Chapter 2

" A nd what exactly do you mean by justice and satisfaction?" The duke's voice taunted her from the shadows.

Marina's heart raced as the deep sound of the duke's voice washed over her body. She could only make out the outline of his features, yet the heavy notes of timber stirred something within her core.

Tilting her head to the side, she stood her ground despite the rapid beating of her heart.

Why does he not step into the light?

She looked around the room and noted the only sliver of light that broke through a crack in the heavy drapes. A light breeze moved the slim beam of light around the room, stopping short of the duke's feet. It struck her as odd that the drapes were closed when the sun was shining, yet her focus was immediately drawn back to the figure in the shadows. Even in the darkness, Marina could tell how tall and imposing the duke was.

The dark figure that his frame cut in the light was almost too intimidating, yet she could not run now. Not when she had come this far.

"My family's honor, Your Grace. Imagine my surprise when I was left alone at the altar this morning. Hundreds of people came to witness my wedding, yet they saw me humiliated instead." She managed to keep the quiver of fear from her voice.

The tall figure seemed to flinch for a second but quickly replied in a cool tone. "That does sound like something my brother would do. Yet I fail to see how any of this is my concern?" The scorn and mockery that were evident in his voice grated on her nerves.

Does he care so little?

"It is your concern, Your Grace. My family has been humiliated by your brother." She could not believe how cavalier the man was acting when the reputation of her family was on the line. The wedding may not have been his idea, but his brother's actions certainly reflected poorly on his name as well.

"Am I my brother's keeper? His actions are no concern of mine." He cocked his head to the side and seemed to stare at her even through the darkness of the shadows.

A strange sensation prickled down her spine as she wondered if his eyes were devouring her body. There was something almost animalistic about the sound of his voice, which had her mind racing with unwanted thoughts.

Is he as attractive as his voice?

The prickle of fear turned to one of pleasure as she imagined all the possibilities attached to the voice.

"Do you not care what your brother does, Your Grace? I certainly would care if my sister or mother were in a similar situation. Is that not what family does?" She felt her pulse racing when she could sense the smirk on his lips. Even with the absence of his physical appearance, Marina could sense that danger oozed from his very being. She felt drawn to him in a way she could not understand. Something about the way he spoke and carried himself in the shadows drew her in like a deer to a snare.

Parts of her being urged her to run while she still had the chance, yet she could not fight the inkling of desire and curiosity that had been sparked in her chest.

"What compensation would you demand? Should I have my brother publicly flogged for his actions? What kind of woman are you, Miss Wallace? Does your humiliation demand equal amounts of scorn on my brother's behalf?" His tone carried a hint of sarcasm and enjoyment that sent a shiver down her spine once again.

Why am I feeling like this?

Her breathing deepened as her heart began to race from all the questions running through her mind. Who was this man hiding in the shadows? Had she unknowingly walked into the den of a monster? She tried to hide the deep breath that shook her chest as she lifted her chin in the air. "There were costs involved in preparing for this day. My mother spent her very last pence on having this dress made. And now we are to be tossed out on the streets!"

A moment of silence passed between them as the duke seemed to consider her words.

"You may leave us now, Jeeves." He waved his hand in the air, making Marina jump as she suddenly recalled the butler who had shown her in. How had she forgotten that somebody else was in the room with them?

The man bowed respectfully and left the room, shutting the door behind him with a loud creak that made her jump.

Marina's palms began to sweat as she curled her fingers into fists at her sides. The room suddenly felt far too small for the two of them.

"Will ten pounds suffice for the cost of the dress? His voice almost startled her when he spoke again.

"That… that should suffice quite nicely, Your Grace." Confusion filled her mind at the unexpected gesture. His sudden kindness stood in stark contrast to the rest of his behavior.

"If you look to the right, there is a desk in front of the window. You will find the money you need in the top drawer." The shadowy figure nodded toward the opposite end of the room, watching her every move as she hesitated.

Taking a deep breath, Marina worked up the courage to cross the room and open the drawer, feeling the coolness of the wooden handle beneath her fingertips. She had to adjust her eyes to the dim lighting as she reached into the drawer. Her fingers barely brushed the edges of a pouch when the duke's voice brought her to a halt.

"You may leave the dress in the corner of the room before you leave." His voice was low and dangerous.

What?

Her body rose instantly as every nerve at the back of her neck began to prickle. Was he finally showing his true intentions now that they were alone? Surprise shook her body when she realized that she wasn't entirely afraid of the dark and mysterious duke.

"I beg your pardon?" Marina whipped around, shutting the drawer behind her with a deafening thud as she leaned against the desk. The pit of her stomach knotted with fear and confusion as she waited for his response.

The mockery in his voice grew thicker as he took a step forward but remained in the shadows. "I feel it is only fair that I keep the dress if I am to purchase it. What benefit would I receive from simply paying for a dress that I do now own?"

Her pulse raced as her mouth fell open in shock, leaving her almost speechless as she sought for the words. "How dare you! I would never compromise my honor by undressing in front of a man. Even suggesting such a thing is cruel and… and vile. I see now that you are nothing more than a rake. You should be taking responsibility for your brother's actions." She raised her hand and covered her throat, feeling the dryness that crept in and choked her words.

