Daring and the Duke (The Bareknuckle Bastards, #3)

by Sarah MacLean

And it was fire, hot and made nearly unbearable with the knowledge that she wanted him as he wanted her. That though she should hate him, whatever she did feel—wherever they stood now—was not hate. It was something else.

“Hope changes a person.”

Grace realized that she wouldn’t leave him. She wasn’t sure she could. And then, from nowhere, she wasn’t sure she ever had.

Gone was the slow predator; he caught her to him instantly, one arm around her back like steel. “I’ve got you.” She caught her breath, not at the sensation, but at the words, unable to resist her own. “I know.” He searched her eyes for a long moment. “Do you?” he whispered, lifting a hand to her hair, pushing a wild lock behind her ear. “Do you know that I will always have you? If you’ll let me?” She went warm with the words. “I will always be what you need,” he said. “And what of your need?” she asked. “Right now, I have it.”

This was her pleasure. Being wanted. Being desired. Not for her money or her power or the position she held, but for herself.