Chapter Four #2
“My dear woman, there is nothing wrong with my prick, as you well know, for you had it in your mouth, and this is the second time in as many days as I’ve had this conversation.”
How very bizarre, and it piqued her curiosity. “Then you don’t use restraints or toys?”
“Oh, I do, and the whys of it are different in every situation, but suffice it to say that I need the control during such sessions.”
Fascinating. She relaxed her arms and leaned slightly forward. “Because?”
“Again, various reasons, none of which you need to know just now.”
Aggravating man.
Silence reigned between them for long moments, prompting her to peer out the window at the darkened streets.
Eventually, he cleared his throat. “If you wish to know that as well as other things, you’ll need to play along with this engagement.” As they passed a streetlamp, his grin was faint and certainly didn’t reach his eyes. “That is the best I can do.”
“Hmm.” It wasn’t much in the way of a concession from him, but then, what did she expect from a duke? “What do I gain out of this arrangement?”
“Pleasure? Being sent flying more times than you can dream about?” He waved his hand as if none of it mattered. “An odd companionship that might gain you more perspective or at least alleviate loneliness for us both?”
“Interesting.” Again, a wave of shock went through her chest. What sort of man was he?
“Honestly, I was a fool when I married, so I’ll need more than that from you.
Marklesfield’s brother has assumed the title, and since he never liked me, he has given me the pittance my husband left me, in one lump sum.
No doubt to be rid of me, but an engagement between you and I will thwart my brother’s plans of matching me to one of his bounder friends. ” At least there was that.
“Ah, so then this can only help you.” Was that victory in his tone?
“Due to this new information, I am willing to set aside a portion for you that will keep you in luxury well into old age if something should happen to me. Also, you can have one of my unentailed properties so you’ll have somewhere to reside.
I have two. You may choose either of them for your own purposes. ”
“That is a very generous offer.”
He nodded. “I hope it shows how earnest I am.”
It did, of course. And it would set her up for life regardless of what happened between them. “Is our engagement a sham, then?”
“Only if you wish it to be.”
Was he being deliberately maddening or was this the type of man he was? “Oh?” Her eyebrows rose, for every new revelation was a surprise. “Does that mean you do intend to marry me?”
This time, his chuckle was more pronounced, and the sound awakened a need deep within her she’d thought long dead. “As I said, it depends on many things. The future isn’t clear to me.”
What did that mean? Why was he such a mystery? Before she could answer, he spoke once more.
“The bigger question is, do you think you can survive me, Lady Evangeline? I am not a typical duke, and I don’t fit into the beau monde’s perfect little squares.
I have a dark past, and perhaps a darker future.
Additionally, I am not looking to be fixed, rescued, or changed by a woman.
I perhaps just want peace and someone about to keep the house from feeling so empty. ”
She nodded. “Fair enough. After surviving my first husband, I’ll admit I’m not keen to take on another challenge, especially in the form of a stubborn man.
” There was no reason why she couldn’t speak plainly with this man to whom she was inexplicably bound.
“I’d hoped to have love in my next marriage. ”
“I don’t know if I’m capable of that, and I’m certainly not searching for it.”
“Ah.” At least that wasn’t surprising. “I’ll admit your answer is a bit polarizing. I might not wish to partner with a man where there is no future for me. I did that once. It’s not something I’m actively courting for myself again.”
“I can understand that.” For the space of a few heartbeats, silence marked the time. “However, the difference between me and your husband is startling. I suspect he suffered from a poverty of imagination.”
“How so?”
“Just this.” Without warning, the duke reached out and tugged her onto his bench, which was impressive since he only had the use of one arm. “Straddle my lap, my dear. I cannot do everything, you see.”
Awkwardly, she did as she was bid, clutching onto his shoulders merely to keep herself upright. “Yet you still haven’t said why you are different than Marklesfield.”
“Indeed I haven’t, so let me rectify that.” His eyes glittered, as he urged his good hand to the small of her back. “When I take a woman to bed, I make certain they are well and truly satisfied in every conceivable way.”
“Except emotionally?” Despite his words, flutters erupted in her lower belly. “Except spiritually? Except romantically?” In for a penny and all that, but then, she’d never been good at being a meek and mild woman.
One corner of his mouth quirked. “As I said, it depends on many things. If a man can’t or won’t at least satisfy his woman physically, he ought to be ashamed of himself.”
“Yes, well, I—”