Page 88 of Stolen By the Heartless Duke

The words struck him harder than they should have. She trusted him. After only a handful of clandestine meetings, arguments, accusations, and that reckless kiss in the alley. He was not entirely certain he deserved it. Yet he wanted to prove to her that he could, in fact, be the man she saw in him.

“You should not,” he muttered.

She frowned. “I beg your pardon?”

“You trust me too easily.”

Jane looked genuinely puzzled. “I hardly think I do.”

“You are entering a bachelor’s house after dark,” Hector said.

“You invited me.” Jane tipped her head to look at him in a way that he found maddening. It was as if she could see directly into his core.

“I did.”

“You have never once given me reason to fear you.”

His jaw clenched. That was precisely the problem because, lately, he had begun fearing himself. Not because he would ever hurt her. He would never do that. But because every day he spent near her made it increasingly difficult to remember why he ought to keep his distance.

The carriage turned another corner. A few moments later, it slowed before a pair of iron gates. Unlike many London mansions, Sunderford House did not blaze with excessive light. Only a few windows glowed warmly against the night.

Hector stepped down first. He offered Jane his hand. She accepted it without hesitation. Her fingers curled around his. He released her almost immediately.

“This way.”

Rather than approaching the imposing front entrance, he led her down the side of the townhouse toward a narrower servants’ door hidden behind ivy-covered stone.

He produced a key. The lock clicked. Inside, the passage smelled faintly of beeswax and fresh bread.

A maid carrying folded linens nearly walked into them. She startled. “Your Grace.”

Her eyes widened ever so slightly upon seeing Jane, but only for a heartbeat. Then her expression settled into perfect composure. “Good evening.”

“I require discretion tonight,” Hector said, keeping his voice calm and even.

“Very good, Your Grace.” The maid curtsied before she quickly hurried away.

Jane watched her disappear. “She did not seem surprised.”

Hector suppressed a smile. “My staff have excellent manners.”

“They also possess remarkable self-control.”

“They are well compensated for both.”

The corner of Jane’s mouth lifted. “I suspect everyone in your household knows how terrifying you can be.”

Hector barked out an unexpected laugh. “I should hope so.”

“I was teasing.”

“I was not.”

She laughed quietly. The sound echoed softly through the corridor, warm and bright, and was entirely at odds with the solemn house. He found himself listening for it again.

At last, they reached a pair of heavy, walnut doors.

Hector opened them. “My study.”