Taming A Duke's Reckless Heart: Victorian Historical Romance Read Free Page A

the sails to unfurl. They billowed down, flowing towards the deck in the breeze. There was such grace in their descent. Piper watched them for a moment. Nothing was more exciting than a ship setting sail. Except, perhaps, the man she stood with now. She took a deep breath, trying to get ahold of herself. Dukes were off limits to poor American girls. It was ridiculous to even think.
    Glancing over to Mr. Maddox, she realized his eyes watched her intently. A blush crept up her cheeks. His very glance filled her with heat. He finally broke the gaze and walked away. Disappearing momentarily, he quickly returned bringing a bottle of wine with two goblets.
    Piper’s nerves fluttered again. “I don’t drink.”
    “Tonight you do, after what you just went through”
    The brown depths of his eyes drew her in. His lips were the softest thing about him. She felt the strangest urge to touch them. Everything else about him was rock hard. Piper closed her eyes as she thought about being tucked up against his side. Giving herself a little shake, she focused on the conversation. “Ladies my age do not generally partake.”
    He chuckled, “Of course you are right. It has been a while since I have spent time with ladies your age.” He emphasized the word ladies and the word age .
    Who did he usually spend his time with? Unsure of how to respond, she said the first thing that came to mind. “Besides, it dulls my senses too much. Men sometimes try to take advantage,” Piper clamped her mouth closed. She was saying too much again.
    He laughed and the sound rolled over her. It was like grass waving gently in a field. It was a nice sound that soothed her nerves. She relaxed a little more.
    “I promise I will not take advantage of you even if you have a little wine.”
    “That’s what they all say.” She wrinkled her nose but took the glass he extended to her. Their fingers brushed and another jolt of excitement shot through her.
    He laughed again. “I imagine they do. And you are smart not to believe them.”
    “Even you?” She raised her eyebrows.
    “Especially me.” He took a step closer. She had to agree. Judging by her reaction to him, he was dangerous.
    Piper looked away, ignoring his proximity. “What did you wish to speak to me about, Your Grace?” She took a small sip of her wine, trying to change the path of the conversation.
    “Mr. Maddox is fine. I only use the title in England.” She nodded as she looked out over the ocean and watched the dark water slip by the ship. It was easier than looking at him.
    “It’s a beautiful boat.” She reached her hand out and let it trail over the brass of the rail. It was so smooth under the glove of her hand. She felt Mr. Maddox step closer again but kept her eyes on the water.
    “This boat is very special to me.” He paused, studying her.
    The silence, and the intensity of his gaze, filled Piper with discomfort. It was such an odd reaction but she ignored it and filled the space with more babble. “It’s an interesting name, The Destiny . May I ask what it means?”
    “You may. This boat, my company, it feels like what I was destined to do.” She could feel him moving closer still. A shiver of excitement ran down her spine but she ignored it as she trained her eyes on the sea.
    “It sounds nice to have found your place in the world.” It surprised her to know how much she meant that statement. It would be so comforting to know where she belonged. Between their financial situation and her mother feeling under the weather, Piper had the feeling of being adrift.
    It was silent for a few moments and when he did speak, his voice was closer. “What is wrong with your mother?”
    Piper’s breath caught. It was as if he was tapping into her thoughts. But she barely knew this man, to share her inner thoughts was out of the question. “Are you always so direct? It can’t make you terribly popular with the aristocracy.” She continued to look at the water.
    He chuckled.