The Duke's Temptation by Addie Jo Ryleigh Read Free Book Online Page B

in his scent, purely masculine and earthy. Her toes curled at the sensations it caused.
    “Lady Millicent, with a beauty as graceful as yours, you’ll never be old.”
    Contrary to her earlier words, Aunt Millie’s face shone with a youthful glow. “I’ve told you before. Call me Millie. After all the time you’ve spent at Foxmoore, you are practically family.”
    From the corner of her eye, Elizabeth noted how Gabe’s smile finally reached his eyes, warming them to chocolate. “It would be my pleasure, Millie.”
    He turned his attention to Elizabeth and she thought her insides might be reduced to gooey mush.
    “You’re unusually quiet, Minx. Regretting your offer to assist?”
    His continuing doubt caused her to scowl, erasing any fondness. “I’m doing nothing of the sort. I’m merely wondering if Phoebe will be joining us.”
    A hint of a smile curved her lips when all traces of humor left Gabe at the mention of his daughter. Seeing something ruffle the feathers of the Duke of Wesbrook reminded her of the Gabe of old, and it only made his discomfort more enjoyable.
    “Yes, Gabe, where is this daughter of yours?” Aunt Millie asked. “You caused quite a stir around town when she appeared.”
    The forgotten tea cooled as a short silence filled the room. Finally, Gabe lightly cleared his throat. “Umm, well . . . actually, I’m not sure where she is at the moment.”
    “You mean you’ve lost the gel? Already?”
    Amazed at the flush of embarrassment coloring Gabe’s face, Elizabeth fought to control her rising amusement. Often with an air of arrogance, Gabe always appeared in control. Even with all the scrapes he and Marcus had found themselves in, he’d never shown any discomfort.
    Almost as if he suddenly recalled his station in life, Gabe cleared his throat. “No, I didn’t lose her. I merely meant I’m not currently aware of her agenda. She is in the care of the housekeeper.”
    “I do believe this is going to be entertaining. I’m glad my schedule allowed for me to chaperone so I could witness it firsthand.” Her aunt stood. Gabe quickly rose. “After so much excitement, I think I’ll rest before dinner.”
    “Of course, I’ll have Wilkes escort you to your room,” Gabe said as he guided Aunt Millie to the door.
    About to follow, Elizabeth stopped short when Gabe abruptly faced her. “If you don’t mind, Minx, I’d like a word with you.” She raised a brow at his request. “Regarding Phoebe, naturally.”
    Still suspicious, Elizabeth felt the need to decline when her aunt interceded. “I’m certain you have much to discuss regarding the child. Do not be troubled about me, Gabe, I’ll locate Wilkes. I’ll see you both at dinner.”
    Elizabeth wasn’t sure, but there appeared to be a glint of mischief in her aunt’s eyes as she exited the room.
    Gabe swung back into the room only to find Elizabeth within arms’ reach. He took in the sight of her. The blue of her day dress transformed her emerald eyes to a deep jade. Eyes he could lose himself in. The unsated need that remained suppressed from his earlier preoccupation with her lithe body roared back to life.
    His desires beckoned him to reach out and pull her supple curves into the hard planes of his body. Fill his hands with the velvetiness of her creamy skin. Press his mouth over her delicate lips and lose himself in her.
    Submerged in a haze of craving, he was unaware he’d started to reach for her until her uneven voice broke through. “You wanted to discuss Phoebe?”
    Bloody hell. He clenched his hand into a fist and dropped it to his side. Needing some space, he strode across the carpeted floor, directly to the cart carrying only the finest—and some quite illegal—liquor available.
    With his back to her, he filled a snifter with a healthy dose of brandy. Instead of taking a drink, he studied the golden liquid. What the hell had come over him? Never before had he allowed lust to dictate his actions. He could only hope