The Duke’s Sinful Bride (Vows of Sin #5)

Chapter 27

CHAPTER 27

“ H ow do I look, Duchess?” Maisie asked, twirling in her peach-colored dress with an excited smile on her face.

“Wonderful, my darling,” Yvette responded, her smile matching the little girl’s.

They were all dressed for a little family outing to Edward’s house, since he wouldn’t stop complaining about how negligent Yvette had been to him since she married Killian.

“You do not care about your only brother, your only family!” He’d cried out the last time they had met at Lady Hashing’s ball.

“Perhaps I have offended you in some way that makes you stray from me?” he’d said.

Yvette’s jaw had dropped at his words, and his dramatics, not expecting him to have acted like that at such a place.

“You have not offended me, brother. It?—”

“Tell me then, why since your return from Braemore, we have only met at events, balls, soirées, and the like.” Edward had folded his arms. Georgiana, who had been standing beside him, could not believe her eyes as she watched her husband. She’d placed her hands on her hips, struggling to stifle a laughter.

“You know how busy I have been with Fiona,” Yvette said softly, but as she said the words, she realized it was exactly what Edward was talking about. His face also said it all.

“I now realize my mistake, and I shall make up for it.” Yvette had said immediately, but Edward raised a brow.

“We shall come and visit.” Yvette added, and Edward smiled.

Today was the day they had set for the visit, and Yvette couldn’t lie, she was very much looking forward to it.

She had always anticipated their visit to London because she couldn’t wait to spend some time with her brother.

Living as a family of three with Killian and Maisie had taught her something about family. Being around family was the one thing Yvette cherished more than anything.

Maisie giggled and clutched Yvette’s hand.

“I can’t wait to meet Aaron. Do you think he’ll like me?”

Yvette smiled. “I’m certain he will.”

With Fiona following behind them, her lilac gown equally stunning, the three women made their way outside, where Killian was waiting by the carriage.

Yvette’s breath hitched the moment her eyes landed on him. He stood tall and imposing, his dark coat perfectly tailored to his broad shoulders.

The morning sun seemed to play across his features, emphasizing the sharpness of his jawline and the striking color of his eyes. He appeared every bit the dignified duke, but there was an undeniable warmth in his expression as his gaze met hers.

Killian’s lips curved into a faint smile as she approached.

“Ye’re breathtaking this morning, wife ,” he said, his brogue slipping out, deep and soft.

Her cheeks flushed instantly, the compliment catching her off guard.

“Thank you,” she murmured, her voice barely audible. She hesitated before placing her hand in his, feeling the rough strength of his palm as he helped her into the carriage.

“Ye’re welcome,” Killian replied, his tone light but his gaze lingering on her a moment longer.

Once Yvette was seated, Killian turned to assist Fiona and then Maisie. Fiona caught Yvette’s flustered expression and smirked knowingly, but Yvette avoided her gaze, focusing instead on the view outside the window.

As the carriage moved away, the journey to Yvette’s family’s townhouse began in comfortable silence. Maisie occasionally chattered, her excitement evident, while Fiona responded with indulgent smiles. Yvette, however, found herself lost in thought.

She hadn’t returned to her childhood home since her marriage to Killian. A part of her had dreaded this day, fearing that setting foot on familiar grounds would resurrect memories she had tried so hard to bury.

But to her surprise, as they neared the estate, a wave of nostalgia washed over her instead of dread.

The grand stone manor came into view, its walls standing tall against the vibrant greenery of the surrounding gardens. Yvette’s heart fluttered with anticipation as the carriage came to a halt.

The moment the door opened, she stepped out without waiting for assistance, eager to see her family. Edward was already waiting on the steps, his arms crossed and a teasing grin on his face.

“Finally, you made it,” he called out as she approached. “I half expected you to get lost on the way!”

Yvette laughed as she embraced him. “You’re hopeless, brother.”

He pulled back, studying her for a moment.

“I suppose marriage hasn’t completely changed you.”

“Not entirely,” Yvette replied with a playful smile before turning to greet Georgiana, Edward’s wife.

“Welcome home, Yvette,” Georgiana said warmly, pulling her into a hug.

Maisie’s delighted squeal drew everyone’s attention as the introductions were made with pleasantries exchanged. She had spotted Aaron, and immediately ran toward him.

“Oh, you’re so cute!” Maisie exclaimed, pulling Aaron into an enthusiastic hug.

