“Wait,” he said, and she had to turn back else risk censure for ignoring him. There were benefits to being a duke. He lowered his voice and said, “What do you think I brought you here for?” They’d discussed her sisters’ theories. But he cared only for hers. She watched him for a long moment before she said, low enough that only he could hear, “I think I am here to be your toy.” “What on earth does that mean?” “You don’t want me, but you don’t want anyone else to have me, either. You never have.” They were not true, but the words stung with brutal honesty, because she believed them. And then
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