To Trust a Duke

by Aston, Alexa

His kiss grew more passionate, his fingers skimming along her jaw and then throat. One hand curled around the back of her neck as he pulled her to her feet. His other hand pressed against the small of her back, bringing her body against his. He was like a rock—solid, firm, unyielding. He sucked on her tongue, drawing it into his mouth and tentatively, she touched hers against his. A low, satisfied growl escaped him and, for the first time, Ashlyn felt a feminine power rising within her. His fingers splayed across her back, his hand moving up and down along her spine.

  The kisses didn’t cease. They grew deeper. More insistent. She felt herself growing dizzy. The place between her legs began throbbing fiercely, calling attention to itself. Sensations she’d never experienced trickled and then raced through her limbs.

  Ashlyn didn’t know when one kiss ended and another began. She breathed in Gilford, smelling and tasting his essence. He broke the kiss and his lips went to her throat, licking where her pulse throbbed. She whimpered and he drew her closer. His teeth grazed along her throat, bringing delightful shivers, then he nipped at her throat. She gasped. Then moaned. Her body melted into his. Her arms went around his neck, pulling him as close as she could. If she could find a way to burrow inside him, she would.

  “What’s your name?” he murmured against his throat.

  She was in a fog and it took a moment to understand what he asked.

  “Ashlyn,” she managed to say as his tongue ran along her skin.

  “Ashlyn,” he echoed. “Ashlyn. It suits you.”

  His mouth found hers again and the kisses started anew. Without warning, he pulled her into his lap and they kissed until she was a mindless, quivering mess.

  Finally, he pulled away, his forehead resting against hers.

  “Ashlyn,” he said roughly, “I think it’s time you went home. Before something happens.”

  Something already had.

  She’d gone and fallen head over heels in love with the Duke of Gilford.

  Chapter Ten

  Reid had never kissed a woman for as long as he had Lady Dunwood.

  No. Ashlyn.

  He’d never known another woman by that name. He’d never known any woman like her.

  He rose from the chair and placed her on her feet. She swayed slightly and he clasped her elbows to support her.

  “Let me call for the carriage.”

  He rang for a servant and a footman appeared almost immediately, Ashlyn’s shawl in hand. She took it from him and wrapped it about her tightly, as if it were armor that would protect her from any further onslaughts.

  “Have my carriage readied.”

  “It’s already done, Your Grace. Waiting to take Lady Dunwood home. Her case has been packed and taken downstairs.”

  “Very good.”

  The footman disappeared and Reid took her arm. He escorted her outside and opened the coach’s door, helping her inside—then climbed in after her and swung the door closed.

  “What . . . are you doing?”

  “Taking you home.”

  Not wanting to leave you.

  “That isn’t necessary, Your Grace.”

  “I brought you here and I’ll see you safely home,” he said firmly, brokering no more protests.

  “Actually, your driver got me here and is perfectly capable of seeing that I arrive at Dunwood Academy without any problem.”

  The vehicle started up.

  “Too late,” he quipped.

  They rode to the end of the lane and he said, “Might I hold your hand? I promise I won’t kiss you again this evening.”

  She pondered it a moment and then said, “All right,” pulling her arm from beneath the shawl.

  Reid tugged on her glove and placed it across his thigh.

  “What are you doing now?” she demanded.

  “I asked to hold your hand. Not your gloved hand.”

  Ashlyn pursed her lips. “You sound like one of my boys, quibbling over semantics.”

  He laced his fingers through hers. “Do you practice that?”

  Her brow furrowed. “Practice what?”

  “That terrifying headmistress look. I’m a grown man and you practically have me quaking in my boots.”

  He watched her suppress a smile. Where others would have laughed, she triumphed and kept a straight face. It was another thing he liked about her. Her determination.

  And her mouth.

