knowing she would do anything that he asked. “You’ll force me to take drastic measures, my lady,” he said when she remained silent.

  “What would those drastic measures be?” She laughed.

  “I’ll tie you up, kidnap you, and make you bend to my wishes,” he said straight-faced. Ana erupted in laughter at his outrageous comment.

  “Sounds interesting, I think I would have to let you.” She laughed.

  “You are a little minx.” They returned to Ana’s home and unloaded their items.

  “So, what will it be?” Jake asked behind her.

  “I would hate to be tied up,” she said leaning into his chest.

  They both exited Ana's front door and walked the two blocks to his townhouse.

  Jake led her up to his massive chambers and stripped her of her clothes. Ana stood in front of him, gloriously naked, while he caressed her lovingly and slowly, and building her pleasure.

  “I love you,” he said as he started to strip himself.

  “Do you mean that, after all I’ve put us through?” She asked unwilling to believe him.

  “I never stopped, sweetheart,” he told her as he moved to the bed and settled her on top of him. Ana snuggled on top of him without trying to move things further along. Jake leaned, grabbed the blanket, threw it over them, settled back down, and held her. They were entwined together when the door opened unannounced.

>   “Well, there is nothing like being caught in a compromising position,” Jake whispered dryly. Jordan waltzed in the room and stopped short when he saw the figures on the bed.

  “You are now caught red-handed Jake. Hello, Ana, my dear. I will come back at a better time,” Jordan laughed at her horrified expression before she buried her face in Jake’s chest.

  “You can see you are interrupting us,” Jake said in an amused tone. Jordan just chuckled, as he quietly closed the door.

  “Oh my god, tell me that did not just happen?” Ana said, embarrassed with her face still hidden. His muffled words she could not make out, but his hands were sliding up and down her back, arousing her and making her forget about being caught red-handed. Jake rolled her over so he was on top and began making love to her. Their lovemaking lingered long into the night, making her forget everything else.

  Chapter Seventeen

  After she woke up the next day, things were chaotic. Ana woke up in Jake's bed, which presented a problem. At least it was still dusk outside. She moved with stealth, not wanting to wake Jake. Quietly she had thrown on her clothes and sneaked out into the crisp dawning light. She walked home, careful not to let anyone see her, although no one had appeared to be out. She had to break into her own home and was appalled by how easy she managed it.

  Several hours later, she was eating breakfast, when Samuels announced a visitor. It was the Viscount. Ana was delighted to see a friendly face. She flung herself on him with a huge hug.

  “Gregory! I have missed you. It has been too long. Where have you been?” She asked, as she stepped back to let him inside the door.

  “I wanted to give you time, it seemed you needed it. I heard the good news and then I had to come see for myself,” he explained. His face was filled with concern.

  “I love him, Gregory, you know that. I am happy,” she said honestly. They made their way to the dining room and Ana offered him breakfast.

  “Are you going to attend the soirée tonight?” Gregory asked as he sat down beside her.

  "I wouldn't miss it. It will be the first as an engaged woman." Ana thought about this, really it wouldn't be the first, but she didn't voice that aloud.

  They were deep in conversation, so neither of them heard Jake enter the room.

  Jake was already in a foul mood when he woke up this morning alone, and now to find Ana with another man, intense jealousy kicked in. “What the hell is this?” He snapped. Ana jumped and Gregory calmly stood up and offered his hand.

  “Your Grace, it is nice to see again and in such fine spirits,” Gregory said sarcastically. Jake shook his hand and sat down across from the man, sizing him up.

  “Gregory was just telling me, he thinks he found a woman suitable to marry,” she said, oblivious to the tension from the two men. Ana smiled at him, which eased his inner turmoil. He didn’t know much about the Viscount, other than he was one of Ana’s close friends. He still was not happy about it.

  “I am sorry for my attitude. I don’t like waking up alone.” He made a clear statement to Gregory. Ana’s face turned dark red and she opened her mouth to scold him, when Gregory interrupted.

  “Ana, I must tell you that one must never do that to a man, it doesn’t do our egos well,” he chided.

  Jake revised his opinion of the man. He easily relaxed and joined in the conversation they were having of the lucky woman Gregory was pursuing. Morning passed before anyone realized how late it was. Gregory excused himself saying he had to ready himself for tonight.

  With the Viscount gone, Jake wasted no time in kissing Ana. “Never leave in the middle of the night again. Do you understand me?” Jake chided. “You had no idea how much I have been worrying since I discovered you gone,” he said.

  “Let’s say that you’re right, I’m wrong, you win, and I lose. Okay?” She interrupted.

  “I’m not done,” he said, losing his steam.

  “I hear making up after an argument the best, but I’m rather impatient so let’s say we fought and get on with it,” she said daringly.

  “God, I love you,” Jake growled as he tried to take her there on the table, regardless of the servants roaming around.

  She laughed as she dashed off. Jake ran after her like a hunter pursuing its prey. Jake grabbed her before she even made it to the door and then he wasted no time. He sat her on the edge of the dining room table, flipped up her skirt, and found the slit in the fabric between her legs. Ana was kissing his neck, clearly impatient. She was trying to undo the buttons of his trousers. He shoved her fingers aside and undid himself. He entered her in one hard thrust. They were both moaning and making noise. They made love fast and hard, and in no time at all, they both climaxed at the same time.

