Sabrina Jeffries - Only a Duke Will Do (The School for Heiresses, Book 2)

But apparently the memories that loom largest in my mind differ from the ones looming largest in yours.

The sudden feral hunger in his eyes called to the dark wildness that Louisa had suppressed inside her these many long years. What do you mean? she asked, her breath hitching in her throat.

I remember long waltzes and longer conversations. I remember a time when you did trust me.

Before I discovered how false your attentions were, you mean.

They were not all false, he said softly. And you know it.

As he bent his head, a frisson of anticipation swept her. What do you think youre doing? she asked, though she very much feared she knew.

Finding out if you taste as good as I remember. Then he covered her mouth with his. Acclaim for Sabrina Jeffries!

Sabrina Jeffriess wit, passion, and ardent characters will enthrall you.

Christina Dodd

Anyone who loves romance must read Sabrina Jeffries!

Lisa Kleypas

And praise for her previous works of romantic fiction

The Royal Brotherhood Series

Jeffries not only beguiles readers with scenes of passion and vivid characters but steadily builds the story

s tension to an exciting conclusion. The details of gambling, mistresses, and scandalous conduct further enrich the tapestry against which this emotionally satisfying story plays out. Jeffriess readers will be royally pleased.

Publishers Weekly

Really? she said coldly. Do tell.

I didnt mean to say what I did, I swear. His hands clenching the reins, he stared at the macadam road. That night when you told me I mustnt see you again until you came of age, I saw my plans crumbling. The words just came out

He halted, realizing how feeble it sounded. Yet it was true. Desperate to keep from losing the kings influence, he had spoken the fateful words that had changed his life forever: Run away with me. I love you. Marry me.

A second later, he had regretted them. Even in the throes of his youthful ambition, hed realized hed gone too far. But he still had not taken them back.

And when her face had lit up and she had said yes, kissing her had seemed perfectly natural. Especially when he had dreamed of it for weeks, had thought of it in the night, had burned to touch her

The point is, sir, Louisa said, I dont care anymore if youve changed. I dont intend to marry anyone ever. Neither you nor any other man.

He refused to believe her. His sister had professed the same desire until she had succumbed to Drakers advances. So if Louisa meant to drive him off, she would have to do better. Say what you will, you are not the sort of woman to

Dedicate her life to a cause?

Give up men. You are too passionate to endure life as a spinster.

Just because I melted into a puddle when you kissed me seven years ago

And four nights ago, he growled.

I told you, that was an experiment. It didnt mean anything.

He eyed her askance. And that is why you avoid me. His sarcasm thickened. That is why today you were headed off to hide

I wasnt! With a furtive glance behind her, she lowered her voice. My cause is just more important than you or me or what once happened between us.

But a pretty blush stained her cheeks and her hands trembled, which sent a surge of triumph through him.

Prove it.

I beg your pardon?

Prove that your cause is more bloody important than anything else. Let me advise your committee. You know very well I can be invaluable to you. And dont give me that rot about not trusting me. If I wanted to ferret out your secrets, I would. But give me a chance, and I can be very useful in helping you navigate political waters. I want to be useful to you.

At least until he married her. He had nothing against her admirable group, but they were headed for trouble if they kept listening to her. Reform groups that got on the wrong side of public opinion only succeeded in setting back their cause.

Since she was the one pushing them into politics, they would be better off without her. Then they could return to aiding convict women until their reforms could be legislated at a reasonable pace by reasonable men like himself.

And if taking Louisa out of the group damaged their charitable aims, too? Newgate alone contains two hundred eighty-seven women and one hundred thirteen children, locked up with murderers and highwaymen. Children, for Gods sake, under the age of six. It didnt matter, he told himself, ignoring the squirming of his conscience. Sometimes even admirable causes must be sacrificed to achieve the greater good. He meant to uphold his devils bargain with the king no matter what that entailed. The sooner he stopped her political meddling, the better for everyone. He flicked the reins. If your cause really is more important than you or me, then why not let me advise you? Shooting her a covert glance, he added, Of course, if you cannot bear to be around me because our past is too painful or I tempt you to abandon your high-minded ideas about marriage

Dont flatter yourself, she bit out.

Then make use of me. Seven years ago, I used you for my own purposes. Now its your chance to use my reckless attraction to you for your political cause.

He felt her eyes assessing him. How can I be sure this isnt another of your schemes?

You can let me prove my sincerity. If you believe that anyone can reform, cant you give me the same consideration as your convict women? What will it cost you to make use of my political connections and knowledge?

It could cost us everything if you use what you learn against us.

Not knowing what youre doing could cost you everything, anyway. That was exactly why he meant to marry her and coax her out of politics. Besides, Ill be risking my own career by publicly supporting a group that has MPs grumbling.

So why do it? she snapped.

Because I want you, he said in a low voice. As my wife. And if advising your group is the only way to win you, then that is what I will do.

That brought her up short. She looked as if she might give him an answer, then blinked and pointed to a wide, elm-lined avenue cutting off from the main road immediately ahead. Thats the turn to Lady Trusbuts house.

Damn, so it was. He took the turn quickly, throwing her against him. When she clutched at his leg for balance, his very muscles leapt at the touch. She started to draw her hand back, but he caught it and flattened it against his thigh. His gaze met hers, and for the merest second he saw his own arousal mirrored in her eyes.

That glimpse emboldened him. As they approached the house, he entwined his fingers with hers. Will you let me advise you? Or will you condemn me to worshiping you from afar, pining after you alone in my bed, besotted and

What a lot of poppycock. But a reluctant smile played about her lips, and she did not try to free her hand. I give you a week at most before you tire of courting me and turn your attention to a more suitable female.

I didnt tire of courting you last time, did I? He shot her a mischievous glance. I only stopped because you demanded that I be packed off to India.

You didnt have to go. Stiffening, she slid her hand free of his. You could have defied the king, given up the chance to become prime minister, and married me instead. But you didnt.

Cursing himself for having brought up their unsettling past yet again, he halted the phaeton in front of the Trusbuts impressive Palladian manor, then angled himself to face her. Youre right. I chose exile over marriage. Because like you, I once believed there were ambitions more important than you or I.

She arched an eyebrow. Surely you wont claim you no longer believe that.

I no longer believe that one must always choose, he hedged. Theres no reason we cant have both, our ambitions and As his tiger leapt down, taking Raji with him, Simon lowered his voice. our passions. In the right place.