The adults chuckled at the children’s antics as Edward motioned for everyone to head inside.

“Come on, then. Let’s not keep the cakes waiting.”

Inside, the house was filled with warmth and familiarity, something Yvette never remembered feeling before in the cold mansion.

The scent of freshly baked scones and lavender wafted through the air as they settled in the sitting room. Edward and Killian lingered behind the women, engaged in light conversation, while Maisie and Aaron began playing with wooden toys in the corner, a wide smile on Maisie’s lips as she served Aaron.

“So, Fiona, how has the Season been for you? Any gentlemen caught your eye?” Georgiana turned to Fiona with a curious smile, while they sat for tea.

Fiona’s cheeks turned pink, and she looked down at her teacup.

“It’s been…interesting,” she admitted. “There have been a few suitors. It seems I might secure a proposal soon.” Fiona’s own words embarrassed her, if the color on her cheeks was anything to go by.

Georgiana leaned closer.

“That is wonderful!” Georgiana squealed, smiling at Yvette in light of the good news.

“My only advice to you would be, don’t let the Season slip by without making the most of it.”

Fiona clearly appreciated the advice, as she took Georgiana’s hands, thanking her. While they spoke, Yvette looked over to her brother and Killian, who seemed to be having their own hushed conversation in the tent next to theirs, their deep laughter provoking Yvette’s curiosity.

However, as their conversation continued, Maisie approached Killian, tugging on his sleeve. She looked up at him with wide, innocent eyes.

“Papa, Aaron is so cute,” Maisie declared. “I want a baby brother just like him!”

Killian froze, his expression unreadable as he glanced at Yvette, who was sitting close by. Yvette noticed the tension in his posture and the flicker of unease in his eyes.

“Do you, now?” Killian asked softly, his tone carefully neutral.

“Yes!” Maisie insisted, nodding earnestly. “He would be so fun to play with. Don’t you think so, Duchess?”

Yvette’s lips parted slightly, but she hesitated to respond. Her gaze shifted to Killian, studying his reaction.

“Maisie, why don’t you take Aaron to show him the garden?” Yvette suggested gently.

Maisie brightened. “Oh, yes! Come on, Aaron!” She nodded enthusiastically before returning to Aaron’s side, smiling widely, and telling him that she would have a baby brother just like him soon.

Yvette observed Killian closely, her mind racing. His reaction puzzled her.

Hadn’t he mentioned wanting an heir when they first married? Yet now, he seemed unsettled by the mere suggestion.

Her curiosity piqued as she watched Killian who was staring at the doorway where the children had disappeared, his jaw tight.

“Are you all right?” she asked softly, her voice low enough that only he could hear, with her hand sitting slightly atop his.

Killian’s eyes flickered to her, and he forced a small smile.

“Aye, I’m fine.”

But Yvette wasn’t convinced. Something had shifted in him, and she couldn’t help but wonder what it was.

The rest of the visit went smoothly, with Edward telling them stories of his latest ventures and Georgiana ensuring everyone was well-fed. Yet, Yvette couldn’t shake the feeling that Killian’s earlier reaction had made her feel unsettled.

As they prepared to leave, Edward pulled Yvette aside.

“Thank you for coming. I know I gave you a hard time about it, but it truly means a lot to us.”

Yvette smiled warmly. “You’re my brother, Edward. I’ll always make time for you.”

He squeezed her hand. “Don’t be a stranger.”

With that, they said their goodbyes, and the family climbed back into the carriage. As the journey back to their home began, Yvette couldn’t help but steal another glance at Killian. His expression was unreadable, but she was determined to find out what lay beneath it.

The journey back to Oakbourne Townhouse was a quiet one, though the silence held a tension that only Killian felt.

With Maisie asleep in his arms, her soft breaths warm against his chest, Killian found himself staring out the carriage window, lost in his thoughts. The clatter of hooves on the road seemed to echo the unease in his mind, and he wanted a way to make it stop.

Yvette and Fiona sat across from him, their heads close as they whispered about something, breaking the silence with soft laughter.

But Killian couldn’t bring himself to join in their lightheartedness. His thoughts were too heavy, his fears clawing at him like shadows.

Could things truly work out with Yvette?

The question hung in his mind, joined by the echoes of his past. Albina’s death, his mother’s untimely end, and his father’s cutting words about duty and responsibility haunted him still. He could feel the weight of his father’s voice in his chest, telling him he wasn’t enough, that his failures would cost him everything he cherished.