  From the start of their kisses, her inexperience was obvious. She must have had one of those priggish husbands who determined a quick peck on the lips sufficed as a kiss before he went about his business. Ashlyn had been a fast learner, though. After her initial surprise, she’d more than matched him. Better than any other woman he’d kissed before. Satisfaction filled him. She would make for a great duchess and companion for him. It might not be the love match that his friends had found but Ashlyn would never be boring—in or out of bed. Since she didn’t seem schooled in the art of love, he looked forward to teaching her all the ways he could please her and she could please him.

  “I doubt anything terrifies you, Your Grace. You’ve been a soldier your entire adult life. You’ve seen things no one should see. I’m a simple woman who merely tries to keep a dozen young boys in line on a daily basis.”

  His thumb stroked her hand and he heard her breath hitch. “You are far from simple, Ashlyn.”

  “I’d prefer you call me Lady Dunwood,” she said primly.

  “And I’d prefer not to,” he retorted. “I’m a duke. I do what I wish. What I’d like is for you to call me Reid.”

  They fell silent and he plotted a way to see her again. Though they were close neighbors, she remained tied to her school all hours of the day so there were no occasions to run into her at social gatherings. Then he hit upon a brilliant scheme, one that she couldn’t refuse to participate in.

  “I hope you’ll attend my ball Saturday next,” he began.

  Her head whipped around. “What ball? I know of no ball.”

  “The invitations will be delivered tomorrow.”

  Her eyebrows arched. “Tomorrow is Sunday.”

  “Monday, then.”

  At least his secretary would have all tomorrow to prepare the invitations.

  When she didn’t speak, he said, “I’ve been away from home too long. While I’ve seen some of my neighbors since my return, I thought a ball to acquaint myself with all of my neighbors would be appropriate.”

  “Since we are already acquainted, Your Grace, I see no need to attend your ball. I’ve already spent most of this Saturday away from Dunwood Academy. I don’t feel it necessary to come but I appreciate the invitation, all the same.”

  “This is very special ball, Ashlyn,” Reid continued. “A country ball.”

  A crease formed on her lovely brow. “How is that different?” she asked guardedly.

  “Have you never been to a country ball?”

  “No.”

  “Well, not only will I invite all of my neighbors, but my tenants will also be welcome. I know many of them from growing up at Gillingham but some are new to me. My father used to hold a harvest ball each autumn once the crops had been gathered. That ball was strictly for our workers. I see this as a mixing of all classes.”

  “That’s very kind of you to think of your tenants. I’m sure they’ll enjoy coming to Gillingham and dancing the night away. I still don’t see the need for my attendance.”

  Reid tried to keep a grin off his face as he’d already baited his hook. Now, it was time to reel her in.

  “Oh, the ball invitation isn’t merely for you. It includes your pupils.”

  Her eyes widened. “My pupils? I don’t understand.”

  “Well, you have shared with me that part of your curriculum includes teaching your students the social graces. What better way for them to practice their dancing and conversational skills than in a social setting such as a ball? Especially one that is a bit more relaxed than a formal affair.”

  He let her mull over his words and saw that she tr
ied to come up with an argument against coming.

  And couldn’t.

  “Very well, Your Grace. I will be happy to accept your invitation on behalf of my students. Your country ball would be good practice for them.” She paused a moment. “What is the dress for this type of event?”

  Reid thought a moment. Since she rarely went out, seemingly only to dinner every now and then, she might not have a ball gown to wear. If he tried to provide one for her, she would refuse.

  “It’s very relaxed, Ashlyn,” he said, loving her name on his tongue. “Your boys can wear their school uniforms. After all, my tenants, though dressed in their best church clothes, don’t possess the finery of the upper classes.” He let that soak in and then added, “As for you? This lovely gown you wore tonight would be more than appropriate.”

  He sensed her relax somewhat and congratulated himself on jumping every hurdle she’d placed in his way.

  “Are my tutors also invited? I would hate for them to be left out of the excitement.”

  “Do you always think of everyone else before yourself?”

  She sniffed. “That’s what women do, Your Grace.”

  “Reid,” he prompted.

