Chapter 11

Chapter Eleven

A urelia did not back down. More truthfully, she could not back down. The stakes were too high, her need for answers too pressing.

Philip had caught on to her plan and had uncovered her attempts at seduction. Yet, even as he tried to resist, he still reacted. His body betrayed him as surely as hers had betrayed her. Each touch, each glance was charged with undeniable tension.

She shook her head, trying to rid herself of the lingering sensation of his hands upon her, the way his breath had stirred something deep within her when he spoke so near to her lips.

This is not about desire . I am doing this strictly because the faster he opens up to me, the faster I will learn what truly transpired between my father and his brother.

The reminder seemed necessary, almost like a talisman to keep her mind focused on her true goal. The tension between them was becoming a game, and games were dangerous when played with someone like her husband.

With a sigh, she lay back against the soft pillows on her bed and stared up at the ceiling. The quiet of her room seemed at odds with the restlessness that hummed beneath her skin.

When had she become so bold? The woman she had been when she had first arrived, so timid and unsure, was now openly teasing her husband, challenging him with her eyes, her body and her words. It was an awakening of a part of herself she never knew existed.

Turning on her side, her gaze fell on the book resting on her bedside table; How to Tame a Duke, the very manual that had emboldened her to pursue her course of action.

A wry smile tugged at the corners of her lips. So much knowledge from such a small volume . But now that Philip was aware of her plan, now that he had seen through her attempts, would continuing her charade still work?

She chewed on her bottom lip in thought. Perhaps it would. He was not immune to her, he had proven that much. How long could he truly resist?

Reaching for the book, she buried herself in its remaining pages, absorbing each word and each sly bit of counsel as though preparing for battle.

The morning came too soon, the pale light filtering through the curtains, rousing her from her restless dreams. Aurelia woke up earlier than she had the previous morning, filled with renewed determination.

She immediately rang for her maid.

Eilidh's face was full of concern. "Your Grace, is something amiss?"

The poor girl still had traces of sleep in her eyes, as though she'd been jerked forcefully out of her dreamland.

"No," Aurelia replied quickly, "but help me with my morning dress. We must do it quickly," she said as she ran to the bathroom to wash her hands and face.

Eilidh, though confused, wasted no time obeying Aurelia's command. When Aurelia returned with wet hands and face, she laced up the back of Aurelia's gown with deft fingers, smoothing the fabric and ensuring every pleat was perfect.

"Where is His Grace?" Aurelia asked, turning to the mirror to inspect her appearance.

"He is still in his bedchambers, Your Grace, but he will be heading out soon for his morning ride."

Perfect.

Aurelia rushed out of the room, her skirts swishing against the polished floors as she made her way to the parlor.

Her heart pounded, though she wasn't sure whether it was from her fast pace or her anticipation at seeing Philip again.

The memory of the previous night's dinner still lingered in her mind; the charged looks and the way his touch had burned through the fabric of her dress.

When she found Philip in the parlor, he was dressed for his morning ride in a dark riding coat, the cut of his attire emphasizing the powerful build of his body.

He stopped when he saw her, surprise registering in his eyes, though he quickly concealed it with his usual look of cool indifference.

"Good morning, Your Grace," Aurelia greeted him, her voice soft but warm, offering him a sweet smile. "I trust you slept well?"

Philip studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. "Well enough," he replied shortly.

Aurelia hesitated for a moment, feeling the weight of his scrutiny, but she steeled herself.

"I should like to accompany you," she announced, lifting her chin slightly, determined to hold his gaze. "On your ride."

For a moment, Philip's eyebrows rose in surprise, his eyes narrowing just a fraction as he studied her.

"You wish to ride with me?" he asked, his voice tinged with a mix of amusement and skepticism.

"Yes," Aurelia replied firmly. "I have never ridden on horseback before, and I find myself longing for it." She offered a faint smile, her eyes alight with challenge. "Besides, I am certain that you could use the company."

Philip felt a glint of genuine surprise as he listened to her request.

By now, she could tell that he had uncovered her plan; that her attempts at seduction were as transparent as the fine silk gown she had worn to dinner.

And yet, she persisted.

He studied her for a moment longer, trying to discern her true intent.

"I do not think you will enjoy riding with me," he said, his voice cold and dismissive. "It is not a leisurely pastime, wife. It is best that you stay behind."

Aurelia met his gaze with unwavering determination. "I insist," she pressed, her voice soft but resolute.

Philip's jaw tightened. "I take my rides very seriously. I would rather ride in solitude," he told her, making his rejection plain.

