Burke - Never Have I Ever With a Duke

Graham Kinsley is shocked when he inherits a debt-ridden dukedom, and now he has just one month to repay a loan. He needs an heiressor find a way to recoup the former dukes losses. When he meets the alluring Arabella, hes entranced. Unfortunately, shes as bankrupt as he is, but if they work together they may be able to recover their fortunes. Though if they keep stealing kisses, they may lose their hearts instead.

Arabella Stoke cant afford an attraction to the penniless duke who has vowed to help rescue her family from financial devastation. She needs to find a wealthy husband before her father succumbs to the stress of losing everything. However, as Graham brings them closer to finding the swindler who stole their money, the war between what they want and what they need may ruin them both.

N ot so fast, Biscuit! Arabella Stoke kept a firm hand on the small ball of fluff that was her mothers dog as she navigated into the park. It was early and she was well covered, from the oversized cap on her head to the crisp apron adorning her front to the serviceable boots that were a size too large. She had no fear that anyone would recognize her. They hadnt so far, and shed been walking Biscuit at least a few times a week since January.

Since her father had become almost entirely bedridden.

Taking a deep breath, Arabella looked up at the blue sky. It was chilly, but clear and beautiful. In the park, snowdrops and daffodils sprouted from the drab earth as spring wrestled the ground from the clutches of winter.

Biscuit pulled at the leash again, her nose sniffing endlessly in search of something. Arabella couldnt fault her excitement. The dog was just so happy to be outside. She didnt get as many walks as she used to, not since Papa had become ill, or, more accurately, since their number of servants had shrunk to a bare minimum.

With just five retainers, including their young groom who was also employed at a smithy on Oxford Street, there was more than enough work to be done. Walking the dog had become less of a priority, and the more time Mama spent at Papas bedside, the less Biscuit was able to stretch her legs. Not that her legs needed extensive stretching, for they were rather stubby.

Mama worried that Biscuit wasnt getting enough exercise, and she insisted someone walk her every morning. Since the servants didnt always have time, Arabella dressed herself as one of them and, unbeknownst to her mother, took Biscuit out.

Walking alone to the park had felt scandalous but exhilarating too. Now, Arabella looked forward to the outing, and Millie, the scullery maid, who was usually tasked with the job, appreciated not having to add to her work.

A small animal, perhaps a rabbit or a squirrel, dashed by in a blur. Biscuit began barking and took off so fast that Arabella wasnt able to keep hold of the leash. The dog bounded away after whatever had run past.

Biscuit! Arabella chased after the terrier, but soon lost sight of her as she scurried through a thick group of bushes. Muttering a very unladylike curse, Arabella called for the dog again. The barking stopped, and a bead of apprehension worked its way up Arabellas spine. A cold sweat broke over her neck. If anything happened to that dogafter everything else theyd enduredArabella feared it would crush what remained of her mothers spirit.

Hastening her stride, Arabella moved along the path, stopping to search in shrubs and behind trees. Her worry progressed straight to terror as she feared the worst, and she soon found herself off the footpath and in a wooded area shed never been to before.

She stopped and stood still, listening, her heart pounding a frantic rhythm. A whooshing sound from the other side of a stand of trees drove her around them. She barreled into a small clearing and nearly fell over as something dislodged her cap from her head.

A small squeak leapt from her throat as she managed to focus on a large figure. She blinked. A man. In shirtsleeves. Clutching a sword.

Bloody hell! He rushed forward, his features creased with horror and concern. Are you all right?

Arabella reached up and patted her bare head, then looked down to where the borrowed cap lay on the ground beside her. I think so. Her voice sounded small and quiet and not entirely her own.

Where on earth did you come from? He bent and picked up her cap.

Closing her eyes for a moment to restore her equilibrium, she opened them again to see he was in much better focus. He was tall and lithe, with ink-dark hair and eyes. Though his face was drawn, he was objectively attractive, with angled cheekbones and a firm jaw. Objectively attractive? Yes, anyone would find him handsome until they looked at his lips. Those they might describe as sinfully gorgeous. The lower one was the thicker of the two, but the upper had a curious dip at the top, giving it the overall shape of a heart. A seductive, kissable heart.