The Duke's Defiant Debutante Read online

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  PROLOGUE

  A gentle murmur of conversation resumed behind Harry, Duke of Westbourne, as he slipped outside and left his dinner party behind. He did not go to the library, as he had told his guests, but to the garden, where he made straight for the circle of rosebushes outside the drawing room windows. Cracks of light spilled out through the closed curtains, illuminating Catherine Sharp's frightened face.

  "Have you passed a pleasant evening?" asked Harry lightly. A small shiver passed over her – whether from cold or from fear he could not tell.

  "Please, let's not waste time in idle conversation. I have made my choice and I am ready." She held her hands behind her back and closed her eyes. She looked as pretty as any of the roses – and just as prickly.

  "Cathy, Cathy," said Harry. "Calm yourself. I am not going to force myself upon you."

  She opened her eyes, perplexed. "But I am ready and willing. I have agreed to your plan."

  He stroked a single curl of golden hair back from her face. Catherine almost flinched away at his touch. She was like a little deer in the wood: curious and terrified at the same time. At any moment she might startle and run away.

  "A kiss is not a kiss unless it is wanted," said Harry. He had seduced women before, but never with this degree of tenderness. Truth be told he was almost as frightened as she. "You must want it, Cathy. I'll settle for nothing less."

  In fact he might well have to. At the stroke of midnight, his plan would come to fruition. If her lips were not on his by then, it might all yet come to nothing...

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