My Beastly Duke

Chapter One

“I knew no sane man would wish to marry the likes of you!” Baron Wallace snarled at Marina, tilting his head back until his abnormally sharp nose pierced the air.

This can’t be happening, not now.

Marina allowed her bouquet of lilies to fall to her side, her fingers strangling the stems as she clenched her fist. The racing of her heart only added to the uncomfortable atmosphere already permeating the air.

The chapel was filled with members of the ton that looked her up and down with scornful glances. The low susurration that filtered through the crowd made her uneasy as she shifted from foot to foot. Her long train hung down the back of her silver dress, reminding her of the reason she stood in front of the altar. Alone.

“I have had just about enough of you and your sniveling family. My patience has all but worn out with the lot of you. You will pack your things immediately and take your mother, sister, and pets with you!” The baron hissed loud enough for the guests in the front to hear, his large belly protruding beyond his frame.

Looking at her mother and sister huddled together in the front row, Marina noticed the color draining from her mother’s face. Johanna Wallace’s usually pale skin now resembled a pitcher of milk. While her mother’s health had not been the greatest since her father passed, it seemed to take a turn for the worse whenever anything strange or stressful occurred.

Prudence huddled closer to her mother’s side, gripping her thin fingers as if her life depended on it. The young girl had never warmed to her uncle, but the feelings of hatred seemed to worsen whenever the new baron would go on a rant.

“I do not wish to sound indelicate, Miss Wallace, but we cannot wait all day. Perhaps it is time to accept that the groom has changed his mind?” The vicar stepped forward and spoke to Marina in a calm tone that did little to ease her nerves. The elderly man’s thin skin seemed to stretch over his knuckles as he clasped his fingers in a solemn gesture.

Focusing on the doors at the other end of the aisle, Marina took a deep breath and clenched her jaw until her teeth ached. Her long blonde hair, which had been plated into an elaborate braid, annoyed her beyond measure as she wished she could pull it all loose.

All of this for nothing…

The stems of her flowers turned to pulp beneath the pressure of her grip.

“Perhaps Mr. Marner heard the stories regarding her father…” The whispered sentence reached Marina’s ears just in time to see her mother fainting in the front pew.

“Mama! Please, wake up…” A wave of gasps filled the air as Marina’s fourteen-year-old sister began to sob beside her mother’s unconscious form that had slumped forward in her seat.

Marina was about to rush forward when her best friends came to her aid.

Penelope Patterson, the Duchess of Huxton rushed to Lady Wallace’s side, fanning her face furiously. Her doe-like brown eyes stared up at Marina while Lady Cordelia came to her friend’s aid.

“Marina, do you not think perhaps, that we should tell everyone to go home? This is only causing a spectacle.” She glanced wearily at the baron who was fuming with rage as he glared at the scene unfolding.

Guests craned their necks in their seats in an attempt to catch a glimpse of the fainted Dowager Baroness of Wallace who was beginning to stir. Prudence had managed to calm herself, yet her cheeks were stained with tears.

 “I do not think that Mr. Marner is going to make an appearance.” Cordelia was apologetic, wringing her gloved hands in front of her.

How dare he jilt me at the altar?

Her pulse raced with anger when she looked over her friend’s shoulder at the judgmental glares of the ton. There were people she had never seen in her life, and then there were people who had once been her friends, or at least, had pretended to be her friends.

“Right.” She hissed under her breath and lifted the hem of her dress, stepping forward with her head held high. Some of the tiny white flowers that had been woven into her braid, fell at her feet as she descended the steps.

People’s heads turned in shock, watching her make her way down the aisle as Marina did her best to ignore their judgmental glares.

“Marina, where are you going?” Cordelia and Penelope both rushed to keep up with their friend’s hurried steps as sniggers and smirks followed them down the aisle.

Pushing open the doors, Marina stepped into the bright sun, her veil trailing behind her in the slight breeze as she stopped for a breath. Something needed to be done about the situation at hand, but she certainly was not about to further the scene in the chapel.

“Marina! Where are you going?” Penelope asked almost breathlessly, stopping for a moment on the stairs to fix her red dress. The richness of the fabric complimented her pale complexion.

“I am going to ensure that the groom’s family does right by mine.”

Cordelia and Penelope exchanged looks of concern while biting their lips.

“What do you mean?”

“There is one man who did not bother to return his invitation.” Marina narrowed her eyes at the imagined image of her supposed husband-to-be and set off down the street on her own.

