Free Duke of Scandal by Adele Ashworth

despicably by a gentleman. Still, she refused to move away from him, to succumb to his overbearing nature by cowering, or to react as he likely expected and slap his enigmatic, handsome face. No, she was better than he assumed her to be, and she intended to prove it to him. He expected her to be frivolous and narcissistic, as he seemed to think all Frenchwomen were, but instead she would show him restraint with balance.
    Eyes flashing defiance as they penetrated his, she placed her sherry on the tabletop beside her and tightly laced her fingers together in front of her. “Thank you for your gracious compliments, sir,” she said with feigned sweetness. “I’m so glad you appreciate my efforts to look my best when in the company of others.”
    His cheek twitched once, but he offered nothing in reply.
    Thoroughly smug, she smiled to add, “But as you know, products can be bought and sold, I cannot. Remember that.”
    Seconds ticked by in brutal slowness as he stared down at her boldly, and for the briefest of moments she feared he might dismiss her—or grab her and shake her senseless.
    â€œDid you love my brother?”
    That quietly asked question certainly came out of nowhere, and frankly startled her. Eyes widening, she pulled back from him a little, still unnerved by his proximity and enraged by his audacity, and finding it extremely difficult to understand his sudden change in subject. “I beg your pardon?”
    His lip twitched with a very tiny, knowing grin. “I asked you if you loved my brother. We’ve had three conversations about him now, about the fact that he married you and stole your fortune, about your desire to find him at any cost, but not once have you mentioned a love for him.” He shrugged one shoulder. “I’m intensely curious.”
    Olivia could feel her face turning scarlet under his scrutiny, probably the same shade as her gown. After a solid inhale, she maintained, “Of course I did.”
    For seconds the Duke of Durham simply stared into her eyes, his features hard, his expression unreadable as he apparently gauged her rather staid response, perhaps even hoping for more, which she wasn’t about to offer. Particulars were none of his business.
    And then, beyond her wildest imaginings, he did the unthinkable. He grasped her chin with one strong hand, and as he lifted it, he brought his lips down to hers—not in a crush of passion, but in a simple connection, a subtle touch of tenderness that defied the moment of exasperation between them.
    It took Olivia what felt like days for her to come to the realization that he was actually kissing her. Momentarily stunned, she tried to shake her head free of his, groaning in protest as she drew her hands up and pressed them forcefully against his silk dinner jacket, attempting to shove him away. He reacted by placing one of his large palms on the back of her head and holding her steadily against him as he strengthened the bond of his mouth on hers, lightly caressing her lips until she had no choice but to succumb.
    She did, with a fading measure of reluctance and a whirlwind of emotions suddenly swimming through her, making her legs weak and her body come alive beneath her corset. He radiated warmth, smelled divine, and tasted…heavenly. Pure magic. And then, just as she felt ready to melt into his arms and open completely to his urging, he gently released her, slowly pushing her face away from his, though managing to graze the pad of a finger or two across her lips as he did so.
    Olivia gasped for breath and, after a moment, openedher eyes, staring at the fine threading of his waistcoat as she remained careful not to look up at him.
    Oh, God, he had kissed her. On purpose. And he…he was a marvelous kisser.
    Immediately, guilt and regret flooded her senses and she took a step away from his powerful physique. “Are you insane?” she whispered.
    He inhaled deeply.