The Duchess of Love Read Online Free

in a narrow line over his flat belly to a nest of curls from which …
    That part was much larger than any sculpture she’d ever viewed.
    Good God, she’d swear the organ grew even larger as she watched.
    â€œYour clothes?” His voice sounded a little strained.
    She tore her gaze away from his nether regions. “Up.” She cleared her throat. Her heart was pounding, and her own nether regions felt oddly swollen and achy. She was very afraid they were even a trifle damp. What in the world was the matter with her? “They are up on the rock.”
    â€œRight.” Mr. Valentine strode off, giving her a delightful view of his backside in motion. His muscles bunched and shifted as he climbed the rock. Unfortunately—no, fortunately, definitely fortunately—when he came back, he carried her clothes in front of him, obscuring her view.
    â€œYou may put them down there,” she said, pointing to a spot about ten feet away.
    â€œVery well.” He laid the clothes down and paused. “May I borrow your bonnet?”
    She choked back a nervous giggle. “I don’t believe it will suit you, sir.”
    â€œI think it will suit me very well.” He straightened, holding her hat in front of his male bit like a shield. “Unless you’d prefer to admire my natural state longer?”
    Thank God most of her was hidden behind this tree, because she very much feared all of her turned red. “I see far too much of your person as it is. Where are your clothes?”
    â€œOn the other side of the pond.” He grinned. “Did you think I made a habit of strolling about outdoors nude?”
    â€œOf course not.” His skin was far too pale to have been exposed to the sun.
    She must stop looking at his skin. “Thank you, sir. You may take yourself off now. Go fetch your things and be about your business.”
    â€œOh, no. I won’t leave until I know you are safely clothed.” His damn dimples flashed at her. “I wouldn’t want some scoundrel to come along and find you this way.”
    â€œSome scoundrel already—” Wait a moment. Mr. Valentine was her ticket to the duke. If she managed to gain his friendship, perhaps he would help her bring Ditee to Greycliffe’s notice. “Very well. Then turn around so I can get dressed.”
    â€œYes, madam.” He bowed slightly before giving her his back. His lovely, lovely back. His shoulders tapered down to a slim waist and a pair of beautifully muscled—
    â€œAre you always so managing?”
    She shook herself out of her fog of admiration and reached for her clothes. “I’m not managing.”
    â€œYou are. You’re a bit a shrew, actually.”
    â€œI am not. How can you say such a thing?” She snatched up her shift and threw it over her head. At least now she was covered if anyone else happened by. “Is your cousin likely to follow you, sir?”
    â€œI doubt it. He said he wanted to rest from our trip.”
    â€œOh.” Damn. “So he is old and gouty?” Perhaps she would have to focus on Mr. Valentine for Ditee.
    For some reason that thought was most unappealing.
    Mr. Valentine laughed. “Oh, no.”
    Thank God! She struggled into her stays and dress. But how was she to bring the duke and Ditee together?
    She would definitely need Mr. Valentine’s assistance. “Mr. Valentine,” she said, stepping out from behind the tree. “I have a proposal for you.”
    He whirled around, her hat still held before him. “You do? Splendid!”
    She could see he was teasing her, but she still flushed. “Not that kind of proposal!”
    â€œNo? You’re certain?”
    â€œOf course I am. You should not joke about such things.”
    Drew studied the girl—what was her name? She’d raised her chin, but she sounded a little unsure for once.
    He bowed again, careful to keep the hat shielding his cock, which was