  Ignoring him, she added, “They will be pleased to be included.”

  The carriage slowed and, with great reluctance, he released her hand. He took her glove and she held out her arm. Reid slipped it onto her hand and pulled it up her arm, his fingers grazing the soft flesh. The moment the vehicle stopped, he threw open the door and jumped down. He retrieved her case and placed it on the ground—and then reached for her. He might not be holding her hand any longer but he still itched to touch her.

  Ashlyn came forward and his hands spanned her waist, bringing her to the ground. They lingered a moment and then he released her and placed her hand through the crook of his arm. A footman had already carried the small valise to the front door and retreated as they came toward the house.

  Reid stopped as they reached the door and said, “Thank you for coming today and meeting my friends.”

  “They are quite lovely. You’re fortunate to have their friendship.”

  “They’re your friends now, Ashlyn.”

  That seemed to take her aback. “I suppose so.”

  “Prepare your students well for the ball,” he said.

  She gave him a haughty look. “They will be the best behaved there,” she guaranteed.

  He laughed. “I’m sure they will be. Hopefully, they’ll have fun.”

  Taking her gloved hand, Reid lifted but didn’t touch his lips to it. Instead, he bowed over it.

  “I keep my promises, Ashlyn,” he said softly.

  With that, he released her hand and winked. He enjoyed watching her jaw drop at the cheeky gesture and turned away quickly to hide his grin. He climbed back inside the carriage and it rolled away.

  Now all he had to do was have his staff issue invitations and organize a ball in less than a week.

  Reid couldn’t wait to dance the first tune with his future wife in his arms.

  *

  Ashlyn entered the house, swirling with emotions, thankful all was quiet. She crept up the stairs, hoping she’d see no one because she felt on fire. She wouldn’t be able to hide her upset.

  She reached her bedchamber and closed the door, leaning against it for support.

  What had happened tonight?

  When she’d left Dunwood Academy hours ago, she’d known exactly who she was and what her life’s purpose was. She was Lady Dunwood, headmistress of a small, thriving school for boys, happy to be living a good life filled with purpose. And now? She’d been reduced to a bundle of emotions, her body trembling with need for a man she barely knew.

  Gilford’s kiss had overwhelmed her at first, making Ashlyn realize Daniel had known only the bare rudiments of kissing. The duke had done things with his lips and tongue that brought out some deep, dark need within her. She’d lost all sense of time and place in his arms. Lost the sense of who she was. It was as if she’d shed her skin and a new Ashlyn had been reborn.

  If that was what Gilford’s kiss did, what more would happen to her if they went beyond a kiss?

  She shuddered and went to undress, removing tonight’s trappings and putting on her most comfortable night rail and warm dressing gown over it. Curling up in a chair, her feet tucked under her, Ashlyn contemplated how tonight had changed her.

  And what she would do about it.

  In truth, there was nothing she could do. The duke had already told her he had a bride in mind. She warred with herself, angry that he’d kissed her when he was planning to wed another woman. That she’d let him—and thoroughly enjoyed it. Ashlyn couldn’t believe she was drawn to a man who would betray his future wife in such a manner. Moreover, she couldn’t believe with a single kiss she’d become a woman who would participate in something so sordid. Yet her body called out for more from Gilford. She wanted his hands touching her in every intimate place. She wanted to explore his body, as well, in a brazen way she’d never thought of before.

  It shocked her that she would even consider beginning an affair with him. That’s what it would be between them, if she allowed it. Of course, society turned a blind eye to widows who chose to have an affair. They were deemed experienced. No one would say a thing. At least to her face. Behind her back, though, gossip would run rampant. She couldn’t afford her reputation besmirched by a fraction. It was her livelihood and what brought new boys to her school. If she didn’t have her academy, she would have nothing. Be nothing. Yet she feared she already was nothing without the Duke of Gilford. The thought of his kisses heated her blood. She knew he, too, had been moved by what had passed between them and meant to pursue her.

