Read Online The Duke's Temptation by Addie Jo Ryleigh - Free Book Online

be safe with us.”
    “Sorry to disappoint, Minx, but the day the Duke of Wesbrook sits and plays with dolls, is the day I buy you a stable and fill it with the finest English mounts.”
    “Careful, Gabe, I might hold you to that.”
    “You do that.” Gabe quickly scanned the room. His easy smiled disappeared. “Where is the maid?”
    Phoebe’s grip tightened on Elizabeth’s skirt at the roughness of Gabe’s tone.
    She wouldn’t downplay it. “There was no one here when I arrived.”
    He pinned her with his dark eyes. “Don’t think I’ve forgotten you are supposed to be in your chamber, resting.”
    The rigid edge of his voice was unmistakable. She placed a hand on Phoebe’s shoulder and felt a tremor flow through the child.
    The tension in the room already high, Elizabeth fought to keep herself calm, even though her insides were screaming to match his hostility with some of her own. No one, not even her brother, dictated to her in such a way—and in front of his daughter! How could he not realize he was frightening the child? She briefly closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and collected herself.
    “We can discuss that later, away from Phoebe.” She leaned down to the child. “Sweet, why don’t you play with your pretty dolls while I speak with your father.” Phoebe didn’t move. “It is all right. I’ll be right here if you need me.”
    The child hesitated a moment longer before she relented. Taking a bit of time to collect herself, Elizabeth kept her unfocused eyes on Phoebe as the girl returned to her dolls.
    Being at odds with Gabe made her uncomfortable. Their relationship had always been easygoing and fun. The animosity that had sparked between them worried her. Made her wonder what happened to the young man who had dried her tears so many years ago.
    Gabe harrumphed softly behind her. She smiled. That was the Gabe she knew, always impatient and arrogant enough to let it be known. She turned and noted his features were relaxed once more. He must have used the same moment to let go of his anger.
    “You are good with her.” He gave a slight nod in Phoebe’s direction.
    She glanced to the tiny sprite, intently playing with her dolls, before she answered. “Thank you.” She caught his gaze and held it. “She is very beautiful.”
    His voice was a low murmur. “Yes, she is.”
    “She looks just like you. Well, besides her eyes.” She was about to question if Phoebe’s mother had similar eyes but found herself unprepared to broach that subject. Instead she decided to address a more pressing issue. “Shouldn’t someone be here with Phoebe at all times?”
    “Yes, there should be. I’m not sure why there is not.” His brown eyes burned hot. She’d hate to be the one to explain why Phoebe was alone. “Believe me, I’ll be checking into it. For now, I’ll make sure someone is with her until tomorrow. After that, you can review the staff and determine a schedule. I want someone always with her. She is still unfamiliar with the house. I don’t want her wandering around. The household can manage with a few less maids until a governess or additional staff can be hired.”
    He raised his brow at her. “Since it seems you’ve already made her acquaintance, do you mind staying with her until I locate Mrs. Pearce and have a maid sent up?”
    Her head spun slightly from the way Gabe had taken control of the situation, but she somehow managed to give an answer. “I would love to.”
    By God, how Elizabeth tempted him! But Gabe feared the other side of the world couldn’t provide enough distance to keep him from desiring her. One thing he did know. He would never find peace in his own home.
    Not when his body knew a slender, but well-endowed, female inhabited the bedroom a mere floor above him. It seemed her very essence had penetrated every door and wall of the house, giving him no escape.
    How that had been possible in a few short hours he had no idea, but nonetheless, he didn’t like it.