***

“Are you certain that you will not be attending the wedding, Your Grace? There may still be time for the wedding breakfast, if not the ceremony.”

The butler placed a glass of whisky beside the duke, before coming up straight. His stick-like posture always amazed Aaron as he wondered how the man remained so rigid.

Reaching for the glass, Aaron swirled the amber liquid a few times before taking a sip. “No, there is no reason for me to attend that sham of a wedding,” he grumbled under his breath and shifted his position in the high-backed chair that was hidden in the corner of the room.

The invitation that lay next to him on the desk drew his attention away from the glass. The black-slanted writing mocked him relentlessly as he clenched his jaw.

You are cordially invited to attend the wedding of Miss Marina Wallace to the youngest son of the late Duke of Harper, Mr. Adam Marner.

The sentence made Aaron snort in derision. There was only one reason that his brother had insisted on the marriage, and that reason had little to do with love or even honor. The wedding was a sham and farce as far as he was concerned.

“I understand, Your Grace. Perhaps we should start the search for a wife of your own. It is, after all, expected of a duke.” The butler placed his arms behind his back and stiffened his spine, looking into the shadows above the duke’s head.

Smirking at the suggestion, Aaron shook his head and threw back another swig of his whisky. “Do not make me laugh. If there is anything more ridiculous than finding me a wife, I have not heard of it.” He placed the glass back on the table beside him before sitting back and running his fingers over the right side of his face.

“Oh, I do not know, Your Grace, stranger things have happened. There is always the possibility of an arranged marriage. We could write to some of your relatives in Scotland, or perhaps even France. There is always a desperate young lady seeking a title and wealth.” The butler’s tone softened as a mischievous twinkle appeared in his eyes.

Desperate…

The man’s words made Aaron smirk in amusement. After so many years of living on his own, the butler had become something of a friend to him. Even if their stations in life had caused a divide, Aaron and his butler were able to keep each other company without crossing the boundaries of disrespect and propriety. The duke had lost many friends after the accident that had ruined his face. The rivalry with his brother had not helped either.

“It would take more than just a desperate woman to find me a wife, Jeeves. Any woman who tied herself to the likes of me and my hideous appearance would have to be sent by God. And where would I meet her when I hardly ever leave this house? A bride would have to come storming into this very room if I am ever to be married.” He gestured to the room at large with a sweep of his arm.

“You never know, Your Grace. Miracles have been known to…” The butler stopped speaking and frowned when the sound of frantic knocking echoed down the empty halls.

“I wonder who that could be.” Aaron’s brows creased into a frown as he waved the butler away. The only visitor he ever received was his brother, and that was unlikely given the fact that it was the day of his wedding.

Bowing low, the butler hurried from the room, disappearing around the corner in the dark hallway beyond.

Perhaps he had come to gloat.

Aaron let out a heavy sigh as he brooded in the darkness of the parlor. Light had been his enemy for years, along with the rivalry between him and his brother.

Minutes seemed to pass before the startled butler reappeared at the door. His eyes carried a look of confusion that instantly piqued Aaron’s attention. “A… A Miss Wallace to see you, Your Grace.” He swallowed hard and shook his head before stepping aside.

“Where is he?” The high-pitched voice of a woman called out from the shadows before the woman in question stepped into the room; her beautiful features were marred with anger as she glared.

“Miss Wallace?” Aaron held his breath and stood, puzzled by the sudden appearance of a bride. His eyes wandered over her slim figure, halting at the swelling of her breasts beneath the silver gown. She was certainly beautiful, there was no denying that her appearance stirred something within him.

Swallowing hard, the woman seemed to try and adjust her bright blue eyes to the darkness surrounding the duke. Her cat-like features spoke of elegance and grace, yet the fierceness in her eyes intrigued him more than anything else. “I apologize for the interruption, Your Grace, but since you had not bothered to respond to the invitation, I thought I might find you here.” Her eyes narrowed sharply as her chest rose and fell with every labored breath.

The strands of golden hair that hung in her face, added to her beauty as she reached back and removed the veil from her head. Allowing the sheer fabric to fall to the floor at her feet, she took up a stance of utter determination.

“Was there something that you needed me for, Miss Wallace?” Arron, crossed his arms over his chest, keeping as far back in the shadows as possible. His eyes searched the hallway behind her for any signs of his brother.

