Tamed by her Duke (Seductive Mysteries #4)

Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2

J enny jumped up from the sofa and stumbled towards the door out of pure instinct.

She pressed her hand to her thundering heart. She couldn't quite determine where the voice came from. She squinted as she slowly spun in a circle, trying to see into the corners of the room.

Finally, her eyes landed on a dark figure sitting in a chair in the far corner of the library. She couldn't make much out of the form other than broad shoulders and long legs.

" Oh! You scared me. I had no idea this room was occupied." She took a deep breath and then released it before continuing. "Do you wish me to leave?"

She waited for an answer from the sitting shadow, but none came.

"Hello?"

Was someone there? She did hear someone, didn't she?

The shadow shifted.

Definitely not alone.

"Um, if you don't mind, could we sit in silence together? I promise not to bother you. I just needed a short break from the ball." She waved her hand towards the door with a laugh.

Nothing. The stranger continued to sit there, staring at her. At least it felt as if he was staring at her. She couldn't see his eyes, but she could feel them on her.

"So… I'm, um, I'm just going to sit back down if that's alright with you."

As Jenny sat, the stranger rose and moved towards her. She watched as he closed in on her. Her previous nonchalance was quickly replaced with uncertainty. She looked nervously at the door and began to calculate the distance in her head. Then, after a nerve-wracking moment, she shook her head.

Lady Staunton would never invite dangerous people to her home… would she?

Jenny squared her shoulders and stood back up. She thought better on her feet. Plus, didn't she just tell Lord Banefield that she could handle her own in situations such as these?

"Is there an issue?" She mentally cursed the tremor in her voice.

The intolerable man said nothing but continued to stalk towards her until he was standing right in front of her. An overwhelming sense of dread washed over her, but she couldn't help but notice that a small flicker of interest bloomed in her chest. In the moonlight, she couldn't tell the color of his eyes, and for a brief moment, she regretted not knowing their true color. She felt captivated by them.

Her breathing quickened as he took her in. Her mind was surprisingly quiet as she waited for him to say or do anything.

She licked her lips in anticipation.

His eyes followed that small movement, and his lips curled into a wicked smile that sent a wave of heat through her body.

"I'm not one for propriety, but I do know that being alone with a man is frowned upon. Are you willing to risk it for a moment of solitude ?"

His voice was deep and soothing, and Jenny found herself wanting to say something just to hear what he'd say next.

She waved off his concern. "I'm not worried about that. After all, if we both want peace and quiet, then there is nothing to cause alarm even if someone were to open the door and find us here. Besides, I doubt you'll do anything untoward to me, with a ballroom full of people just outside the door."

The man tilted his head to the side ever so lightly.

Jenny hesitated at the small gesture before continuing, her voice breathier than before. "You were enjoying the solitude, and nothing has changed that. Consider me another piece of furniture—forget I'm here."

The man took another step closer to her, causing her to step back, and the back of her legs hit the sofa. He cocked his head and leaned in. "And what, my darling girl, makes you think I will not do something to you?" he whispered, his breath tickling her ear.

Jenny swallowed. Fire and ash mixed with the scent of whisky flooded her senses, obliterating any coherent thought she had. "I… uh, well, I…"

She chastised herself inwardly.

Come on, Jenny, get your head together. He's going to think you're a complete dolt.

The man smiled and let his gaze fall to the rest of her before returning to her eyes. "Also, I highly doubt anyone could forget you were in a room they were in."

Jenny silently thanked God for the low light that hid her blush. No man had ever stood this close to her and evoked such feelings within her. His words slid over her skin like silk, and she found herself wanting more.

"I assure you…" She laughed. "There are many people who would love to forget my presence."

The man inhaled deeply as if he were memorizing her scent. It made goosebumps break out all over her skin.

"Imbeciles," he whispered.

Jenny's eyes widened as the compliment registered. She tried desperately to control her breathing, but he was standing too close. His eyes were too intense.

Did he intend to kiss her? Was this how she would experience her first kiss? In a darkened library, with a mysterious stranger?

He leaned in again, and she found her body mirroring the movement. She tilted her head towards him, her heart and mind racing with possibilities.

However, just before their lips touched, he stepped to the side. Without another word, he turned around and made his way towards the door. "I suggest you be more careful in the future, kitten. You never know who is hiding in the corner."

