Page 8 of The Big Bad Duke

Still?

Gideon raised his head, only to catch Norfolk staring at him. What did the man want?

Was Norfolk watching Gideon? Did he know he was on Gideon’s list?

Gideon stared back, and Norfolk quickly averted his gaze.

He had never shown direct apprehension toward him before.

Or was he watching Lady Leila?

She was young, beautiful, and different—a novelty. No wonder everyone’s eyes were drawn to her.

But there was something else in Norfolk’s eyes that Gideon couldn’t quite comprehend, and it unsettled him. If he were indeed watching the lady from Smyrna, it didn’t bode well.

Was she in danger?

Was she the danger?

She looked up at him then, her mask back in place—calm, poised, with a coquettish light lingering in her eyes. The brief vulnerability and uncertainty had vanished as if they had never existed.

She was a mystery.

A mystery he wished he could uncover. Why he was drawn to her, though, was a mystery in itself.

He felt ensnared by her gaze, as if some invisible thread connected them. The noise of the party seemed to fade away, leaving only her voice, her scent, and the way the candlelight danced across her features. He had the strangest sensation that he was under some kind of enchantment—but rather than frighten him, it filled him with a warmth he hadn’t felt in years.

“I believe we all have a duty to help those who cannot help themselves,” she said lightly. “My privilege and ability to travel help me spread the word to far corners of the world, but they also fill me with… knowledge, I suppose. I learn from different cultures, and I enjoy that immensely. Do you travel?”

Gideon’s nose twitched. “I used to. But not for the most noble of causes, unfortunately. I scoured many places as part of the military.”

“A soldier?” she asked, tilting her head. “I suppose a war can be noble if one is protecting one’s home.”

He swallowed, regretting bringing up the topic. He hadn’t told anyone about this. He was surprised at himself for allowing her to pry this much out of him without even trying.

“It wasn’t one of those,” he finally said.

He wasn’t going to explain further, and as if sensing his unease, she changed the subject.

“Well, I am certain you support a myriad of noble causes now, as a lord in Parliament.”

“I do.” He nodded, relieved to be on safer ground once more.

She glanced at his glass of wine and licked her lips. “I am quite parched. Where can I get something to drink?”

“Apologies for my poor manners.” Gideon gestured to a passing footman, took a glass from the tray, and handed it to her.

She gratefully accepted it and immediately took a sip.

Gideon found himself watching the elegant curve of her throat as she swallowed. Everything about her seemed designed to entrance him—the way she moved, spoke, and even breathed cast a spell over him.

“I have to admit I am not very knowledgeable in political matters. I mostly interact with women, and I’ve found English ladies to be very generous in spirit.” She tilted her head slightly, then added, “Do you have a wife, Your Grace?”

And just like that, the world that had practically melted and swam around Lady Leila snapped back into focus.

Whatever sorcery she had performed seemed to have lost its hold on him.

Do you have a wife?