“As a matter of fact, there is. I am here to demand satisfaction. I shall not leave until justice is served.” She lifted her chin defiantly in the air, staring into the darkness as if she could see into his soul.

Chapter Two

“And what exactly do you mean by justice and satisfaction?” The duke’s voice taunted her from the shadows.

Marina’s heart raced as the deep sound of the duke’s voice washed over her body. She could only make out the outline of his features, yet the heavy notes of timber stirred something within her core.

Tilting her head to the side, she stood her ground despite the rapid beating of her heart.

Why does he not step into the light?

She looked around the room and noted the only sliver of light that broke through a crack in the heavy drapes. A light breeze moved the slim beam of light around the room, stopping short of the duke’s feet. It struck her as odd that the drapes were closed when the sun was shining, yet her focus was immediately drawn back to the figure in the shadows. Even in the darkness, Marina could tell how tall and imposing the duke was.

The dark figure that his frame cut in the light was almost too intimidating, yet she could not run now. Not when she had come this far.

“My family’s honor, Your Grace. Imagine my surprise when I was left alone at the altar this morning. Hundreds of people came to witness my wedding, yet they saw me humiliated instead.” She managed to keep the quiver of fear from her voice.

The tall figure seemed to flinch for a second but quickly replied in a cool tone. “That does sound like something my brother would do. Yet I fail to see how any of this is my concern?” The scorn and mockery that were evident in his voice grated on her nerves.

Does he care so little?

“It is your concern, Your Grace. My family has been humiliated by your brother.” She could not believe how cavalier the man was acting when the reputation of her family was on the line. The wedding may not have been his idea, but his brother’s actions certainly reflected poorly on his name as well.

“Am I my brother’s keeper? His actions are no concern of mine.” He cocked his head to the side and seemed to stare at her even through the darkness of the shadows.

A strange sensation prickled down her spine as she wondered if his eyes were devouring her body. There was something almost animalistic about the sound of his voice, which had her mind racing with unwanted thoughts.

Is he as attractive as his voice?

The prickle of fear turned to one of pleasure as she imagined all the possibilities attached to the voice.

“Do you not care what your brother does, Your Grace? I certainly would care if my sister or mother were in a similar situation. Is that not what family does?” She felt her pulse racing when she could sense the smirk on his lips. Even with the absence of his physical appearance, Marina could sense that danger oozed from his very being. She felt drawn to him in a way she could not understand. Something about the way he spoke and carried himself in the shadows drew her in like a deer to a snare.

Parts of her being urged her to run while she still had the chance, yet she could not fight the inkling of desire and curiosity that had been sparked in her chest.

“What compensation would you demand? Should I have my brother publicly flogged for his actions? What kind of woman are you, Miss Wallace? Does your humiliation demand equal amounts of scorn on my brother’s behalf?” His tone carried a hint of sarcasm and enjoyment that sent a shiver down her spine once again.

Why am I feeling like this?

Her breathing deepened as her heart began to race from all the questions running through her mind. Who was this man hiding in the shadows? Had she unknowingly walked into the den of a monster? She tried to hide the deep breath that shook her chest as she lifted her chin in the air. “There were costs involved in preparing for this day. My mother spent her very last pence on having this dress made. And now we are to be tossed out on the streets!”

A moment of silence passed between them as the duke seemed to consider her words.

“You may leave us now, Jeeves.” He waved his hand in the air, making Marina jump as she suddenly recalled the butler who had shown her in. How had she forgotten that somebody else was in the room with them?

The man bowed respectfully and left the room, shutting the door behind him with a loud creak that made her jump.

Marina’s palms began to sweat as she curled her fingers into fists at her sides. The room suddenly felt far too small for the two of them.

“Will ten pounds suffice for the cost of the dress? His voice almost startled her when he spoke again.

“That… that should suffice quite nicely, Your Grace.” Confusion filled her mind at the unexpected gesture. His sudden kindness stood in stark contrast to the rest of his behavior.

“If you look to the right, there is a desk in front of the window. You will find the money you need in the top drawer.” The shadowy figure nodded toward the opposite end of the room, watching her every move as she hesitated.

Taking a deep breath, Marina worked up the courage to cross the room and open the drawer, feeling the coolness of the wooden handle beneath her fingertips. She had to adjust her eyes to the dim lighting as she reached into the drawer. Her fingers barely brushed the edges of a pouch when the duke’s voice brought her to a halt.