His hand reached for the doorknob, and Jenny felt a sudden twinge of regret. She was desperate to keep the conversation going. This was the most alive she'd felt in a while, and she didn't want it to end.

"If this conversation is proof, then I shall have no problem handling the next darkened room I enter." She crossed her fingers behind her back, hoping she baited him enough into staying.

He stopped and let out a laugh. The low rumble went straight to her center and had her knees trembling. He stood just outside a stream of moonlight that cut the room in half. How she wished he took a single small step to his right so she could see what he truly looked like. She could tell his face was well-defined, but her mind was desperate for more information.

"You are a feisty kitten, aren't you?"

The term of endearment did things to her insides that she only read about in books.

Jenny smiled. Her heart flipped, knowing the conversation would continue just a little bit longer. "I've been known to stand on my own two feet if the situation calls for it."

She mentally cheered her ability to respond. Maybe she was capable of handling such situations.

His low laugh tickled her core again—she had to bite her lip from smiling too wide. They fell silent for a few seconds, yet no one moved. Jenny's body was buzzing from the electricity that hummed between them.

"So, tell me, kitten, what would you do if a man approached you again?"

Jenny swallowed. She felt as if this was some sort of trick, but her foolish heart wanted to test the waters. "I would remain calm and ask if there was something he needed."

The man's eyes narrowed in interest as he slowly made his way back towards her. "Ah. What if this man has bad intentions and does not want to share his thoughts for fear of scaring you off?" His voice was full of mirth, but there was an underlying tone of danger.

Jenny licked her lips. Fear mixed with exhilaration coursed through her. "I would insist that he be a true gentleman and tell me his real intentions."

"Oh, well, if you insist, he has to tell you then." He lazily trailed one long finger over the backs of the chairs he passed.

Jenny heard the mocking in his voice and squared her shoulders. He was intentionally being insufferable.

She raised an eyebrow. "If your intention is to mock me, then this conversation is over."

He continued to pursue her, holding her gaze, not allowing her to break that connection. The playfulness and intrigue that once held her interest were quickly disappearing as her fear won out.

A smile slowly spread across his chiseled face. "Ah. There are your true feelings," he quipped, acknowledging the change in her demeanor. "You s hould be afraid to be alone with any man, no matter what he says. I assure you, there's only one reason why a man wants to be alone with a woman, and it is not to read a book," he said, nodding towards the books that surrounded them.

He stopped in front of her, crowding her. His tall frame towered over her, and she lifted her chin in order to meet his eyes.

She desperately searched for words but found none.

"Now, I say again, be more careful in the future, kitten."

His eyes darkened as he brought his hand up to cup her face. Jenny's eyes fluttered shut as she tilted her head towards his hand on instinct, hoping to feel his touch on her cheek. But he dropped his hand at her movement. She opened her eyes just in time to see a look of surprise flashing across his face, before turning into anger.

She opened her mouth to say something, but he cut her off.

"Don't make me tell you again—I hate repeating myself. Stay out of darkened rooms, kitten."

The man abruptly turned around and stormed out the door, leaving her staring at the empty space in front of her.

Jenny could hear her heartbeat in her ears. She felt dizzy. One moment she wanted to engage with this stranger, the next she was fearful of his intentions. Next, he seemed as if he was going to kiss her twice, yet both times he backed away. Her head spun with the insanity of it all.

After a few deep breaths, she decided she had enough of meeting strangers in dark rooms and made her way back to the ballroom.

That was definitely enough excitement for one night. Hopefully, the rest of her evening would pass without any more disruptions.

The bright lights in the ballroom made David squint as he searched for the exit. It was time to bid farewell to the hostess and get the hell out of there. Normally, he didn't waste his time with these elaborate soirées, but he lost a game of cards to the Earl of Staunton, and instead of wagering coin, the Earl made everyone who lost to him come to one of his wife's events. This was David's night to come.

He was positive the blasted man cheated.

He spotted the Countess at the door talking with a couple who looked eager to leave.

"My lady," he interrupted. "I beg your pardon, but I must get going. I have some business to attend to." He nodded his apologies to the woman, trying to make a quick escape.

"Oh, soon so?" Her hand flew out to bar him from the door. "Have I introduced you to the Duke and Duchess of Pilton?