"My brother's affairs are his own, and I will remind you that it was you who came to me seeking compensation." His mouth came into view in the sliver of light that filtered through the window, exposing his strong jaw and well-defined lips that curled into a sneer.

Her heart skipped a beat when the pit of her stomach fluttered furiously. "I… I should have known what kind of man you were when you did not even bother to attend your own brother's wedding." Her chest began to rise and fall with every breath as her eyes searched for a path of escape.

Tilting his head to the side when the sliver of light moved away from his face, the duke laughed. "Obviously, I did not miss much if you are now standing before me in the gown I wish to purchase."

Sucking in a sharp breath, Marina decided to leave, lifting the hem of her dress from the carpet.

"Would you leave without gaining the satisfaction that you so passionately demanded?" His voice made her pause, mid-flight, just as she reached his side.

The tone of his voice made her slightly exasperated as she wished she could see his face. "I refuse to demean myself by accepting your offer. Your brother may have made a fool out of me, but that is where it ends. I bid you farewell, Your Grace." Her fighting spirit returned as she lifted her head and fixed her eyes on the door. There were many things she would do to save her family's honor, but compromising her virtue was not one of them. Even if she was intrigued by the duke and the danger that he oozed.

"If the money is not to your liking, then perhaps you would be happier as my bride?"

His words caught her off guard, making her gasp as she froze, her fingers clutching the cool copper of the handle.

"You must be joking…"

Aaron noted the shock in her eyes when she turned to look at him. She had not even seen his face, and she had already been repulsed by the idea. "I can assure you that I would not make such an offer out of jest. I can make you a duchess and provide an end to all of your family's problems."

Marina swallowed hard, her chest rising and falling with every breath. "Why would a man like you want a woman who was rejected by his brother?"

The look of exasperation in her eyes piqued his interest as he wondered why Adam had jilted her at the altar. She certainly was not lacking in beauty. "I am in need of a bride, and you are desperate to find a solution to your family's shame. The situation seems to be mutually advantageous…" His eyes moved over her body, resting on her perfectly shaped breasts before moving to her waist which boasted an hourglass figure.

He was surprised to see a glint of something entirely unexpected in her eyes when his gaze traveled back up her body.

Desire?

He could not help but wonder what she was thinking as she looked at him, and how long it would last when she saw his scars.

"You are a duke. Surely, the women of the ton are falling at your feet. You could have your pick of brides." The proud tilt of her chin ignited a spark of curiosity in his chest.

"The women of the ton certainly fall at my feet, but not for the reasons that you would think." The pit of his stomach turned with anxiety when he noted the look of confusion in her eyes. Taking a step forward, he allowed the sliver of light to fall across his face, illuminating the thick map of scars that extended from the side of his nose, all the way to his right ear.

Her lips parted in a silent gasp as she sucked in a sharp breath, making him regret the decision entirely as he stepped back into the shadows.

"Forgive me, Your Grace. I did not realize…"

"You did not realize that I am a beast?" He cut her short, clenching his fists at his sides until his knuckles cracked.

Realization dawned on her face as she looked around the room. "What happened?" her voice was low and breathy, barely audible above a whisper, yet she did not seem to waver or even glance at the door.

"War happened." He ran his tongue over his lips, trying to read her thoughts as she remained rooted to the spot. Many women had fainted at the sight of his scars, yet the pity in her eyes somehow seemed worse.

"I am sorry, Your Grace. I can only imagine how difficult things have been for you." Her breaths continued to push her breasts up and down, yet she did not seem to fear him any more than she did from the start.

"Don't you dare pity me." He snapped and closed the distance between them, gripping her wrist as he pinned it to the door beside her head.

Marina's breaths turned to panting as she searched his face, lingering on his scar before meeting his eyes. The warmth of her body seeped into his, making him shift his thigh against hers as she lifted her leg ever so slightly.

"Will you allow me to undress you and pay for the gown, or will you be accepting my proposal?" He tore his eyes away from her chest and gazed into her piercing blue eyes, searching for the disgust that should have been lingering in their depths.

Her tongue flicked over her lips, moistening the fullness of her perfectly shaped mouth. "If I may leave, Your Grace, I will find another way to satisfy my need for justice."

He leaned in closer for a second, wanting to sample the taste of her. "Go then." He breathed beside her ear, letting go of her wrist as he took a step back.

Why didn't she flinch?

His mind felt muddled with thoughts of confusion as her lack of disgust bore into his soul. She had been shocked by his scar, but not repulsed. If she had been, she had done a great job of hiding it from him.

Pushing herself up, Marina straightened her dress where the fabric had moved up an inch to reveal her stocking-covered ankle. Her eyes lingered on him for a moment. "I bid you a good day, Your Grace. I doubt that our paths shall ever cross again." She reached behind her back and turned the handle. Her eyes never left his face for a second until she had stepped into the hall and shut the door in his face.

Aaron took a moment to compose his thoughts as he stared at the door. Who was this lady who did not seem to shy away from his scars? She had been shocked, yet not disgusted. Something within his chest stirred as the scent of her lavender perfume lingered in the air.