“You may leave the dress in the corner of the room before you leave.” His voice was low and dangerous.

What?

Her body rose instantly as every nerve at the back of her neck began to prickle. Was he finally showing his true intentions now that they were alone? Surprise shook her body when she realized that she wasn’t entirely afraid of the dark and mysterious duke.

“I beg your pardon?” Marina whipped around, shutting the drawer behind her with a deafening thud as she leaned against the desk. The pit of her stomach knotted with fear and confusion as she waited for his response.

The mockery in his voice grew thicker as he took a step forward but remained in the shadows. “I feel it is only fair that I keep the dress if I am to purchase it. What benefit would I receive from simply paying for a dress that I do now own?”

Her pulse raced as her mouth fell open in shock, leaving her almost speechless as she sought for the words. “How dare you! I would never compromise my honor by undressing in front of a man. Even suggesting such a thing is cruel and… and vile. I see now that you are nothing more than a rake. You should be taking responsibility for your brother’s actions.” She raised her hand and covered her throat, feeling the dryness that crept in and choked her words.

“My brother’s affairs are his own, and I will remind you that it was you who came to me seeking compensation.” His mouth came into view in the sliver of light that filtered through the window, exposing his strong jaw and well-defined lips that curled into a sneer.

Her heart skipped a beat when the pit of her stomach fluttered furiously. “I… I should have known what kind of man you were when you did not even bother to attend your own brother’s wedding.” Her chest began to rise and fall with every breath as her eyes searched for a path of escape.

Tilting his head to the side when the sliver of light moved away from his face, the duke laughed. “Obviously, I did not miss much if you are now standing before me in the gown I wish to purchase.”

Sucking in a sharp breath, Marina decided to leave, lifting the hem of her dress from the carpet.

“Would you leave without gaining the satisfaction that you so passionately demanded?” His voice made her pause, mid-flight, just as she reached his side.

The tone of his voice made her slightly exasperated as she wished she could see his face. “I refuse to demean myself by accepting your offer. Your brother may have made a fool out of me, but that is where it ends. I bid you farewell, Your Grace.” Her fighting spirit returned as she lifted her head and fixed her eyes on the door. There were many things she would do to save her family’s honor, but compromising her virtue was not one of them. Even if she was intrigued by the duke and the danger that he oozed.

“If the money is not to your liking, then perhaps you would be happier as my bride?”

His words caught her off guard, making her gasp as she froze, her fingers clutching the cool copper of the handle.

***

“You must be joking…”

Aaron noted the shock in her eyes when she turned to look at him. She had not even seen his face, and she had already been repulsed by the idea. “I can assure you that I would not make such an offer out of jest. I can make you a duchess and provide an end to all of your family’s problems.”

Marina swallowed hard, her chest rising and falling with every breath. “Why would a man like you want a woman who was rejected by his brother?”

The look of exasperation in her eyes piqued his interest as he wondered why Adam had jilted her at the altar. She certainly was not lacking in beauty. “I am in need of a bride, and you are desperate to find a solution to your family’s shame. The situation seems to be mutually advantageous…” His eyes moved over her body, resting on her perfectly shaped breasts before moving to her waist which boasted an hourglass figure.

He was surprised to see a glint of something entirely unexpected in her eyes when his gaze traveled back up her body.

Desire?

He could not help but wonder what she was thinking as she looked at him, and how long it would last when she saw his scars.

“You are a duke. Surely, the women of the ton are falling at your feet. You could have your pick of brides.” The proud tilt of her chin ignited a spark of curiosity in his chest.

“The women of the ton certainly fall at my feet, but not for the reasons that you would think.” The pit of his stomach turned with anxiety when he noted the look of confusion in her eyes. Taking a step forward, he allowed the sliver of light to fall across his face, illuminating the thick map of scars that extended from the side of his nose, all the way to his right ear.

Her lips parted in a silent gasp as she sucked in a sharp breath, making him regret the decision entirely as he stepped back into the shadows.

“Forgive me, Your Grace. I did not realize…”

“You did not realize that I am a beast?” He cut her short, clenching his fists at his sides until his knuckles cracked.

Realization dawned on her face as she looked around the room. “What happened?” her voice was low and breathy, barely audible above a whisper, yet she did not seem to waver or even glance at the door.