"I only wish to ride, but I cannot ride alone," she said, trying not to sound too petulant.

Philip opened his mouth, and from the look on his face Aurelia was certain that he was going to reject her once more, but she was surprised by what he said next.

"Very well," he relented. "Come along, then."

The sky was a fine shade of peach and red as the sun rose, chasing away the darkness.

The two of them had made their way to the stables in silence, the tension between them palpable yet unspoken.

When they arrived, a single horse was already waiting, saddled and ready. Philip frowned, his eyes narrowing as he glanced around.

The stable boy, usually quick to assist, was nowhere to be found.

He exhaled slowly, his gaze shifting to Aurelia.

Was this her doing? Had she somehow arranged for only one horse to be prepared?

The thought crossed his mind but he dismissed it just as quickly. She was cunning, yes, but surely not so bold as to meddle in such a way. Still, the situation was suspicious, and he couldn't help but wonder.

However, before he could voice his thoughts, the stable boy came running up, panting from exertion.

"Apologies, Your Grace," he said, bowing hurriedly. "Shall I fetch another horse for Her Grace?"

Philip nodded, turning to Aurelia and expecting her to accept the stable boy's offer. But to his surprise she shook her head.

"I cannot ride," she said, her voice smooth and sweet as if the admission held no consequence.

Philip blinked a few times, unsure of what he'd just heard her say. He tilted his head to one side. "I beg your pardon?"

"I have never ridden on horseback, Your Grace. I mentioned it earlier," she reminded him, with a small smile behind her clever eyes.

"You wish to ride with me," he stated, his voice laced with disbelief. He could scarcely believe what she was insinuating.

Aurelia met his gaze, her eyes betraying nothing but quiet determination. "If that would not be too much trouble, Your Grace."

For a moment Philip simply stared at her, unsure whether to be irritated or amused.

So, this is her plan .

She was pushing his boundaries again, testing him to see how far he would permit her to go.

His lips curled into a faint, humorless smile. "Very well then," he said slowly. "If you are determined, I will teach you a lesson."

The stable boy stepped forward and extended his hand, an offer to help Aurelia mount the beast, and he gave a tentative smile.

Aurelia moved closer to him with her hand extended, about to accept his assistance, but Philip intervened, ignoring the faint annoyance that had welled within him at the thought of another man touching her.

His hands encircled her waist, lifting her with ease. She was light against his strength, and as he lifted her onto the horse, he felt the warmth of her body seep through the layers of fabric, igniting an unwelcome burn in his palms.

Philip ignored the sensation, schooling his features into neutrality as he mounted the horse behind her.

With her sitting in front of him, he could feel the heat of her back against his chest, her smaller frame fitting perfectly against his.

Her nearness stirred something within him, a sensation he had thought he could control. He could smell the light fragrance of her golden hair as the warmth of her body filled the space between them.

For a moment he was keenly aware of her to a degree that made him grit his teeth.

"You have been rather quiet," Aurelia remarked softly, breaking the silence. "Is everything well? I hope I have not made you uncomfortable by riding with you, Your Grace."

Philip clenched his jaw. "No, you've merely been…" He paused, choosing his words carefully. "Full of surprises."

"Oh?" She glanced back over her shoulder at him, with a curious tilt of her head. "And what sort of surprises might those be?"

He narrowed his gaze, sensing the trap in her words. "You know precisely what I mean."

Aurelia blinked, her expression a picture of mock confusion. "I do not believe I do. You will have to enlighten me, Your Grace."

Philip exhaled sharply, his hands tightening on the reins as he felt her shift against him. Her back pressed more snugly against his chest, and the friction was enough to make his pulse race.

"I'm quite determined to learn how to ride," she continued, feigning innocence. "I would hate to remain entirely dependent on you in such matters. Perhaps you could…teach me?"

Philip's grip on the reins tightened even more. Her voice, soft and innocent as it was, held a mysterious undercurrent of invitation that irritated and intrigued him in equal measure.

"You want me to teach you to ride?" His tone was sharp; a thinly veiled warning.

"Well, who else could?" Aurelia smiled sweetly, turning her head just enough for him to catch the teasing glint in her eyes. "You are the only one who is able to…guide me properly, Your Grace."

Philip's loins throbbed at the double meaning of her words. His jaw clenched as he leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear.

"You think to provoke me, but you forget; —there are consequences when you play with fire."

Aurelia let out a light, almost musical laugh, her gaze fixed ahead as they continued down the path. "Oh, I am not trying to provoke you, Your Grace. I simply wish to learn from you. Is that so wrong?"