  Ashlyn considered coupling with him one time. Just to see what it would be like. What she had missed out on by marrying another virgin. Gilford was obviously very experienced in the art of lovemaking. To be in his bed, even once, would be a thrilling experience.

  She had to consider the consequences, though. She’d become with child after a single time with Daniel. The same could happen with the duke. Somehow, though, she determined he had the knowledge to prevent that from occurring. If he did, when could they come together? Certainly not at the ball he planned. She believed he’d made up the entire affair on the spot, slowly drawing her in by including her boys. She’d fallen for it, of course.

  Just as she’d fallen for him.

  Maybe she wasn’t in love with the duke. Perhaps it was only lust. Ashlyn giggled at the thought. To think of her and lust going hand-in-hand was preposterous. She was a respectable war widow. Tonight, though, she’d learned underneath that thin veneer of respectability was a woman who felt deeply. Who desired something—someone—out of her reach. Who wanted one night in the bed of the most handsome, desirable man she would ever meet.

  Ashlyn came to a decision. If Gilford asked, she would come to his bed for one night only. One night to fulfill her curiosity and reveal her utmost desires and satisfy these strange yearnings within her. A single coupling that would be what she lived on for the rest of her days.

  If he asked. She wouldn’t pursue him. It must be of his accord.

  She climbed into bed and pulled the covers about her.

  And prayed he might want her as much as she did him.

  Chapter Eleven

  Reid went down for a last breakfast with his friends, hoping to convince them to stay on another week. Gray and Charlotte were already seated, while Burke filled plates at the buffet for both him and Gemma.

  “Good morning, Reid,” they all called as he picked up a plate and loaded it with eggs and ham and four pieces of toast before taking a seat across from Gemma.

  “You seem hungry today,” she remarked. “Were you up late last night?”

  “Lady Dunwood stayed on for a bit after the rest of you went to bed and then I saw her back to Dunwood Academy,” he replied, images of Ashlyn burning into his mind. “What did you think of her?”

 
“I like her a great deal. My invitation for her to come and stay with Burke and me was heartfelt,” Gemma said. “I fear she won’t take me up on it, though.”

  “Why not?” Charlotte asked. “I found her delightful company and would have thought to ask her to come see us at Gray Manor if I hadn’t been so distracted by this one.” She playfully nudged Gray in the ribs with an elbow.

  Her husband shrugged. “Can I help it if you’re so easily distracted by me?” As he buttered a piece of toast, Gray added, “We all liked her, Reid. Very much.”

  “Very much,” Burke echoed. “Now that we’ve met her, you have our approval. Not that you needed it because by the looks you cast her way, you’ve already decided the matter.” Burke paused. “My only question is if the lady in question knows your plans for her.”

  Reid laughed. “I gave her an indication last night.”

  Charlotte’s eyes lit up. “You spoke to her?”

  “Not exactly,” he admitted and then grinned. “Unless if lips do the talking, that is. We did plenty of that.”

  Gemma gave him a wise look. “Kissing is a language all unto itself. I assume it was pleasant?”

  Reid laughed. “Would you have wed Burke if his kisses had merely been pleasant?”

  Gemma blushed. “No. I needed them to be all-consuming.” She glanced to her earl. “And they continue to be.”

  “Let’s just say I believe Lady Dunwood and I will suit quite nicely when the time comes.”

  “So you kissed her,” Gray pressed. “Was that it?”

  Reid eyed his friend. “It was more than enough. It was as if the earth moved and the skies thundered and shattered around us.”

  “Are you in love with her?” Burke asked quietly.

  He considered the question. “No. I’m not. Not in the sense of the way you feel about Gemma or Gray feels about Charlotte. However, the physical attraction is there. Ashlyn is intelligent and confident. She will make for a wonderful duchess. I feel we’ll have mutual respect between us and that we’ll share a sense of family. That’s good enough for me.”

  He watched as both couples exchanged marital glances and then focused on him.