“War happened.” He ran his tongue over his lips, trying to read her thoughts as she remained rooted to the spot. Many women had fainted at the sight of his scars, yet the pity in her eyes somehow seemed worse.

“I am sorry, Your Grace. I can only imagine how difficult things have been for you.” Her breaths continued to push her breasts up and down, yet she did not seem to fear him any more than she did from the start.

“Don’t you dare pity me.” He snapped and closed the distance between them, gripping her wrist as he pinned it to the door beside her head.

Marina’s breaths turned to panting as she searched his face, lingering on his scar before meeting his eyes. The warmth of her body seeped into his, making him shift his thigh against hers as she lifted her leg ever so slightly.

“Will you allow me to undress you and pay for the gown, or will you be accepting my proposal?” He tore his eyes away from her chest and gazed into her piercing blue eyes, searching for the disgust that should have been lingering in their depths.  

Her tongue flicked over her lips, moistening the fullness of her perfectly shaped mouth. “If I may leave, Your Grace, I will find another way to satisfy my need for justice.”

He leaned in closer for a second, wanting to sample the taste of her. “Go then.” He breathed beside her ear, letting go of her wrist as he took a step back.

Why didn’t she flinch?

His mind felt muddled with thoughts of confusion as her lack of disgust bore into his soul. She had been shocked by his scar, but not repulsed. If she had been, she had done a great job of hiding it from him.

Pushing herself up, Marina straightened her dress where the fabric had moved up an inch to reveal her stocking-covered ankle. Her eyes lingered on him for a moment. “I bid you a good day, Your Grace. I doubt that our paths shall ever cross again.” She reached behind her back and turned the handle. Her eyes never left his face for a second until she had stepped into the hall and shut the door in his face.

Aaron took a moment to compose his thoughts as he stared at the door. Who was this lady who did not seem to shy away from his scars? She had been shocked, yet not disgusted. Something within his chest stirred as the scent of her lavender perfume lingered in the air.

Chapter Three

“I want all of you out!” The sound of the baron’s voice spurred her on as Marina raced up the steps of her childhood home. The commotion from behind the doors had already begun to attract a crowd on the street outside.

“What is going on in here?” She burst through the front doors, breathing heavily. The sight that greeted her eyes was almost too much for her racing heart to bear.

Maids and footmen alike rushed up and down the stairs while her mother and sister stood sobbing in a corner. The entrance hall was packed with suitcases and trunks that barely allowed enough room for anyone to move.

Swearing under her breath, Marina searched for her uncle amidst the chaos. One of her dogs was barking incessantly adding to the already chaotic scene.

“Shut this bloody beast up before I fetch my hunting rifle! I never understood why these beasts were allowed to roam the halls as if they owned the place!” The baron shrieked angrily, alerting Marina to his presence around the corner.

Springing into action, Marina sprinted around the corner and almost collided with a maid.

The older woman shrieked and dropped the stack of linen she was carrying, steadying herself against the railing of the stairs.

Marina reached the back of the hall in time to see her uncle aiming a kick at her dog.

The spaniel jumped out of reach just in time, snapping its jaws at the baron’s ankle before continuing to bark.

Rushing to her dog’s side, Marina knelt and drew the creature into her lap, stroking its brown patchy ears as it snarled.

“I have warned you about these blasted creatures of yours before! Animals do not belong in a house. You had better shut this one up before I mount its head on the wall with the rest of my trophies. You and your mother had better be out as soon as the sun is up in the morning!” His round face turned red as he screamed.

Realizing why her mother and sister were crying, Marina came up straight with her dog in her arms, glancing at the trunks and suitcases lining the halls. The baron had threatened many times to throw them out, but he had never gone as far as having their belongings packed. The sight made her angrier than anything else that happened to her during the day.

The baron narrowed his eyes at her, thrusting his finger in her face as she jerked her head back. “This was the last straw, I warned you that I would not put up with this forever. You were not able to secure a good marriage, and now you and your family will rot in the country. I do not care if the dower house has fallen into disrepair, you will leave this house!” He snapped his hand back to his side when the spaniel’s teeth missed his finger by an inch.

“If you would just…” Marina began but found herself being cut short when he whirled on his feet and marched away from her.

Heaving a sigh, Marina soothed her dog, kissing the top of her head before handing her to one of the footmen in passing. “Please ensure that she goes for a walk. You may take her up to my chambers when you return. Are the rest of them in my chambers?” She glanced around the packed hall and failed to spot any of her cats.

