All About the Duke (The Dukes' Club Book 4) by Eva Devon

would she feel with him at her mercy? A slow smile pulled at her lips. It was such a shocking thing to think.
    What would Juliana say?
    She thought of her sister who had once been wild but not wise enough to know not to trust a man like Viscount Tyburry. But then again, if not for Juliana’s experience, would Allegra be wise herself? After all, it was her sister’s misfortune that had made it clear that she could not sit idly by in her parents’ house assuming all would turn out for the best.
    She was tempted to glance back at the rogue of a man on the beach. She didn't trust him. She never would. He was exactly the sort of man Juliana had meant. Titled, wealthy, and ridiculously handsome, the Duke of Roth could distract almost any young woman into forgetting herself. Any woman but Allegra. Nothing, not a handsome, face, a grand title, or charm a mile wide would ever trick Allegra into betraying herself.
    And. . . Well, unlike Juliana’s husband, Allegra couldn’t imagine Nicholas trying to break her spirit. Not the way he’d spoken to her in the last day.
    Now, wasn’t she fortunate she could enjoy the duke’s company without ever having to worry about the prison of matrimony? It was more than fortunate. It was bloody marvelous! In fact, it might be argued that an affair with such a man would only go to increasing her independence and knowledge.
    As long as she didn’t have a child.
    That was a rather serious thought. She was not going to be like Juliana. Not in any way. She wouldn’t drain her life out on a bed for a man who didn’t care.
    She glanced back over her shoulder to peek at him again and her eyes popped open. My goodness!
    Nicholas had stood, pulled his shoes and socks off and was grinning. “Right!” he shouted. “Let’s see if you’re as fast as a lad.”
    A strange sort of exhilaration raced through her. He wasn’t possibly serious was he? He couldn't be. No. Dukes didn’t run like mad men along a beach.
    As he took a step forward, he grabbed the hem of his linen shirt and whipped it over his head.
    She gaped. How could she not? He was absolutely perfect. She let out a little sigh. It was so pleasant to be able to look openly. To not feel shame or have to hide her admiration.
    “You’re not running, Alfred.”
    She gave him a cheeky grin.
    “No need,” she sallied. “You’ll never catch me!”
    With that, she took off across the foam and ran across the wet sand. The cold, salt wind whipped against her cheeks and the soft ground gave beneath her bare feet. 
    Her heart pounded and she threw her legs out, racing as fast as she could. A laugh rippled from her and as she ran, the sun peered out from the clouds, splashing her with its rays.
    Nothing in her whole life had ever felt so free.
    Her lungs burned, but she smiled. Smiled so hard her cheeks ached.
    Hands reached out and grabbed her from behind. “I’ve got you!”
    She stumbled and let out another peal of laughter.
    He whipped her around and pulled her against his chest. “Why, Alfred, you’re quite fast actually.”
    She winked. “You’ve no idea.”
    His smile turned liquid hot. “I think I do, actually.”
    Nicholas lowered his mouth to hers and touched her lips with the barest kiss.
    She gasped, longing for more but somehow she held herself back. Last night, she’d been tipsy on wine. This was something she wanted to feel with every ounce of her being.
    Bracing her back with his broad hands, he kissed her slowly, teasing, torturing until she opened her lips and groaned.
    A pleased sound rumbled from his chest and he slipped his tongue into her mouth.
    Then slowly, he pressed kisses along her jaw and along the curve of her neck. Each kiss was a promise as he moved lower.
    “I want you, Your Grace,” she whispered.
    “I want you too, Alfred.”
    She laughed. The sound of her false name so strange at this moment.
    “Do you laugh at me, madam?” he asked, nibbling her skin.
    “I do. I do,” she teased, tracing her