Her gaze met Richard’s.
He expected her to look away immediately, but instead, she smiled softly, lifting a hand to wave slightly. He stood still, pinned by her open stare.
Slowly, he felt his own hand come up without his permission, but he quickly stopped it and moved away from the window, ignoring the spark of lust within him as he settled behind his desk to get some work done.
Still, all he could think of for hours after that was her, tangled up in the sheets of his bed.
ChapterSeven
“Ihave picked out an estate,” Richard blurted out.
A few days after the incident with Dash on the lawn, Richard found himself seated at another awkward breakfast with his wife.
It seemed almost coincidental how they had ended up together in the dining hall without any prior discussion. Apparently, the Duchess had all her meals there in the company of her dog. He had just decided out of the blue to eat outside his study for a change, not expecting to find her there.
Things were just as tense as they had been last time, for different reasons now, and Richard felt as though he was being smothered as he sipped his tea.
She looked up from her plate, confusion etched on her features. “I beg your pardon?”
Richard swallowed past the lump in his throat. “For your family. I picked the most ideal option and had it prepared for their arrival. They can move in as soon as they wish. I will also handle the expenses related to the move. Just let me know when all of it is set,” he told her, relieved that his voice held no sharp edge whatsoever.
Nancy’s expression softened. “Thank you. I am really grateful to you for how much consideration and effort you put into this. I will never forget it,” she said gently.
Richard waved a hand in the air lightly. “Yes, well. It was part of our deal, wasn’t it?”
She frowned for a moment but her smile returned soon, “Even so, there is no harm in extending my thanks to you, husband.”
With the way she stared at him, all he could do was nod, her blue doe-like eyes innocent at first but with each passing moment turning deeper, darker. Filled with unholy thoughts, he added to himself.
His own mind filled with unholy thoughts and the way she could further extend her thanks to him.
He cleared his throat, thankful that he was seated, and he quickly brought up the next topic of discussion.
“The new Lord Suttington,” he began, setting down his teacup, “I have plans to meet with him soon and speak with him about your family.”
Nancy sat back and nodded curtly. “I see. All right?—”
Suddenly, the door to the dining hall swung open, interrupting her. Richard shifted his gaze to the newcomer, irritated by the interruption, already preparing to snap at the butler, but the man spoke up hurriedly.
“Pardon my intrusion, Your Grace, but you have a guest.”
Richard frowned. “Who the hell would visit so early? Without even sending word first?”
“Ludlow Harrington, Your Grace,” The butler looked nervous as he responded.
Nancy noticed the annoyance on her husband’s face at the mention of the name.
“Who is he?” she couldn’t help but ask.
“The Earl of Whitwood, Your Grace,” the butler replied diligently.
At the same time, Richard sighed and admitted regretfully, “My uncle.”
Before Nancy could properly understand the implications of those words, a man walked into the dining room, complaining loudly.
“You sly bastard!” the man said, “How dare you plan your wedding so quickly and deny me the satisfaction of watching you act smitten with your bride? You’re my only nephew. It is my solemn duty to embarrass you a little in front of your wife. And tell her all the reasons why she shouldn’t settle for a handsome devil like you! Woe is me.”
Nancy couldn’t help but snort, clearly entertained by the theatrics.