“They are, Miss Wallace.” The man bowed respectfully before taking the spaniel from her arms and making his way down the hall.

Shaking her head, Marina picked her way through the trunks and cases, making her way to her mother and sister.

Johanna leaned heavily against the wall with one hand lifted to her chest. Her green eyes were dull from crying and her usually neat blonde hair, which was lightly streaked with silver, hung down her face. “This is too awful for words.” She sobbed softly, bringing her handkerchief up to her mouth and shaking her head.

Prudence’s bright green eyes flashed with anger as she glared down the hall. Her rose cheeks were streaked with tears, and whisps of her light brown hair clung to her face.

“Try and take a deep breath, Mama, fussing like this will only make you ill.” Marina placed her hand on her arm and guided her onto the bottom step.

“Will I ever know any peace in this life?” her mother buried her face in her hands and continued to sob. “First your father brings us to shame by dying in the bed of his mistress, and now this! Will we be doomed to live under the scorn of others for the rest of our lives?” Her sobs turned to wailing as she shook her head in desperation.

Feeling her body give in to the exhaustion of the day, Marina sank to her mother’s side on the step, burying her own head in her hands. She had been a fool not to accept the duke’s offer of marriage. Her mother and sister were now doomed to live in the country on nothing more than a mere stipend.

The duke’s strong body flashed in her mind. She had been attracted to him in a way that she had never experienced before. Despite the scars on his face, he was still more dashing than his brother. The duke made her flesh tingle with desire, while his brother had not so much as evoked a smile. She had allowed her stubbornness to win when she should have thought things through.

It is too late now.

She took a deep breath and straightened, looking around the crowded hall. There was no use crying over spilled milk, not when she needed to come up with a plan.

***

Marina looked around the table as she tightened her grip on the knife. She had wanted to skip dinner altogether, but her mother had insisted on taking the higher moral ground. The atmosphere in the dining room was sullen, apart from the satisfied look on the baron’s face.

“I have sent word to the dower house already; the servants will be expecting your arrival early tomorrow morning.” He sat back in his chair and looked from Marina to her mother, ignoring Prudence.

The relationship between the baron and the young girl had been strained from the start. Prudence had decided to make his life as difficult as possible by playing as many pranks as she could, while the baron had refused to acknowledge her existence. Marina thought the latter to be far more childish than her younger sister’s behavior.

“I am surprised that the dower house still employs staff. Isn’t the roof collapsing on one side of the house?” Marina spoke up before her mother could reply.

The baron narrowed his eyes at her, tossing his cloth napkin beside his plate. “The roof will be repaired, and as for the staff, your mother can see about hiring them. I have done what was required of me. You could also do the cooking and cleaning on your own if hiring is too much of a hassle for you.”

“So, we are to be treated like servants,” Marina muttered under her breath and shook her head, turning her gaze back to the bowl of soup in front of her.

“What was that?” The baron snapped, his eyes darkening.

Marina was about to open her mouth with a reply when her mother cut her short.

“Marina was just saying that we are grateful for your kindness. I am not sure what we would have done, had you not been so generous as the gift us the old dower house.” She addressed the baron while keeping her gaze on Marina, shooting her a warning look.

Allowing the knife she had used to butter her bread to fall beside her plate, Marina forced a smile. “Of course, we are. I can’t think of a better place to raise a young girl. Prudence will benefit greatly from the mold in the attic and even the mice that undoubtedly reside in the panty.”

“I have had just about enough of your impertinence!” The baron’s chair scraped across the floor as he flew to his feet. “My first offer of help was not good enough for this family! And by God, I will not stand for this kind of treatment! You ungrateful who-”

“My lord!” He fixed his beady eyes on Johanna who stared at her plate with an expressionless face.

Gripping the fabric over her knees, Marina balled her fists. She had not blamed her mother for not wanting to marry the baron, she would have refused him all the same. No woman wanted to be tied to a pompous man such as him. She realized in the loaded silence that she would have to placate the situation for the sake of her family.

“I apologize for my impertinence, my lord.” The formal address felt bitter on her tongue as she forced it out.

“That is what I thought…” The baron began to lower himself back into his chair when the butler suddenly cleared his throat at the door. “What is it?” He snapped at the man.

“His Grace, the Duke of Harper is here to see you, my lord.” The butler held his head high, making his tall frame seem even stiffer.

Marina’s head snapped up as she glanced from her mother to the butler.

