My Fair Duchess (A Once Upon A Rogue Novel Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

fastening the hooks of her peach silk gown. When he was done, he turned her toward him, feeling compelled to say something. “Thank you for these months together. I have enjoyed our time.”
    Diana’s shoulders sagged. “I will be subjected to no amount of catty comments from your other past lovers if I fail to arrive on your arm at the Stanhope’s ball. Have I not suffered enough with the rumors swirling around me regarding my husband’s preference for his assistant Mr. Dunn’s company over mine?”
    The tears filling her eyes and the throbbing notes of desperation in her voice made him pause. Something stirred deep within. He knew better than to trust a woman, yet she seemed so vulnerable and in need.
    “Aversley, please.”
    Her quivering voice pierced him. His own voice used to tremble like that when he was much younger and would beg his mother to stop her affairs. She never acknowledged his pleas but simply looked through him as if he was not there. He opened his mouth to agree to Diana’s request, but she stomped her foot and thrust her hands on her hips.
    “I can see disagreement written all over your face,” she snapped. “I don’t like to make threats, and I have tried to be nice but you are forcing my hand. You will take me to the Stanhope’s ball tonight and dote on me. That way other eligible lords will line up to court me. If you do not agree to my terms, I’m afraid I will have to whisper in several gossipmonger’s ears that your mother is up to her old scandalous behavior and has recently taken a commoner as her lover. You would not want that, would you?”
    Every muscle in his body tensed. “Who?” he asked, struggling to keep the shock out of his voice. As far as he knew, his mother had not been with another man since his father had died. Ironic, considering how she had tortured him with her infidelities during his life.
    “Your father’s old solicitor and now hers. What a scandal that shall create!”
    In a barely controlled voice Colin said, “Careful, Diana. You are angering the hound.”
    Diana cocked her head. “The what?” She waved a hand at him. “Never mind. What time will you collect me for the ball?”
    Anger pounded at Colin as he reached down and grabbed his trousers and shirt. After quickly tugging them on, he walked past Diana and opened his bedroom door. At the threshold, he motioned her to come closer. Damn his mother. After the years of pain she had caused Father, she deserved to feel the heat of the ton’s scorn for taking a lover they would consider beneath her, but he could not quite make himself be that cold. God alone only knew why. She had always been heartless to him. Even still, he would not bend to any demands either.
    Diana sashayed across the floor and sidled up to him then curled her hand around his arm. “I’m glad you understand.”
    Colin grasped her gently by the chin, though he wanted to shake her senseless. He drew her face close to his. “I do understand you,” he murmured. “You are as calculating as I thought you were. I wish I could say I’m surprised.”
    Her face, turned up to him, tightened into a scowl. “I’m only taking care of my needs.”
    “Yes, I see that.” He released her chin and glanced down, narrowing his eyes. He may not like his mother, but he damned sure would prevent this woman from hurting her. “Have you ever seen what happens to a dog protecting one of its own from attack?”
    Her eyes widened slightly, and she shook her head.
    “The dog becomes vicious. Ferocious and unstoppable.” He purposely raked his gaze slowly over her. “It’s a bloodbath really for the foolish creature who attempts to harm one of the dog’s pack.”
    “I don’t think―” she burst out before he pressed a finger to her lips.
    He nodded. “I agree. You do not think. Neither clearly nor thoroughly before you spout threats. I do, though. If I hear one whisper about my mother, I’ll destroy you. Make no mistake about it. I won’t