And now, there was Yvette. So vibrant, so full of life and warmth, she brought a light into his world he hadn’t dared to hope for. But that same light terrified him. If he allowed himself to want more with her, to dream of an heir, of building a family, what if he lost her too?

He was not sure he could handle that.

The carriage came to a gentle halt, jolting Killian from his thoughts. Fiona and Yvette stepped out first, their skirts trailing as they moved up the steps of the manor. Killian followed with Maisie still in his arms, her weight a comfort against his stormy thoughts.

He carried her to her room, tucking her under the covers with tenderness. She stirred briefly, her little hand grasping his before falling back into slumber. He brushed a strand of hair from her face, the corners of his mouth tugging into a faint smile despite his unease.

When he returned to his chambers, he felt the weight of exhaustion pressing down on him. Stripping off his jacket and cravat, he sat on the edge of the bed, running a hand through his hair. But peace eluded him.

A soft knock at the connecting door broke through the quiet. Killian glanced up, his brows furrowing.

“Come in,” he said gruffly.

The door creaked open, and Yvette stepped through. The soft glow of the bedside lamp illuminated her figure, and his breath caught when he saw her. She was wearing a silk nightgown that clung to her curves, its delicate fabric leaving little to the imagination. The sight of her, so ethereal and inviting, sent his pulse racing.

“Yvette,” he began, his voice rough, “is something the matter?”

She closed the door behind her, her movements deliberate as she stepped closer.

“I came for you,” she said, her voice low and sultry.

Killian stood abruptly, turning away from her as he cleared his throat.

“Wife, ye should not be here.”

But Yvette was undeterred. She moved closer, her bare feet silent on the carpet.

“Why not? I’ve been thinking about what Maisie said today,” she murmured. “About us trying for an heir.”

His back stiffened.

Yvette continued, her tone teasing as she ran her fingers lightly along his sleeve.

“Perhaps she’s right. Perhaps we should.”

Killian turned to face her, his expression conflicted.

“Yvette, ye?—”

Before he could finish, she reached up, brushing her lips against his. The softness of her touch was intoxicating, and for a moment, he found himself leaning into her warmth. But then he pulled away, stepping back as though burned.

Yvette blinked, startled by his reaction.

“Killian?” she said, her voice laced with confusion.

He didn’t meet her gaze, his hands clenching at his sides.

“Ye should go back to yer room.”

Her brows furrowed. “Why? What is the matter?”

He sighed, his voice strained.

“This—everything we’ve shared—” he started, running his fingers through this hair in frustration, “It was a mistake.”

Yvette took a step back, as though his words had physically struck her.

“A mistake?”

“Aye,” he said, his tone heavy. “It was never supposed to be this way. We got carried away. I won’t make that mistake again.” He met her gaze then, his eyes shadowed with pain.

“Ye deserve more than what I can give ye.”

Her lips parted in disbelief, her voice trembling as she spoke.

“What I deserve? What I deserve is a husband who isn’t afraid to fight for what we have.”

His jaw tightened.

“What we have is fragile at best. I cannot risk it—cannot risk ye.”

Yvette stared at him, her hurt morphing into anger.

“Risk me? Is that what this is about? Your fear? You’d rather push me away than face it?”

“It’s not just fear!” Killian snapped, his voice rising. “I lost my mother. I lost Albina. I can’t go through that again, Yvette. I won’t.”

“And I’m not them!” she shot back, her voice breaking. “I’m here, Killian. I’m alive, and I’m trying to build something with you. But you—” She let out a bitter laugh. “You’d rather hide behind your pain and keep me at arm’s length.”

Killian looked away, his expression anguished.

“I apologize, but I cannot give ye more than this.”

Yvette’s hands clenched into fists at her sides.

“You’re not sorry. You’re a coward,” she said, her voice cold. “You don’t see me as your partner, do you? I’m just someone convenient to help solve your problems.”

Her words cut deep, but Killian said nothing, his silence confirming her fears.

Tears stung her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.

“Goodnight, Killian,” she said stiffly before turning on her heel and walking out of the room.

The door closed behind her with a finality that echoed in the silence. Killian stood alone in the dim light, his chest heavy with regret. He sat down on the edge of the bed, his head in his hands, wondering if he had just destroyed the one thing that could save him.