“Isn’t that…” Prudence sat up straight, her voice trailing off when the duke appeared behind the butler in the doorway.

“I have come to ask for Miss Marina Wallace’s hand in marriage.” His eyes found Marina from across the room, making her heart beat faster as the pit of her stomach fluttered with nerves.

“It is Mr. Marner’s brother!” Prudence uttered in shock before her mother could place her hand on her arm and silence her.

Coming to his feet, the baron knocked over his glass of wine. “Your Grace! I was not expecting you this evening.” His round face filled with color.

“How could you when I myself did not know that I was coming?” The duke tore his eyes from Marina and stared down at the baron with a look of contempt.

“Why is his face so scarred?” Prudence whispered to their mother, as Johanna shushed her quite violently.

Marina noticed the way that the duke stiffened as he held his head even higher.

“I would like to have a word with Miss Wallace in private.” His words were polite, yet his voice left no question as to his intentions.

This is not a request.

She felt a shiver of pleasure at his commanding tone.

“I hardly think that is proper, an unmarried lady should never…” The baron’s words trailed off when the duke lifted his hand to silence him.

“There is no impropriety when the young lady in question is to be my wife.” The duke’s eyes bore into hers, causing a wave of heat to rush up the back of her neck.

The baron faltered in his words before taking a step back and standing behind his chair. “Of… of course, Your Grace.”

A small amount of satisfaction filled her chest as Marina lifted her dress and led the way out of the room, pushing past the duke and butler. She made her way across the hall that still housed their belongings and waited for the duke to enter the parlor before shutting the door behind them.

“Am I to take it that you wish to accept my proposal in private?” The duke smirked, running his tongue over his bottom lip before drawing it between his teeth.

The pit of her stomach fluttered uncontrollably as she turned her back to the door. “May I begin by asking why it is that you felt so entitled to show up at my home unannounced, Your Grace?” Her pulse began to race when the corner of his mouth tilted into a wolfish grin. The floral walls of the parlor almost felt too small as he took a step forward.

“How could I not when you left your veil behind? If you did not want me to pay you a visit, then you should not have made such a dramatic exit.” His deep brown eyes bore into hers, making her realize once again how handsome he was despite the scar on his face.

“You seem to feel quite entitled, Your Grace. Why is it that you are so insistent on marrying me? I know that you do not wish to make me your wife, not in an honest way.” Her lips parted with a ragged breath as she placed her hands behind her on the door, using the cool wood as support.

Why does he look at me like that?

Unwanted thoughts filled her mind once again as he closed the distance between them and placed his arm above her on the door. She had fought the urge to kiss him in his study, yet she could feel her resolve melting again as she pictured his lips on hers. What would it feel like if he took her in his arms and ran his strong hands over her body?

“As I mentioned before, I am in need of a wife. I need an heir, and if I overheard the conversation correctly, you are in need of a home.” The heated look in his eyes as he dipped his gaze to her chest before lifting it back to her lips made the pit of her stomach knot with delicious tension.

“I am not a brooding mare, Your Grace…” her voice was low and breathy.

Leaning closer, the duke cupped her chin in the palm of his hand and forced her to meet his gaze. “I am fine with that arrangement. If you are a brooding mare, then that means I shall be a stud.” His eyes flashed with a look that sent shivers of pleasure down her spine. “Now, will you allow me to rescue you from this situation?” He ran his thumb over her jawline, causing heat to fill her cheeks.

Her breathing deepened as the woody scent of his soap filled her lungs. “I will agree to a marriage of convenience under one condition, Your Grace.”

“And what is that?” His hot breath tickled her neck just below her ear as he leaned in to whisper.

“My family needs a home.” She shut her eyes against the sensation of his body pressing into hers.

Drawing back, the duke held her gaze. “Very well, I shall provide a house for your family, but,” she gripped her wrist in his hand when her body relaxed. “You shall provide me with an heir before you return to them.” His thumb ran over her wrist, caressing her beating pulse before letting go.

“Very well.” She swallowed hard, fighting against the urge to place her hands on his chest.

A veiled expression fell over his face as he glanced around the room, seemingly unphased by the acceptance of his proposal. “And another thing. I spotted several animals lounging on the stairs as I entered, there will be no pets in your new home.” He narrowed his eyes at her.

“Of course, Your Grace,” She regained control of her breathing and crossed her fingers behind her back.