Chapter 12 #2
The ticking of the clock went on endlessly, yet seemed to speed up at the same time. The hour trickled away until the clock struck four, the time Lady Clementine was supposed to leave.
Damn…
“What am I going to do now?” She stood and walked to the window, then tried to unlock it to open the sash.
“I think they’re nailed shut since this is the office. Just a small security step that was taken when The Haven was opened.”
“Blast it all,” she said, setting her hands on her hips.
William raised his brows, having never heard a woman of her rank curse in his life. He fought not to grin and cleared his throat. “Were you raised in a barn? Not the seemliest language for a duke’s daughter to use,” he said, unable to stop goading her and watching her reactions.
She rounded on him, her eyes burning with annoyance.
“There is no one of importance to hear, now, is there?” she taunted.
“I certainly don’t care for your opinion, and I know what you’re doing,” she said, pointing a finger at him.
“You’re annoying me on purpose, trying to make me mad at you. Admit it.”
Her attempt to put him in his place made him smirk.
“And why are you just sitting there at the desk like some high and mighty lord? Get up and bang on the door some more. I’m certain there have to be others around to hear.”
“We’re in the office, which is beyond another office, and those who are here are too busy to listen to a few knocks.” He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. She watched his progress, her eyes narrowing farther.
“This is absurd. What are we going to do? I do not even like you. What if Ravensmere comes here? What if he demands we marry?”
“Then I’ll marry you.”
“You would never,” she gasped, clasping her throat as if he’d asked to see her unmentionables. Which, of course, he also would if they were wed. The idea of having her in his bed was possibly the one outcome he would enjoy.
“Of course I would, but it wouldn’t be the happy ever after that you or your family wish for. I’m not the marrying kind, my lady. My bachelor lifestyle and the ownership of a gentleman’s club are proof of that.”
“So you would marry me and then desert me. How charming.” She rolled her eyes and pursed her lips into a displeased line. “From your barbaric words, I’m assuming you would also consummate the marriage just to do your duty and leave? Would my assumptions be correct, Lord William?”
“They would indeed.” He stood, and she did also as he moved toward her.
“As much as we dislike each other, and I do not mean to be rude when admitting that, but it is clear we do not suit. In any case…” He tipped up her chin, ignoring the feel of her soft skin under his finger and the ache it caused low in his stomach.
“You would do very well in my bed. The consummation of our marriage would be enjoyable for you, one memorable moment you’d not forget, before I left you to do as I wished. ”
“You’re a cad, a rake, and an ass, and should be ashamed of yourself. I cannot see your brother treating me with so little respect. I’m confused how men, raised under one roof, could be so different.”
She had no idea how easy the latter could be achieved… “Do you truly believe that?” he scoffed. “Oh, sweet, innocent, Clementine,” he said, using her given name for the first time. “How gullible you are.”
“Gullible?” she gasped.
He dipped his head, wanting to taste that fiery mouth of hers. Just once. If she thought him such a cad, a rake, maybe he ought to act like one. Take one kiss and teach her a lesson.
He found his hand moving from her chin to her jaw, his fingers slipping about her nape. Her eyes widened, her mouth gaped, but she did not move, did not slap him into sense.
His body roared to life with fire and need, and never in his life had he wanted to kiss a woman as much as he did right now. To teach this minx a lesson in manners, in goading a gentleman who enjoyed nothing more than proving others wrong.
The door handle jiggled, and the snick of the lock sounded loud in the room. Lady Clementine jumped back as if she’d been poked by a stick, placing a respectable distance between them. The door swung open, and Miss Linton stood there, looking between them both.
“Oh, thank heavens you’re back, Miss Linton,” Lady Clementine lamented, walking toward the door. “Someone locked us in here together, and I need to leave for tonight’s events. I thought I would be trapped in here for hours.”
William watched as relief poured out of her in waves.
Would it have been so bad to have been caught with him?
He supposed it would have. She clearly did not like him, and he had little tolerance for the society in which he was born.
In fact, he had none. It was best that Miss Linton returned and saved them both from a fate worse than marriage.
“I’m so sorry, Lady Clementine. Of course, you must go. I shall deal with those who thought to lock you in the office. I hope you were not alone too long. I should hate to put your reputation at risk or have the ire of the Duke of Ravensmere come down on our heads.”
Lady Clementine waved Miss Linton’s concerns aside. Quite the change from her earlier outbursts and anxiety. “All is well now. It was but an hour, and most of that time was spent trying to be released. I shall be off now, and will see you in the morning.”
“Thank you for your assistance,” Miss Linton said.
“Have a pleasant evening, Lady Clementine,” he called as she walked out without a by your leave.
She glanced back over her shoulder and met his eyes. William did not know why, but there was something in her gaze that gave him pause.
Gave him a knot in his stomach.
Something that, unfortunately, and appallingly, resembled desire.