The Reluctant Duke. Кэрол Мортимер

infuriating—she undoubtedly was. But Lucan knew it was his own frustration and annoyance at having to return to Mulberry Hall again so soon that was making his mood so volatile. Otherwise Lucan knew he would have put this woman firmly, chillingly, in her place by now.

      Except Lucan wasn’t completely sure what her place was.

      Stretched out naked on his bed, that glorious long dark hair splayed behind her on the pillows as he explored every inch of her silken body with his lips and hands, was the place he could most easily picture her.

      Lucan shifted uncomfortably in his seat as he felt himself harden just at imagining kissing every silken inch of her naked body. ‘As I believe I have already made clear—several times,’ he added grimly, ‘your own requirements in this matter are of little importance to me.’

      Lexie gave a snort as she shook her head disgustedly. ‘With a selfish attitude like that I have no idea why you were in the least surprised when Jessica Brown walked out on you without notice!’

      Lucan gave a hard and humourless smile. ‘What a pity you aren’t in a position to do the same…’

      ‘Isn’t it?’ Lexie returned, saccharine-sweet.

      Really, this man was totally obnoxious. Arrogant. Haughty. Cold. Mocking.

      And so darkly attractive he took Lexie’s breath away. Something that certainly wasn’t going to help her through the next trying couple of days.