Free The Duke's Love by Stephanie Maddux Page A

to me?” Ana pleaded, not caring how she sounded .
    “Well, I’m glad I don’t have to wonder at your motives Ana , ” a man’s voice said . Ana was startled to see Jake walking toward them with Jordan following on his heels.
    “This is a misunderstanding and a huge mistake. I will leave in the morning , ” Ana said angrily.
    “Ana , love, what a temper you have. I don’t believe I have kicked you out of my home just yet , ” Jake drawled.
    “I don’t care whether you have or not. I’m still leaving , ” Ana retorted.
    “You will stay. My mother took the time to invite you, although god knows why , and you will be kind enough to not let you snobbish ways get the best of you in her presence , ” Jake growled.
    “How dare you speak to me like that? Who the hell do you think you are?” She snapped .
    “Please stop fighting. It’s cold, I’m hungry and tired, so could we take this inside please?” Eliza interrupted the intense argument. Everyone stopped and stared at each other. The tension was mounting around them. Lady Katherine was the first to start walking inside. Ana glared at Jake and fell in step behind Eliza, and followed everyone into the house. Jordan led them inside the first room off the foyer, which was the drawing room.
    “Hello Ana, it has been such a long time , ” Jordan said as he kissed her cheek in a belated greeting. 
    “It is a gorgeous home, your Grace , ” Ana directed the comment toward Lady Katherine, trying in vain to ease the tension.
    “It should be. Nothing has changed since the last time you were in my home , ” Jake interrupted offhandedly.
    “I’ll have some refreshments brought into the library. There is a nice fire blazing in there. I’ll meet all of you there in a few moments , ” Lady Katherine escaped before anyone could say anything.
    Everyone moved slowly to the library. The silence and tension radiated in the room. Jake kept watching Ana intensely, probably wishing she would turn tail and run. She fidgeted under his stares.
    “Well, this is certainly a surprise , ” Eliza said with false cheer.
    "It's a nice surprise for me at least , ” Jordan answered , happily enjoying the situation . Anyone could see the fury Jake was keeping in check.
    Lady Katherine stepped back into the room with a false sunny smile followed by a servant bearing a tray of sliced cheese and crackers.
    “I’ve had a long trip , so I think I will retire to my room, if I may?” Ana asked politely, ignoring her rumbling stomach at the sight of food. She just needed to get out of the room, needed time to recollect herself.
    “I would just love to take you up , common c o urt e sy , after all , ” Jake sneered. “Mother, in which room is our guest of honor staying?” He asked, never taking his eyes off her.
    “She…uh...  You know , Jake. I think I will take her up , ” Lady Katherine stammered , already walking towards the door.
    “Wh ich room , M other?” Jake demanded , not letting anyone else do the honors.
    “She has the room across the hall from yours, I believe , ” Katherine said , refusing to meet Jake in the eyes.
    “Did I hear you correctly ? Did you just say she is across the hall from me? My room, the one in the family wing of the house?” Jake asked through gritted teeth. No one moved or said anything, aware of Jake’s jerky movements. “Get up , ” Jake snapped at Ana.
    She realized she stayed still a moment too long when Jake came over, gr abbed her by the arm, and pulled her forward. Ana allowed Jake to lead her upstairs. All the way there, she kept asking herself, why would his mother do this to them?
     
    Being bystanders in the room, they watched the drama unfold before them, not wanting to intervene. Eliza started to speak up, but Jordan stopped her before she could say anything. She gave him a questioning look.
    “We can’t just let them go off alone , ” s he said after the two left.
    “He’s not going to hurt her , ” Jordan assured her