Page 48 of A Temporary Bride for the Duke

Run!

She was not motivated by taking a closer look at the ducks or picking the flowers as Lord Harry had been. Something visceral inside Daisy had her running towards the trees in full-blown panic. For some reason, she felt as if an evil thing were after her, and if she let him catch her, she would end up cold and buried, alone and abandoned.

She burrowed behind a tree, breath coming fast, causing small clouds to form against her lips before disappearing in the chilly morning air.

Even as the cold took over her body, sweat beaded her brow. She heard someone calling her name and scrunched lower, trying to hide.

Suddenly, a warm hand touched her arm, and she jerked in fear. She looked up and met the Duke’s honey-warm eyes, staring at her with concern.

“Lady Daisy? What is the matter?” he asked.

Daisy looked around, realizing that she had walked into a copse of trees and was hunkered down behind a large oak. Her face heated with embarrassment as she got back to her feet.

“I-I-I’m fine.”

He shook his head. “You’re not.”

She whipped her head quickly, searching for Lord Dulforth. When she was convinced that he was no longer in sight, Daisy conceded, “All right, maybe I’m not perfectly well at present, but I can manage this myself, thank you.”

The Duke tilted his head, staring at her with a softness in his eyes that was quite disconcerting. “There’s no need to manage the danger on your own, Lady Daisy. I am here.”

She released a faint sigh. “You know just how to say all the right things, Your Grace, but in this case, you are wrong. Idoneed to deal with this on my own. It ismyproblem.”

She tried to move, to go around him, but he put his arms out, trapping her against the tree.

“Daisy,” he murmured. “Do not run from me. Let me help you.” His voice was gentle and coaxing.

Daisy felt all her resolve melting rapidly, and yet, she fought to maintain control over the situation.

“Youhavehelped me. I was a little upset, I admit it. But you pulled me out of it.”

“Butwhywere you upset? What happened, Daisy?” He bent his head, trying to meet her gaze, but she avoided him, her cheeks heating.

I cannot let him see. If he stares into my eyes, I shall tell him everything…I know it.

“I…” she mumbled.

He cupped her chin with the same kind of gentleness that had been in his eyes. She felt her whole body break, all the tension leaving as she surrendered.

She stared helplessly up at him, unable to find words to explain anything. She could not tell him about Dulforth’s advances, not without sharing all the details of her father’s disgrace.

“Daisy,” the Duke said softly.

She nodded slowly. “Y-yes?” she whispered.

He stared intently into her eyes, his face getting closer by the moment. She lifted her chin, heat rising within her as he got nearer. A warmth spread from her swooping belly to every extremity. She licked her suddenly dry lips, and his gaze dropped to her mouth.

He let out a groan and closed the distance between them.

Before she could blink, his lips were pressing against hers, his tongue running along her bottom lip, tasting her.

Daisy moaned, going up on her toes so she could press her lips more firmly against his. His arms closed around her waist, pulling her flush against him. Her hands clung to his arms as she parted her lips and let him into her mouth. Their tongues met and then tangled together as they moaned together.

Instinctively, she slanted her head to the right and he to the left. They fitted together like pieces of a jigsaw. Effortless and easy, the kiss felt, as his mouth explored hers, and her knees went weak in reaction.

His hands moved up and down her back, tracing her spine and squeezing her waist as the kiss got more enthusiastic. She leaned into him, her whole being taken up with his taste, his scent, and enveloping herself in his essence.

Suddenly, the Duke pulled away from her, panting hard, his eyes dark with desire. Daisy stared at him. Her body swayed towards him. With her mouth still half open, she hoped he would resume his kisses.