He reached out his hand to the Duke. "Yes, we've met plenty of times at the club."

Pilton took his hand and shook it. "Nice to see you again."

David nodded his head in acknowledgment.

"Their Graces are going home to their beautiful baby boy," Lady Staunton gushed.

"How nice."

David had no idea why the Countess was telling him this. He eyed the couple. Pilton tugged at his cravat like it personally offended him, and his wife looked ready to stab the woman if she didn't get out of her way and let them leave. The three of them eyed the door while the Countess rambled on.

"You know, I was the one who introduced this lovely couple." She laid her hand on his arm. His jaw ticked at the connection. He was not one for people touching him.

The Duchess of Pilton tried to hide a snort behind her fan. "Something like that. We met at one of Lady Staunton's infamous dinner parties. My husband was ever so charming and spilled his drink on me."

Her laughter was soft and endearing.

If his mind wasn't whirling from the encounter he just had, David may have been curious about the Duchess and the Duke's relationship. It wouldn't be the first time he entertained a bored wife. However, a slip of a woman with enough bravado to take down a fleet of men had seized his thoughts.

The Countess bristled. "Oh, it was more than that. I knew it the moment I saw the two of you seated next to each other that there was something there." She scrunched up her face and teasingly pointed at the couple.

David rocked back on his heels. "Well, sounds like it was a magical evening. Now, if you will excuse me, I must go?—"

"Nonsense," the Countess said while taking his arm. "Did you know that His Grace has a younger sister? And she's here tonight."

David groaned inwardly. He may have lost a bet to her husband, but he made good and showed up. He drew the line at being paired up with some giggly girl who had the common sense of a walnut.

"Now, I know you have a certain reputation, but isn't it time you thought about settling down?"

He raised an eyebrow at the Countess's forwardness. He looked to the Duke and Duchess for assistance, but he found only amused faces observing their exchange. They were enjoying this.

Noted.

Normally, he would put a stop to this sort of conversation, but he learned the hard way that it was easier to let the Countess get out what she wanted to say. It was less taxing that way.

"She's a lovely girl, very bright, and a wonderful conversationalist. A bit strong-headed if you ask me, but I think she would be an excellent match for a man such as yourself."

Pilton coughed. "I don't think he'd be interested in my sister."

David looked at him and found the amusement had turned into derision.

Well, now I am interested in this chit.

"Someone who is intelligent and well-spoken, you say? Tell me, what does this young lady look like? Not like Pilton, I hope."

The Countess fawned over his quip while the Duchess grabbed her husband's arm before he charged.

"I think that is our carriage that pulled up," the Duchess interjected. "Thank you again, Lady Staunton, for the lovely night. We feel better knowing that we are leaving Jenny in your capable hands. We appreciate your hospitality."

With that, she dragged her husband out the door, leaving David alone with the Countess.

The Countess barely registered their goodbyes. She was looking over the couples on the dance floor. "She should be around here somewhere. I think Her Grace said that Jenny had stepped out for some fresh air, but she should have returned by now."

That definitely sparked his interest.

She stepped out for some fresh air? Could it be…?

"Ah, there she is. Do you see that young woman over there by the entrance to the hallway?" The Countess pointed in the direction he had just come from, and his heart rate quickened. "See there? The girl with the red-brown hair? That's her, Jenny Bennett."

David's breath stuttered as he took her in. The shadows in the library played with the color of her hair, but here in the light, it was a beautiful mahogany. Her alabaster skin glowed under the light from the chandeliers, and a smattering of freckles peppered her face and shoulders.

He watched as she scanned the ballroom. She carried herself with poise and confidence, much like she did in the library.

"She is something isn't she?" Lady Staunton nudged him.

"Yes, something." He looked back at the grinning woman next to him. "Perhaps next time, Lady Staunton. I really must be going."

The Countess sighed. "Fine. But one of these days, I'm going to sic a darling young woman on you, and you won't be able to deny her."

David nodded his farewell and ducked into the entryway.

He knew from previous parties that the ballroom could be accessed from a side door. He wasn't ready to leave just yet. For as much as he'd hate to give the Countess an excuse to invite him to another gathering, she just may be onto something with this girl.

It was time he got to know Miss Jenny Bennett, in the light.