  “Did I hurt you?” He asked, aware of how rough he was with her. Twice now, he could not control himself. He felt heat climb up his neck. She deserved better than this.

  “Can we do it again?” She grinned.

  "No, we have to stop this, you impish girl! I know you are new at this, but even I need to slow down," he teased.

  They took a bath together to save time, but by the time they were ready for the soirée, they would arrive late.

  Katherine was pacing. They were late for their engagement ball. Although, it was a surprise, and they thought it was a soirée. She still did not believe they were late. “Where are they?” She asked Jordan as he walked up to her.

  “I have a good idea, but I don’t want to burn your sensitive ears.” He chuckled at her outraged expression.

  “Of all nights, they have to pick this one to indulge their fancies,” she cried.

  “What are we indulging ourselves with?” Ana said, sneaking up on Katherine.

  “Thank god!” She cried.

  “Enjoy yourself?” Jordan teased. As she stepped closer to Jake, Ana blushed.

  “Of course we did,” Jake pulled her in to his side.

  Katherine stepped up and got everyone’s attention. “Ladies and gentleman, May I have your attention.” She waited until the room became quiet. “As you all know, my son has decided to marry and I couldn’t be happier. Lady Worthington and I have decided to throw a surprise engagement party. Everyone congratulate the Duke of Ashbury and Lady Ana Carmichael.” Katherine stepped down and was proud of herself. Ana was glowing and she couldn’t miss Jake’s happiness showing on his face. Katherine watched as the guests of honor mingled with the guests, taking in the good-natured ribbing and taunts. Jake never left Ana’s side; it was clearly a love match. No one noticed when Jake and Ana slipped out via opposite doorways.

  Jake met Ana around the side of the ballroom. The area of the house they chose was deserted. “What do you think of the ball, future Mrs. Jake Trent? My beautiful Duchess.” He lifted her up and spun her around. “Let’s get away,” he said.

  “Away? You mean go home?” She asked.

  “Let’s run off to Greta Green,” he said.

  “Jake, you can’t be serious, you’re a Duke.” Ana was stunned.

  Jake led her to an empty room and closed the door behind them. Ana’s smile froze as she saw someone was sitting in the darkened room. Jake moved Ana behind him. The figure stood up and they both saw at the same time that it Miss Fairchild.

  “Sarah, why are you here?” Ana asked shakily.

  “Sarah, why are you here? Sarah, give it up. Sarah go to your room.” Sarah mocked. They saw she was wielding a gun. “Well if it isn’t the loving couple,” she sneered.

  “Put down the gun, Sarah,” Jake said slowly. Ana was too frightened to move. She was watching every move Sarah made.

  “You know it is really sad this is my third attempt to get rid of you, Ana,” she said.

  “The third time?” Ana questioned.

  “This is just great,” Sarah laughed. “The tea didn’t work and you don’t even remember how you fell down the stairs,” she continued.

  All the blood rushed out of Ana’s face. “I don’t understand,” Ana said.

  “Shut up! I d
on’t want to hear it. You have been in my way since day one and you have ruined everything for me!” Sarah cried in a murderous voice.

  “Sarah, I can help you. I can get you a husband. I’ll give you anything you want,” Jake pleaded.

  “You were supposed to be my husband, now look at me! I’m a laughingstock!” She screeched.

  Jake stepped closer and Ana saw Sarah had turned nervous and jittery. She started waving the gun and screaming at them not to move. Ana watched as Sarah paced back and forth, presumably to weigh her options, and then Ana saw a movement out of the corner of her eye. She sent up a silent thank you, she recognized Gregory sneaking by the windows. Unfortunately, Sarah saw the same movement she did. Sarah jerked around to her.

  “If I have to pay, then I might as well make the effort worth it,” she stated and without hesitating, she shot the gun directly at her.

  She watched in slow motion as Jake tried to launch himself forward, but it wasn’t quick enough. Ana felt blinding pain in her stomach and she went down with a thud. She heard scuffling and other loud noises. She couldn’t make anything out, before she went numb, and everything turned into a haze.

  All hell broke loose after Jake saw Ana sink to the floor. He briefly saw Gregory throw himself on Sarah at the same time he did. They wrestled with the gun and it went off again, only this time it backfired on Sarah. He rolled off her as she stilled. She was groaning in pain, but Jake could care less. She would live and Jake would deal with her later. Right now, there was someone more important.

  Jake scrambled to get to Ana. She was bleeding profusely and he was trying desperately to stop it. Other men came charging in at the sound of the gunshot and they took in the scene. Sarah was taken away in restraint. He could hear Sarah screaming that she was the victim. He would deal with her later, after he made sure Ana would be all right. Her face was losing pallor. He picked her up and took her to the nearest flat surface he could find and called for the closest doctor that could be located. He knew he would need all the help he could get. The doctor came about ten minutes later and ordered everyone out.