Page 30 of Sincerely, the Duke
Well, maybe.
“No, no, really,” she whispered on another raspy breath, trying not to let the direction of the conversation, his seduction, and her reaction spiral out of control. “We should follow the rules of Society and wait until we are wed for such things.”
“Would your father say that is the right thing to do? Wait for the wedding night to kiss my bride?”
“Yes. I’m sure that is exactly what he would say.” She forced herself to relax and not be further seduced by the gleam of amusement she saw sparking in his eyes. “And probably add that you are being a rake, a scoundrel, and anything but a gentleman.”
“Did he write in his book how a gentleman should behave toward a lady?”
“Concerning kissing?” Her heartbeat labored to stay constant. “Oh, no. I’m certain he made no mention of that in any of his many writings. But there is also the possibility Auntie might come in at any moment.”
“What would she do?” A teasing light shone in his eyes. “Might she insist you have been compromised and we must rush to get married in order to avoid scandal?”
Edwina found his relaxed manner so attractive her body responded with an ache to be held and cuddled against his strong-looking chest. “You are teasing me again,” she offered softly.
“I am speaking the truth again. We are already getting married in a matter of days. What more could be done to a man other than he be forced to marry a young lady he had ruined by kissing her?”
Edwina had no answer to his question because she wanted him to kiss her. Despite all her efforts to the contrary, she wanted to experience the thrill of it again.
“Still not convinced?” he asked when she didn’t respond. “You know it’s acceptable for a kiss after an engagement has been set. Ours has been duly offered and accepted.”
“A soft kiss?” she asked, almost yearning for his lips to touch hers.
“Yes. The way a man kisses a lady he is wooing, a lady he desires with all his being.”
Wonderful sensations spun through her. Could he possibly be feeling the same way, or was it just her? He gently slipped his arms around her waist, pulled her up to him, and leaned his hard, muscular body into hers. The strength and heat she felt was thrilling and enticing. He hadn’t startled her as he had with his first kiss. He was taking his time, seducing her so she would be prepared to accept his advances.
The duke smiled gently. “I’m going to kiss you the way I wanted to the first day we met.”
His voice was low and persuasive. A hot dizziness whirled in her head as a tempest of emotions surged inside her while his face descended closer and his arms tightened.
Fluttering, her lashes started to close but Edwina caught a glimpse of movement behind the duke. Something came sailing through the air.
Whack!
It came down hard with a flap on the back of the duke’s head and shoulders.
In the blink of an eye, a different object came flying at him from the other direction.
Whack!
“Unhand her this second, you vile creature!”
“Damnation!” The duke swung around to confronthis attackers and was struck for a third time with a blow that landed across his neck and jaw.
Edwina jerked in shock.
Her sisters had arrived.
CHAPTER 11
THE ART OF BEING A FINE GENTLEMAN
SIR DUDLEY SAMSON PEMBERTON FINE
A true gentleman knows when to accept defeat with dignity, especially when it comes from the hand of a lady.
The duke held up his hands and took a slow step away from Edwina. “Put your reticules down, ladies. I am unarmed.”