Her innocent act grated on his nerves, but he chose to redirect the conversation. "Riding is not just about sitting on the horse. It requires balance and control," he said, trying to maintain an authoritative tone. "You must learn to grip the saddle properly."

She straightened slightly, and the top of her head brushed against his chin. "Show me, Your Grace."

"Very well," he replied, his voice low. "Hold the reins firmly. You need to guide the horse with your legs, too. Squeeze your thighs to stay steady."

Aurelia shifted, her legs tightening against the horse's flanks as she attempted to follow his instructions.

"Like this?" she asked, her tone laced with feigned innocence.

"Not too tight," Philip warned, the tension rising as he fought to keep his focus. "You do not want to scare the horse."

"Right," she said, a hint of laughter in her voice. "You would not want to scare me either, would you?"

Philip tried to ignore the way her playful challenge stirred something primal within him. "Keep your back straight."

She leaned back slightly. "Is this straight enough, Your Grace?"

He exhaled, feeling the warmth radiating from her. "You're making this more difficult than it needs to be," he muttered, trying to suppress the rush of heat that flooded through him.

Aurelia chuckled softly, clearly enjoying the effect she was having on him. "You are simply teaching me how to ride, are you not?"

"You were the one who asked for a lesson," he pointed out. "Do not forget, this is not a game."

"I never thought it was," she replied, her voice deceptively sweet. "Though it seems you might be enjoying it more than you let on."

Philip's jaw tightened. "Enough of your games, Aurelia. You are riding with me for learning, not for amusement." He blew through his lips. "Now, let us try trotting," he added, his tone brusque as he urged the horse forward.

The change in movement forced him closer to her and his chest pressed firmly against her back. Every subtle shift of her body reminded him of her presence, the feel of the curve of her waist beneath his fingers still fresh in his mind.

Despite his best efforts his thoughts began to wander. From this angle he could see that her head was just below his chin, her silky hair catching the morning sunlight. The strands were loose, falling softly down her back, and he imagined how they would feel wrapped around his fingers, her body beneath him instead of seated on horseback.

He could envision the way she would writhe beneath his touch, her skin bare and warm, the soft gasps that would escape her lips as he slid inside her.

He caught himself, his grip on the reins tightening as he pushed the image out of his mind.

Damn her .

She was casting a spell over him, and he hated how easily she made him forget who he was, who she was.

He clenched his jaw and reminded himself of the harsh reality. He could not afford to be swayed by her beauty or her cleverness, no matter how enticing she was.

"Hold the reins steady," he instructed, adjusting her grip slightly. "You must guide the horse with your hands, not your body."

Aurelia complied, but the rhythm of the horse's gait jostled her, forcing her back against him.

She turned her head slightly, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Is this how you teach all your students, Your Grace? With such…close supervision?"

He shot her a warning scowl, his jaw ticking. "Focus on the ride, Duchess. Distractions will get you thrown off."

"Oh, but I think I'm beginning to enjoy the distractions," she replied.

Philip gritted his teeth, feeling the heat rise inside him. "This is not a game. If you are serious about learning, you must remain alert."

"Very well," she said, feigning obedience, but the mischievous glint in her eyes told him she wouldn't let him off so easily.

As they trotted, Philip spoke, "Breathe with the horse," he instructed. "Let its movements guide you. You must learn to move in harmony with it, or you will lose control."

Aurelia nodded, straightening her posture. "I understand. But I must admit, it is rather hard to concentrate when you are so near."

"Then consider it a lesson in self-discipline," he replied, his voice clipped. "Control is vital in both riding and…other matters."

She raised an eyebrow, seemingly unfazed. "Other matters? I find that rather intriguing. Do you have more lessons to give?"

"Not at the moment," he said, refusing to engage, though the edges of his resolve were fraying. "Focus on the trot. You need to feel the rhythm."

"Very well," she murmured, but the lilt in her voice made it clear that she was enjoying this dance of words. "Show me how to feel it, then."

With a slight tug on the reins, he guided the horse into a faster trot, his body pressing against hers with every movement.

"Keep your back straight. Lean into the horse's motions, but do not lose your balance. It is all about maintaining the upper hand."

"Like this?" she asked, glancing back at him, her eyes alight with mischief.

"Exactly like that," he managed, gritting his teeth as he fought against the allure of her proximity. "But remember, you must not lower your guard."

"And what if I want to let my guard down?" she countered, her voice low, teasing the very edges of his composure.

Philip leaned in slightly, his breath warm against her ear. "Then you would be riding along a perilous path, Aurelia. Do not forget our history, because I certainly have not."